eliminated. Now the number of correct responses is your raw score on the multiple-choice section.
If I Don’t Know the Answer, Should I Guess?
Yes. There is no penalty for guessing.
How Is My Free-Response Section Scored?
Your performance on the free-response section is also worth half of your final score. On the Physics C
exams, this section consists of three questions, worth 15 points each. Your score on the free-response
section is simply the sum of your scores on each problem.
How Is My Final Grade Determined and What Does It Mean?
Each section counts for 50% of the exam. The total composite score is thus a weighted sum of the
multiple-choice and the free-response sections. In the end, when all of the numbers have been crunched,
the Chief Faculty Consultant converts the range of composite scores to the 5-point scale of the AP grades.
This conversion is not a true curve—it’s not that there’s some target percentage of 5s to give out. This
means you’re not competing against other test takers. Rather, the 5-point scale is adjusted each year to
reflect the same standards as in previous years. The goal is that students who earn 5s this year are just as
strong as those who earned 5s in 2000 or 2010.
The tables at the end of the practice exams in this book give you a rough example of a conversion, and
as you complete the practice exams, you should use this to give yourself a hypothetical grade. Keep in
mind that the conversion changes slightly every year to adjust for the difficulty of the questions—but,
generally, it takes only about 60% of the available points to earn a 5.
Finally, you should receive your grade in early July.
How Do I Register and How Much Does It Cost?
If you are enrolled in AP Physics in your high school, your teacher will provide all of these details, but a
quick summary here can’t hurt. After all, you do not have to enroll in the AP course to register for and
complete the AP exam. When in doubt, the best source of information is the College Board’s Web site:
[http://www.collegeboard.com .](http://www.collegeboard.com .)
In 2016, the fee for taking the exams was $92. (This means $92 each for Physics C Mechanics and for
Physics C Electricity and Magnetism.) Students who demonstrate financial need may receive a refund to
offset the cost of testing. The amount of the fee and the refund changes a little from year to year. You can
learn more about the exam fee and fee reductions and subsidies from the coordinator of your AP program
or by checking specific information on the official website: www.collegeboard.com.
I know that seems like a lot of money just for a test. But, you should think of this $92 as the biggest
bargain you’ll ever find. Why? Most colleges will give you a few credit hours for a good score. Do you
think you can find a college that offers those credit hours for less than $92? Usually you’re talking
hundreds of dollars per credit hour! You’re probably saving thousands of dollars by earning credits via
AP.
There are also several optional fees that must be paid if you want your scores rushed to you or if you
wish to receive multiple-grade reports. Don’t worry about doing that unless your college demands it.
(What, you think your scores are going to change if you don’t find them out right away?)
The coordinator of the AP program at your school will inform you where and when you will take the
exam. If you live in a small community, your exam may not be administered at your school, so be sure to
get this information.