ap psych essays

2024 AP Psychology Exam Guide

9 min read • june 18, 2024

Your Guide to the 2024 AP Psychology Exam

We know that studying for your AP exams can be stressful, but Fiveable has your back! We created a study plan to help you crush your AP Psychology exam. This guide will continue to update with information about the 2024 exams, as well as helpful resources to help you do your best on test day.  Unlock Cram Mode  for access to our cram events—students who have successfully passed their AP exams will answer your questions and guide your last-minute studying LIVE! And don't miss out on unlimited access to our database of thousands of practice questions. 

Format of the 2024 AP Psychology Exam

This year, all AP exams will cover all units and essay types. The 2024 exam format will be:

Section 1: Multiple Choice

You will have 70 minutes to answer 100 questions.

This section counts as 66.7% of your total exam score. Section II: Free Response

You will have 50 minutes to answer two FRQs.

• This section counts as the remaining 33.3% of your total exam score.

When is the 2024 AP Psychology Exam and How Do I Take It?

** The exam is on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 12:00 PM your local time—this will be a paper test at your school.  **

How Should I Prepare for the Exam?

• First, download the  AP Psychology Cheatsheet PDF - a single sheet that covers everything you need to know at a high level. Take note of your strengths and weaknesses!
• We've put together the study plan found below to help you study between now and May. This will cover all of the units and essay types to prepare you for your exam. Pay special attention to the units that you need the most improvement in.
• Study, practice, and review for test day with other students during our live cram sessions via  Cram Mode . Cram live streams will teach, review, and practice important topics from AP courses, college admission tests, and college admission topics. These streams are hosted by experienced students who know what you need to succeed.

Pre-Work: Set Up Your Study Environment

Before you begin studying, take some time to get organized.

🖥 Create a study space.

Make sure you have a designated place at home to study. Somewhere you can keep all of your materials, where you can focus on learning, and where you are comfortable. Spend some time prepping the space with everything you need and you can even let others in the family know that this is your study space. 

📚 Organize your study materials.

Get your notebook, textbook, prep books, or whatever other physical materials you have. Also, create a space for you to keep track of review. Start a new section in your notebook to take notes or start a Google Doc to keep track of your notes. Get yourself set up!

📅 Plan designated times for studying.

The hardest part about studying from home is sticking to a routine. Decide on one hour every day that you can dedicate to studying. This can be any time of the day, whatever works best for you. Set a timer on your phone for that time and really try to stick to it. The routine will help you stay on track.

🏆 Decide on an accountability plan.

How will you hold yourself accountable to this study plan? You may or may not have a teacher or rules set up to help you stay on track, so you need to set some for yourself. First, set your goal. This could be studying for x number of hours or getting through a unit. Then, create a reward for yourself. If you reach your goal, then x. This will help stay focused!

AP Psych 2024 Study plan

🔎unit 1: scientific foundations of psychology.

According to the College Board, Unit 1 is about the basis of psychological theory as the study of human and animal behavior and mental processes and how psychologists design and conduct research. 

Topics that are included in this unit are:

• Major historical figures in psychology
• Theoretical approaches to describing the behavior
• Branches of psychology
• A variety of research methods used by psychologists
• The application of research design and statistical analysis in psychology
• Ethical guidelines

Definitely check these out:

📚 Read these study guides:

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💻  Learn about the best resources so you can start studying early:

🧠Unit 2: Biological Bases of Behavior

Unit 2 of the AP Psychology exam covers behaviors and mental processes from a biological perspective and the effects of the interaction between human biology and our environment. This has to do with the large nature vs nurture debate! 

• The interaction of inherited traits, environment, and evolution in shaping behavior
• Structures and functions of biological systems, including the endocrine system and nervous system
• Brain function, neural firing, and the influence of medication
• The study of the brain and research techniques for studying its structure and function
• States of consciousness, including sleeping and dreaming
• Addiction and drug dependence

💻  Here are the best AP Psych Quizlet Decks!

👀Unit 3: Sensation and Perception

Unit three is all about how we perceive and process our environment on a daily basis through our senses. You will learn all about how we convert those observations into perceptions that influence how we think and behave.

• Basic principles of how humans experience and process stimuli
• The role of experience and culture in perception
• The mechanisms of the 5 senses and sensory disorders

💻  Here are some AP Psych Self-Studying and Homeschooling tips to check out:

📚Unit 4: Learning

Unit 4 of AP Psych is all about the field of psychology that studies how humans and other animals learn as well as how learning changes over a lifetime. You will learn all about classical and operant conditioning and how incentives affect our learning! You’ll probably even learn a thing or two that could help you adjust your studying habits!

