Test Scoring in AP Physics
Strategies and the Rubric
The Test
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The AP Test is divided into two parts:
Multiple Choice (70 questions)
Constructed Response (6-7 questions)
Each section is weighted equally, and is given
separately.
• The test is 3 hours long, and calculators are
only allowed on the Constructed Response
section.
How the AP test is scored
• The AP test is scored on the basis of
AWARDING points, not taking them away.
• In the past, students have lost points for
incorrect Multiple Choice answers. THIS IS NO
LONGER THE CASE.
• So…. For the M.C. part of the test: ANSWER
EVERYTHING!!
Multiple Choice
• Try to eliminate wrong answers based on
common sense, units, or clues in the
questions. (Helps SOMETIMES)
• Work the problems and pay special attention
to making CARELESS MISTAKES. (Answer
choices are often similar, designed to mimic
common math mistakes)
Multiple Choice
• The goal is averaging 60 seconds per question.
• If you’re not sure, come back to it at the end.
• Don’t make a wild guess until you are almost
out of time for the test. Then make sure
EVERYTHING has an answer.
Multiple Choice
• The Multiple Choice section of the AP test has
70 questions, worth 70 points total.
• You are given 90 minutes to complete the
Multiple Choice part.
• You may NOT use a calculator OR an equation
sheet.
Constructed Response
• Constructed Response is the problem solving part of
the test. It is worth 70 points as well.
• The number of problems will vary, but each problems is
worth either 10 or 15 points.
• Expect 6 or 7 generally.
• You MAY use a calculator and an equations sheet
PROVIDED to you. (Sheets are NOT comprehensive).
Constructed Response
• For many questions, there are multiple ways
to solve the same problems.
• Any correct method will receive full credit.
• Each part of every question (parts a,b,c, etc.)
is graded separately.
Constructed Response
• Points are awarded based on pre-constructed
Rubrics
• A Rubric is a guideline for scoring. Points are
given based on correct completion of
particular parts of every problem.
• Points are not always given for the same
things in every problem.
Constructed Response
• Rubrics:
• Some common items that will often be on a
rubric that students may earn points for are:
– Stating givens
– Stating formulas used
– Correct Substitution into formulas
– Correct units
– Correct reasoning statements
– Correct Answers.
Constructed Response
• Rubrics: Example
• Solve for x
3m
X
4m
• The rubric may look like:
• 1 point for stating Pythagorean Theorem a2+b2=c2
• 1 point for correct substitution into Pythagorean Theorem
• 1 point for the correct answer of 5m (no points awarded without units)
Constructed Response
• Rubrics: Example
• The rubric may look like:
• 1 point for stating Pythagorean Theorem a2+b2=c2
• 1 point for correct substitution into Pythagorean Theorem
• 1 point for the correct answer of 5m (no points awarded without units)
• So…. An answer of ‘5’ with no work would
receive 0 points.
• You have to include all steps when solving
problems. To much is better than to little.
Constructed Response
• Constructed response questions often build
on themselves.
• For example, 1a may say “Calculate the
velocity of blah blah blah…”.
• 1b may then say “Determine the acceleration
of blah blah blah…”.
• You need the velocity from 1a to do 1b
correctly
• However………
Constructed Response
• Suppose you get a velocity in 1a of 5m/s
which is wrong…. You loose points.
• But IF you use your wrong answer CORRECTLY
in 1b, and make no other mistakes, you still
get FULL CREDIT for 1b, even
though the numerical answer is
technically incorrect.
Getting Practice
• The best way to prepare for the AP exam is to
practice working with the types of exam
questions you will see.
• Physics AP test prep books are available to
buy, and I have a few that we may use from
time to time as well.
Getting Practice
• Once you do enough problems, you will begin
to see common threads in the way questions
are asked, and how they are scored.
• You will begin to get “inside the head” of the
College Board and at that point, and the tests
will become much easier.
Grading
• The AP tests are graded on a scale of 1-5.
• A ‘5’ shows mastery of the subject.
• Colleges will usually give course credit for
scores of 4-5 on the AP Test given in May.
In Class Tests
• Tests in this class will mimic the AP test. Every
test will have a multiple choice section, as well
as a constructed response section.
• Scoring will be done using the same methods
as the College Board and points will be
awarded using a Rubric for solving problems.
Final Exam
• Students who choose to take the Physics AP
Exam will automatically receive an “A” grade
on their final in this class.
• Students who choose not to take the Physics
AP test will take a final similar to an old AP
Exam, but shortened to fit into 1-2 class
periods. Grades will be given based on the AP
Test Standard.
5=A 4=B 3=C 2=D 1=F
How to Succeed
• The best way to do well on any AP test is to
take the test seriously, prepare well, and use
the correct test taking strategies.
• Prepare well = Do all your assignments, ask
questions in class, be persistent with
problems, work with a partner when you can.
It’s a Game…
• AP tests are a new kind of game. You need to
learn how to play so you can win....!