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The APUSH Curve: Raw Score to 5 | 2025 Scoring Guide

••6 min read

Introduction: Why Students Worry About the APUSH Curve

One of the most common APUSH questions is: “What raw score do I need for a 5?”

The answer isn’t fixed. The APUSH curve shifts each year based on test difficulty, student performance, and statistical adjustments by the College Board.

This guide breaks down:

  • How APUSH is scored.
  • How raw scores become 1–5.
  • What past curves looked like.
  • How to maximize your score with RevisionDojo’s practice tools.

Step 1: How the APUSH Exam is Structured

Before you understand the curve, you need to know the exam breakdown:

  • Section I (60% of exam score):
    • Multiple Choice (MCQ): 55 questions, 55 minutes (40%).
    • Short Answer (SAQ): 3 questions, 40 minutes (20%).
  • Section II (40% of exam score):
    • Document-Based Question (DBQ): 1 essay, 60 minutes (25%).
    • Long Essay Question (LEQ): 1 essay, 40 minutes (15%).

👉 That means essays + SAQs = 55% of your score — content knowledge + writing skills both matter.

Step 2: Raw Scores → Scaled Scores

  • Each section is scored separately (MCQs = # correct; essays/SAQs graded on rubrics).
  • Scores are combined into a raw total (0–130 range).
  • College Board then applies a curve (statistical adjustment) to convert raw → 1–5.

Step 3: What Past APUSH Curves Looked Like

While curves vary, here’s a general breakdown (approximate ranges):

  • 5 (extremely well qualified): ~70–75% raw score.
  • 4 (well qualified): ~55–70% raw score.
  • 3 (qualified): ~40–55% raw score.
  • 2 (possibly qualified): ~30–40% raw score.
  • 1 (no recommendation): <30% raw score.

👉 Example: In some years, a raw score of ~85/130 = 5, while in other years, it took ~90+.

👉 RevisionDojo’s APUSH Score Predictor uses historical data to estimate your 1–5 from practice exams.

Step 4: Why the APUSH Curve Changes

The curve isn’t about making the test “easy” or “hard.” Instead, it ensures fairness.

  • Test Difficulty: If MCQs are harder one year, the 5 cutoff may be lower.
  • Student Performance: The curve balances high/low scores across thousands of test takers.
  • Statistical Anchoring: College Board compares performance on stable “anchor questions” from year to year.

👉 This means you don’t compete against your classmates — you’re scored against a national standard.

Step 5: How to Use the Curve Strategically

  • Don’t chase perfection. You don’t need 100%. A solid 70% raw can earn a 5.
  • Focus on essays. Many students lose points here; if you master DBQs + LEQs, you’ll be above the curve.
  • Know your weak spots. Use RevisionDojo’s Unit MCQ quizzes to identify gaps.
  • Simulate timing. Most score drops come from not finishing.

Step 6: Sample Score Conversion

Here’s a sample practice exam conversion (approximate, varies by year):

  • Raw 90–130 → Score of 5.
  • Raw 70–89 → Score of 4.
  • Raw 55–69 → Score of 3.
  • Raw 40–54 → Score of 2.
  • Raw <40 → Score of 1.

👉 If you’re consistently scoring 65–70 raw on practice tests, you’re on track for at least a 3–4.

Step 7: Improving Your Raw Score

Multiple Choice (MCQs)

  • Practice stimulus-based questions daily.
  • Eliminate 2 wrong answers fast.
  • Use RevisionDojo’s APUSH MCQ Bank.

Short Answer (SAQs)

  • Master the ACE Method (Answer, Cite, Explain).
  • Write 3–4 sentences max per part.
  • Use RevisionDojo’s SAQ drills.

DBQ

  • Always include thesis + context + outside evidence.
  • Aim for at least 5–6 documents used.
  • RevisionDojo’s DBQ Practice Bank includes high-scoring samples.

LEQ

  • Organize with CLAIM → EVIDENCE → ANALYSIS.
  • Use comparison/continuity/change when possible.
  • Practice with RevisionDojo’s LEQ question sets.

Step 8: Common Myths About the APUSH Curve

  • Myth 1: “The curve means only a certain % get 5s.”
    ❌ False. Anyone who meets the cutoff earns a 5.
  • Myth 2: “I need 90%+ to get a 5.”
    ❌ Wrong. APUSH cutoffs are lower than most students think.
  • Myth 3: “If I bomb essays, MCQs can save me.”
    ❌ Essays are weighted too heavily — you must perform decently in both sections.

Step 9: Study Plan to Beat the Curve

  • Fall Semester: Focus on strong note-taking (see RevisionDojo’s APUSH Notes Hub).
  • Winter: Add weekly SAQ + DBQ practice.
  • Spring: Take 1 full-length practice exam per month.
  • April–May: Drill weak periods and practice writing under timed conditions.

Step 10: RevisionDojo Resources

  • APUSH Score Predictor Tool (estimate 1–5 from practice tests).
  • MCQ & SAQ Practice Banks.
  • DBQ/LEQ High-Scoring Samples.
  • Timed Practice Simulations.

👉 Check out RevisionDojo’s APUSH Curve & Score Hub here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What raw score do I need for a 5 on APUSH?
A: Usually ~70–75% of total points, but it varies by year.

Q: Is the APUSH curve harder than AP World or AP Gov?
A: Slightly — APUSH has lower pass rates, but strong writing can offset this.

Q: Can I pass APUSH if I’m bad at essays?
A: You need at least average essay performance. Practice with RevisionDojo’s DBQ/LEQ hubs.

Q: Do wrong answers on MCQs hurt me?
A: No — there’s no penalty for guessing. Always answer every question.

Q: How accurate are online score predictors?
A: They’re estimates, but RevisionDojo’s predictor uses historical scoring data for reliable benchmarks.

Final Thoughts

The APUSH curve can seem intimidating, but it’s actually your friend. You don’t need perfection — just consistent performance across all sections.

Remember:

  • A raw 70–75% usually = 5.
  • Essays + SAQs = 55% of your score — don’t ignore them.
  • Focus on practice under timed conditions.

With RevisionDojo’s score predictor, practice banks, and writing hubs, you’ll go into exam day knowing exactly where you stand — and how close you are to that 5.

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