• Influential researchers and theories of learning
• Results of famous learning experiments
• Types of learning
• Types of conditioning and their effects
• Social and cognitive factors in learning

🤔Unit 5: Cognitive Psychology

According to the College Board, in this unit, you will examine the complex nature of how memory, intelligence, and other mental processes impact human behavior.

• The cognitive and physiological processes that make up memory
• Forgetting and typical memory errors
• The biological basis of short- and long-term memory
• Creative thinking and problem-solving strategies
• Biases and errors in thinking
• Defining and measuring intelligence
• The processes of learning and using language

💻  Here are some steps to succeed on the AP Psych Multiple Choice Questions!

👶Unit 6: Developmental Psychology

This unit is all about developmental psychology, which studies how physical and social changes over humans’ lifespans can influence behavior and mental processes. You will learn about several theories in this unit regarding our development in childhood, as teenagers, and as adults.

• Physical and social development in childhood
• Theories of cognitive development in childhood
• Adolescent development and challenges
• Adulthood and aging
• Theories of moral development
• Gender and sexual orientation
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💻  Here are some tips on how to succeed on the AP Psych FRQ Questions!

🤪Unit 7: Motivation, Emotion, and Personality

According to the College Board, in this unit, you will study personality through the lens of behavior and mental processes and how these processes interact to produce an individual’s personality. You will also dive deep into the different theories of motivation and why we, as humans, do certain things. Additionally, you will study stress and emotion in this unit and several theories regarding them as well.

Topics that are in this unit:

• Theories of the motivation behind human and animal behavior
• Major theories of emotion
• The effects of stress
• Conceptions of personality, including behaviorist, social cognitive, humanistic, and trait theories
• Research and assessments to measure personality
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💻  Here are some AP Psych note taking tips!

🤪Unit 8: Clinical Psychology

Unit 8 is all about how psychologists evaluate, study, and treat a range of psychological disorders.

• Standards for diagnosing and approaches to explaining psychological disorders
• Neurodevelopmental and schizophrenic spectrum disorders
• Bipolar, depressive, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders
• Dissociative, somatic, and trauma- and stress-related disorders
• Substance abuse, eating disorders, personality disorders, and related conditions
• Historical developments in psychological treatment
• Modern treatment options and methods

💻  Here are some common misconceptions in psychology that are good to review for May!

👫Unit 9: Social Psychology

Congrats, you made it to the final AP Psychology unit! In this last unit, you’ll study how humans interact in groups and social situations, as well as how others can affect an individual’s behavior and mental processes. You will probably learn a lot of the psychology behind some historical events in this unit too.

Topics that are in this unit include:

• How social and cultural categories like gender and race can impact self-concept and behavior
• The factors that lead people to form and change attitudes
• Group dynamics, including conformity, compliance, and obedience to authority
• Types of behavior caused by the presence of others
• Bias, prejudice, and discrimination
• Altruism and aggression
• The variables that contribute to attraction

💻  Here are some time management and study tips!  [object Object]  

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The Ultimate Guide to Acing the AP Psychology Exam

By Eric Eng

The AP Psychology Exam is a favorite of the various AP Exams among students who have completed the course and those who elect to study on their own. While most students who take the exam choose to enroll in the AP Psychology Course, the format and material covered on the test are also conducive to self-studying.

The AP Psychology Exam places a heavy emphasis on highly specific theory and vocabulary, making it easier for students to prepare when compared to other AP Exams. If you take the AP Psychology Exam without the course, you should have access to course-quality materials to study independently.

No matter your previous experience with the subject matter, you’ll need an in-depth understanding of the major topics covered in the related AP course to succeed on the exam. The AdmissionSight team has compiled the following guide to answer any questions you might have about the AP Psychology Exam. You’ll learn why the exam is important, what you’ll be required to know, and how to prepare successfully.

What are AP Programs?

Advanced Placement (AP) exams are standardized tests administered by the College Board in the United States. These exams are designed to assess a student’s mastery of college-level coursework. They are often taken by high school students looking to earn college credit or demonstrate their proficiency in a particular subject.

What is the AP Psychology Exam?

The AP Psychology Exam is a standardized test offered by the College Board that measures students’ understanding of the introductory college-level material covered in a typical semester-long psychology course. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions, free-response questions, and a scoring guide. It is typically taken by high school students who are seeking college credit or advanced placement in psychology courses.

