How is the AP European History exam scored?
The AP European History exam consists of multiple sections. Your raw scores from all sections are combined into a composite score out of 100, which is then converted into the final 1–5 AP score using the year's specific curve.
| Section | Format |
|---|---|
| Section I Part A: Multiple Choice | 55 questions (40% weight) |
| Section I Part B: Short Answer (SAQ) | 3 questions (20% weight) |
| Section II Part A: Document-Based (DBQ) | 1 essay (25% weight) |
| Section II Part B: Long Essay (LEQ) | 1 essay (15% weight) |
What do you need for a 3, 4, or 5?
While the exact cutoffs change every year depending on the difficulty of the specific test form, these are the estimated composite scores required for each AP score.
| AP Score | Composite Points | College Board Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 75–100 | Extremely well qualified |
| 4 | 61–74 | Very well qualified |
| 3 | 47–60 | Qualified |
| 2 | 32–46 | Possibly qualified |
| 1 | 0–31 | No recommendation |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the DBQ scored?▼
The Document-Based Question (DBQ) is scored out of 7 points using a strict rubric: Contextualization (1), Thesis (1), Document usage (up to 2), Sourcing (1), Outside evidence (1), and Complexity (1).
What is a good score on AP Euro?▼
A 3 is passing and often grants college credit, but selective colleges usually prefer a 4 or 5. Only about 15-20% of students typically earn a 5.
Which section is the hardest?▼
Many students find the DBQ the most challenging because it requires analyzing 7 primary source documents and weaving them into a cohesive argument within a time limit.