If you want to score high on the AP Biology exam, practicing with real past FRQs (Free Response Questions) is non-negotiable. These questions show you exactly how the College Board tests concepts — and just as importantly, how they grade them.
At RevisionDojo, we’ve coached hundreds of students on using past FRQs to boost their scores from a 3 to a 5. This guide will walk you through where to find them, how to review them, and how to use the scoring rubrics to your advantage.
Step 1: Where to Find Past AP Biology FRQs
The College Board releases FRQs from nearly every past exam, complete with sample answers and scoring guidelines.
You can access them here:
- Official College Board AP Biology FRQs Archive:
https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-biology/exam/past-exam-questions
This archive includes:
- FRQs from 1999 to the most recent exam
- Scoring guidelines (the official rubrics)
- Sample student responses with scores
Step 2: Understand the AP Biology FRQ Format
The exam’s FRQ section is 90 minutes long and worth 50% of your score. It includes:
- 2 Long FRQs (investigation-based & interpreting data) – ~10 points each
- 4 Short FRQs (concept application, data analysis, experimental design) – ~4 points each
By practicing past FRQs, you get familiar with:
- How questions combine multiple concepts
- How data interpretation is tested
- How to organize your answers for maximum points
Step 3: Practice With a Realistic Approach
When using past FRQs:
- Simulate exam timing – Give yourself the same time limits: 22 minutes per long question, 6 minutes per short.
- Write in full sentences – The College Board awards points for complete, clear, and scientifically accurate statements.
- Draw labeled diagrams – When relevant, diagrams can support your explanation.
- Don’t waste time on introductions – Go straight to answering the prompt.
Step 4: Review Using the Scoring Rubrics
The College Board scoring guidelines break down exactly where points come from.
Example:
If the rubric says:
- “1 point for describing the role of ATP in muscle contraction”
- “1 point for explaining how actin and myosin interact”
… you know you must explicitly state both facts to earn full credit.
Step 5: Learn From Sample Student Responses
The College Board posts actual student answers at different score levels (low, medium, high). Study them to see:
- What high-scoring answers include (specific terms, logical structure, no fluff)
- Common mistakes in mid-scoring answers
- How small errors can cost points
Step 6: Create Your Own FRQ Study Routine
A proven weekly schedule:
- Monday: Choose 1 past FRQ, answer it under timed conditions
- Tuesday: Review with the scoring rubric
- Wednesday: Rewrite your answer for maximum points
- Thursday: Do another FRQ from a different year
- Friday: Compare your answers to high-scoring samples
Over 8–10 weeks, you’ll cover dozens of FRQs and see patterns in question styles.
Extra Tips From RevisionDojo
- Rotate topics – Don’t just stick to one unit. Practice genetics, ecology, cell biology, and physiology evenly.
- Highlight key verbs – Identify if the question wants you to “describe,” “explain,” or “justify” — each requires a different type of response.
- Track your scores – Keep a spreadsheet of your FRQ scores over time to see progress.
FAQs
Q: Should I memorize past FRQs?
A: No — the goal is to learn how to answer, not to predict exact repeats.
Q: How many FRQs should I do before the exam?
A: Aim for at least 20–30 across different topics.
Q: Can I type my answers?
A: Writing by hand is better since the real exam is handwritten.
Final Thoughts
Past AP Biology FRQs are your best training tool for exam success. They give you real insight into how questions are structured, what graders want, and where you’re losing points.
At RevisionDojo, we’ve created FRQ Practice Packs with organized questions, targeted rubrics, and blank response sheets to make your prep as realistic as possible. If you want a 5, start practicing today.