Studying for the AP Psychology Exam requires a comprehensive understanding of various psychological concepts, theories, and research methods. Students must demonstrate their knowledge and critical thinking skills by analyzing psychological theories, interpreting research findings, and applying psychological principles to real-life scenarios.

What does the AP Psychology Exam contain?

Like all AP Exams, the AP Psychology Exam covers the main ideas in the related AP Course. Therefore, reviewing what’s covered in the course, especially if you’re a self-study, is a great way to understand better what’s covered on the AP Psychology Exam. The course and exam explore behaviors, theories, and major concepts within psychology and related research areas.

Successful test-takers must be well-versed in the history of the subject, current and past research methods, and the emotional and biological causes of behavior. Like all constantly changing fields, it’s important that students only prepare with the most up-to-date and relevant studying materials. Checking the date of the resource you’re using is a good way to ensure the content reflects the most current changes in the field.

How is the AP Psychology Exam broken down?

While the aforementioned skills inform the types of questions asked on the test, nine units further elucidate what students can expect to find on the exam. These nine units focus on the discipline’s primary processes, theories, and principles. We’ve provided the breakdown below to give you a better idea of what these nine units are and what weight they take up on the AP Psychology Exam.

What is the format of the AP Psychology Exam?

You’ll be pleased to hear that the AP Psychology Exam clocks in at just shy of two hours, making it one of the shortest of the AP Exams. There are two separate sections: the first features multiple-choice questions, while the latter comprises free-response questions. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect to find in both sections:

Section 1: Multiple Choice

The multiple-choice section of the AP Psychology Exam consists of 100 thought-provoking questions. These questions assess your knowledge of various psychological concepts and theories. As you tackle this section, you will be challenged to apply your understanding of psychology to real-life scenarios and analyze different perspectives.

Within this section, you will encounter questions that cover a wide range of topics. From the biological bases of behavior, where you will explore the intricate workings of the brain and nervous system, to sensation and perception, where you will delve into the fascinating world of how we perceive and interpret the world around us.

Furthermore, the multiple-choice questions will also test your understanding of learning and cognition. You will explore the processes of memory, thinking, and problem-solving and the various theories that explain how we acquire knowledge and skills.

Lastly, the multiple-choice section will also touch upon the captivating realm of social psychology. You will examine topics such as attitudes, conformity, group dynamics, and the influence of culture on behavior. This section will challenge you to think critically and apply psychological principles to understand human behavior in social contexts.

Tackling the Multiple-Choice section

The multiple-choice section of the AP Psychology exam is 70 minutes long and consists of 100 questions, which account for 67% of the total exam score. Here are some strategies to help you tackle this section:

• Know Your Terminology : AP Psychology multiple-choice questions tend to revolve around particular key terms, including major theories and concepts, historical experiments and studies, and noteworthy psychologists and thinkers. Thus, knowing your terminology is crucial to succeeding in this section .
• Eliminate Wrong Answer Choices : As you work through the multiple-choice section, make X marks or dashes by answer choices that do not make sense with the question. This helps you logically think about feasible answer solutions and makes reviewing your test at the end more efficient .
• Pay Attention to Wording : Sometimes, questions may contain double negatives or tricky phrasing that can trip you up if you’re not careful. Take the time to read each question carefully and ensure you understand what it asks before you choose an answer .
• Budget Your Time : With 70 minutes to answer 100 questions, you only have 42 seconds on average to answer each question. If you spend minutes puzzling over a tough question, you lose time that you might spend more effectively answering other questions. Regardless of difficulty, every question is worth the same points, so it’s important to budget your time wisely .
• Use Process of Elimination : If you are not sure of the answer to a question and, therefore, are trying to eliminate incorrect choices, a few other suggestions about how to make good guesses on multiple-choice tests may help you .
• Practice Active Reading : The multiple-choice section of the AP Psychology exam tests not just your knowledge of the subject matter but also your ability to interpret information and draw conclusions. Practice active reading, eliminate wrong answer choices, and use strategies such as creating a context or category to help you remember information.

Section 2: Free Response

The AP Psychology Exam’s free-response section allows you to showcase your analytical and experimental skills. This section consists of two questions, each requiring a unique approach.

The first question prompts you to analyze a given scenario. You will be asked to identify and explain psychological concepts, theories, or research findings relevant to the scenario. This question will test your ability to apply your knowledge to real-world situations and demonstrate your understanding of psychological principles.

