what you need to know about the ap biology exam. reasons for taking the ap bio exam for personal...
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AP BiologyAP Biology
What you need to know about the AP Biology Exam
Reasons for taking the AP Bio ExamReasons for taking the AP Bio Exam
For personal satisfaction To compare yourself with other students
across the nation Because colleges look favorably on the
applications of students who elected to enroll in AP courses and take AP exams.
Reasons for taking the AP Bio ExamReasons for taking the AP Bio Exam
To receive college credit or advanced standing at their colleges or universities
Because you love the subject So that your family is proud of you!
AP Exam GradesAP Exam Grades A 5 indicates that you are extremely well qualified. A 4 indicates that you are well qualified. A 3 indicates that you are adequately qualified. A 2 indicates that you are possibly qualified. A 1 indicates that you are not qualified to receive
college credit.
Organization of the AP Bio Organization of the AP Bio ExamExam
The exam has two parts. Scheduled for 3 hours One break
Section One:Section One:
100 multiple-choice Qs 80 minutes Types of Qs:
Factual (recall) Reverse M/C Conceptual/Thematic (synthesize info) Matching Lab-based
Section Two:Section Two:
Free-response Section (Essay) 4 Qs 10 minute reading period
Green sheet Outline
90 minute writing period
Section Two:Section Two:
On average: One essay = molecules and cells One essay = heredity and evolution Two essays = organisms and populations At least one essay will ask you to analyze
experimental data and possibly even design and experiment of your own.
Scoring: Section OneScoring: Section One
Scantron Sheet run through computer and counts the
NUMBER OF WRONG ANSWERS AND SUBTRACTS A FRACTION OF THAT NUMBER FROM THE NUMBER OF CORRECT ANSWERS. 5 answer choices, ¼ is the fraction used. Blank = 0
Scoring: Section OneScoring: Section One
The formula for scoring this section looks like this (N = the number of answers):
Nright – (N wrong x 0.25) = raw score
Raw score = rounded up or down to the nearest whole number
Scoring: Section TwoScoring: Section Two
Trained AP readers score them Readers become experts on ONE question Table leaders, content experts, and question
leaders Scoring guide Each essay is read by multiple readers to
make sure scoring is valid
Scoring: Section TwoScoring: Section Two
Score = 1-10 each ANSWER EACH PART OF THE
QUESTION!!!!! You don’t have to answer the questions in
order. You don’t get marked down for having wrong
information, you are only graded on the correct information you write!!!!!!!
Composite Score CalculationComposite Score Calculation
Composite score = 150 pts• Free-response = 40% (60 pts)• Multiple-choice = 60% (90 pts)
Composite Score CalculationComposite Score Calculation
Multiple-choice results go into the following formula:
Ncorrect -1/4 Nincorrect x 0.7563 =
your score for the
multiple-choice portion
Composite Score CalculationComposite Score Calculation
Free-response results go into the this formula:
(Pts earned Q1)(1.50) = Q1 score
(Pts earned Q2)(1.50) = Q2 score
(Pts earned Q3)(1.50) = Q3 score
(Pts earned Q4)(1.50) = Q4 score
Total weighted score = sum of Q1-Q4
Composite Score CalculationComposite Score Calculation
Total composite score =
Multiple choice score
+
Free-response score
Rounded to the nearest whole number
Cut-offsCut-offs
Determined by a committee of AP, College Board, and Educational Testing Service (ETS) directors, experts, and statisticians.
The same exam you get is also given to college students. Provides data to make cut-off 5 is the avg score received by college students
who score and A on the exam! 3 or 4 is equivalent to a B
Cut-offsCut-offs
Over the years there is a trend:
5 = mid 80s – 150
4 = mid 60s – mid 80s
3 = high 40s – mid 60s
2 = high 20s/low 30s – high 40s
1 = 0 – high 20s
Scores released…Scores released…
early July
What to bring to exam:What to bring to exam:
Several pencils Eraser Black ink pens Watch Water Quiet snack (ex: lifesavers, lol) Tissues
What What NOTNOT to bring: to bring:
Colored ink pens Loud snack Bad attitude
Other tips:Other tips:
Wear comfortable clothes. Eat breakfast or lunch. Enjoy the challenge…don’t stress.
Multiple-choice Tips:Multiple-choice Tips:
Don’t outthink the test! Don’t be afraid to leave questions blank! Be on the lookout for trick wording! Use your time carefully! Be careful about changing answers!
Free-response Tips:Free-response Tips:
Be aware of ALL parts of multipart Qs! Budget your time wisely!
22.5 mins per essay Spread the wealth!
Use paragraphs for each part Make a quick outline!
You are NOT graded on grammar/organization Two wrongs can still make a right!
If you think it might be right, give it a shot!