AP US History Score Calculator

AP US History Score Calculator

What is the AP US History Exam?

The AP US History (APUSH) exam is a college-level assessment that evaluates students’ understanding of American history from 1491 to present. Administered by the College Board, this challenging exam consists of multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, a document-based question (DBQ), and a long essay question (LEQ).

Understanding the AP US History Exam Structure:

The APUSH exam follows a structured format that assesses both content knowledge and historical reasoning skills. It is divided into two main sections that determine a student’s final AP score (1–5 scale).

Section I – Multiple Choice (40% of score)

• 55 questions in 55 minutes

• Questions are stimulus-based, requiring analysis of primary sources, documents, maps, and charts

• Tests ability to analyze materials and make connections across periods

Section II – Free Response (60% of score)

1. Short-Answer Questions (SAQs) – 3 questions in 40 minutes

   • Require brief but specific responses demonstrating knowledge and analysis

2. Document-Based Question (DBQ) – 1 question in 60 minutes

   • Analyze 7 primary documents and write a historical argument using evidence

3. Long Essay Question (LEQ) – 1 essay in 40 minutes

   • Choose one of three prompts

   • Construct a historical argument without document support

Comprehensive Scoring System:

The APUSH exam uses a weighted system that translates raw scores into the final 1–5 scale.

• Multiple Choice: Worth 40% of the score (raw score converted to 40 points).

• Free Response: Worth 60% of the score, broken down as:

  • SAQs: 20%

  • DBQ: 25%

  • LEQ: 15%

DBQ Rubric (7 Points)

• 1 point: Thesis/Claim

• 1 point: Contextualization

• 2 points: Evidence from documents

• 1 point: Evidence beyond documents

• 1 point: Source analysis (POV, purpose, audience)

• 1 point: Complexity of argument

LEQ Rubric (6 Points)

• 1 point: Thesis/Claim

• 1 point: Contextualization

• 2 points: Evidence support

• 2 points: Complex reasoning/analysis

Historical Thinking Skills Development:

The APUSH curriculum is built around seven major themes:

1. American and National Identity

2. Work, Exchange, and Technology

3. Migration and Settlement

4. Politics and Power

5. America in the World

6. Environment and Geography

7. Ideas, Beliefs, and Culture

These themes are taught across nine historical periods (1491–Present):

1. Native Societies & Colonization (1491–1607)

2. Colonial Development (1607–1754)

3. Revolution & Early Republic (1754–1800)

4. Expansion & Democracy (1800–1848)

5. Civil War & Reconstruction (1844–1877)

6. Industrialization & Westward Expansion (1865–1898)

7. Imperialism & World Wars (1890–1945)

8. Cold War & Social Movements (1945–1980)

9. Contemporary America & Globalization (1980–Present)

Using the Score Calculator Effectively:

Our APUSH Score Calculator helps students:

• Enter practice results to estimate their AP score

• Identify strengths and weaknesses

• Understand how DBQ and LEQ scoring works

• Simulate different scenarios to set realistic score goals

• Adjust study strategies based on results

Related Calculators:
AP European History Score Calculator

External Resources:
AP United States History Course