The AP Literature and Composition exam, administered by the College Board, assesses students’ analytical and writing skills in literary analysis. Understanding how the exam is scored is crucial for maximizing your performance and achieving your desired score. This comprehensive guide will equip you with an in-depth understanding of the AP Lit exam score calculator, providing you with the tools to calculate your score accurately and identify areas for improvement.

Analyzing the AP Lit Scoring Rubric
The AP Lit exam is scored on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest score. The exam consists of two sections: Multiple Choice (45%) and Free Response (55%).
Multiple Choice Section
The Multiple Choice section comprises 55 questions (1 point each) and assesses your understanding of literary terms, concepts, and textual analysis.
Free Response Section
The Free Response section consists of three essays:
- Question 1: Poetry Analysis (15%)
- Question 2: Prose Analysis (20%)
- Question 3: Argumentation (20%)
Using the AP Lit Exam Score Calculator
Calculating your AP Lit score involves two main steps:
- Determine your Multiple Choice score by summing the number of correct answers.
- Convert your Multiple Choice and Free Response scores into scaled scores using the College Board’s conversion tables.
Scaled Score Tables
Multiple Choice
Raw Score | Scaled Score |
---|---|
41-55 | 9 |
31-40 | 8 |
21-30 | 7 |
11-20 | 6 |
0-10 | 5 |
Free Response
Raw Score | Scaled Score |
---|---|
42-48 | 9 |
36-41 | 8 |
30-35 | 7 |
24-29 | 6 |
18-23 | 5 |
12-17 | 4 |
6-11 | 3 |
0-5 | 2 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Misinterpreting the Question: Read the prompts carefully and ensure you understand the specific requirements of each question.
- Insufficient Textual Support: Provide specific examples and evidence from the text to support your analysis and arguments.
- Vague or General Wording: Use precise and specific language when analyzing the text and formulating your arguments.
- Lack of Organization: Structure your essays clearly, presenting a logical flow of ideas and supporting evidence.
- Grammatical Errors: Proofread your essays carefully for grammatical errors and typos.
FAQs
Q: What is the passing score for the AP Lit exam?
A: The passing score varies from year to year, but typically falls between 3 and 4.
Q: How much does the exam cost?
A: The AP Lit exam costs $96 in the United States.
Q: How long is the exam?
A: The exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long.
Q: When are the exam results released?
A: Exam results are typically released in July.
Conclusion
Understanding the AP Lit exam score calculator is key to maximizing your exam performance. By analyzing the scoring rubric, using the scaled score tables, and avoiding common mistakes, you can accurately calculate your score and identify areas for improvement. Remember to approach the exam with critical thinking, careful analysis, and a solid understanding of literary techniques. Best of luck in your AP Lit endeavors!