The second question in the free-response section challenges you to design and conduct an experiment. You must outline the steps to investigate a specific psychological phenomenon. This question assesses your ability to think critically, formulate a research hypothesis, and design a study that adheres to scientific principles.

By including these free-response questions, the AP Psychology Exam allows you to showcase your ability to think like a psychologist and apply your knowledge to practical situations. It encourages you to think beyond memorization and demonstrate your understanding of psychology as a scientific discipline.

Tackling the Free-Response section

To tackle the free-response section of the AP Psychology exam, you can follow these tips:

• Understand the Question : Carefully analyze the question and identify the elements that must be addressed in the response .
• Use Psychological Terms : Use psychological terms when answering the questions .
• Know Your Vocabulary : Familiarize yourself with psychology vocabulary .
• Write in Complete Sentences : Write in complete sentences, not complete paragraphs .
• Connect Your Ideas : Connect your ideas and provide examples to support your arguments .
• Practice Previous Questions : Work specifically on free-response questions from previous AP Examinations to compare your responses with scored and evaluated ones .
• Follow a Five-Step Strategy : Consider following a five-step strategy to write an effective AP Psychology free-response question .

Remember, the free-response section consists of two questions, one concept application question and one research design question, each worth 7 points . By following these tips and practicing, you can improve your chances of scoring well in this section

Here are some sample questions of what you might encounter in the exam:

AP Psychology Exam Scoring Breakdown

The AP Psychology Exam is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates students’ understanding of the key concepts and theories in the field of psychology. It is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. The scoring breakdown for the exam is as follows:

Multiple-Choice Questions: 67.7% of the total score

The multiple-choice section of the AP Psychology Exam is designed to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of a wide range of topics. It consists of questions requiring students to analyze and interpret psychological concepts, theories, and research findings. These questions cover various areas of psychology, including biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, and social psychology, among others.

By answering multiple-choice questions, students demonstrate their ability to recall factual information, apply psychological principles to real-world scenarios, and analyze data presented in different formats, such as graphs and charts. This section accounts for 67.7% of the total score, reflecting its significance in assessing students’ overall understanding of the subject.

Free-Response Questions: 33.3% of the total score

The free-response section of the AP Psychology Exam allows students to showcase their critical thinking and analytical skills by responding to prompts that require written explanations, analyses, and evaluations. This section includes two types of questions: the first requires students to provide a detailed response to a specific scenario or case study. In contrast, the second prompts them to design and conduct their own psychological research study.

Through the free-response questions, students demonstrate their ability to apply psychological concepts and theories to real-world situations, construct coherent arguments supported by evidence, and effectively communicate their ideas. This section accounts for 33.3% of the total score, highlighting its importance in assessing students’ higher-order thinking skills and ability to synthesize and evaluate information.

What are the passing rates of the AP Psychology Exam?

The straightforward nature of the AP Psychology Exam’s subject matter bodes well for both self-studiers and AP Psych course students, as is illustrated by the exam’s high pass rate. 64.5% of all the students who participated in the AP Psychology Exam passed by receiving a score of 3 or more. Over one-fifth of students scored the highest at 5. 22% received the lowest possible score of 1.

It’s important to remember that the credit you receive from passing the AP Psychology Exam is wholly dependent upon the college policies you’re applying to. Although a 3 is widely considered a passing grade, you might have to receive a 4 or even a 5 to receive credit at some colleges. Even still, some universities don’t offer credit and choose to rely solely on AP exams for placement. Students should conduct research regarding their ideal colleges’ policies on this topic. You can visit this website for information about how specific colleges view AP Exams.

Why is the AP Psychology Exam important?

The AP Psychology Exam serves as an opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge and skills in psychology. The exam can earn you college credits, saving time and money. Additionally, performing well on the exam can strengthen your college applications and demonstrate your readiness for higher education in psychology.

Psychology is a fascinating field that delves into the human mind’s and behavior’s complexities. By taking the AP Psychology Exam, you demonstrate your understanding of key psychological concepts and theories, dedication to learning, and ability to think critically.

One of the benefits of taking the AP Psychology Exam is the opportunity to earn college credits. Many colleges and universities offer credit or advanced placement for students who score well on exams. This means that if you perform exceptionally, you may be able to skip introductory psychology courses in college, allowing you to dive deeper into more specialized areas of the subject.

Moreover, earning college credits through the AP Psychology Exam can save you time and money. By entering college with credits already under your belt, you may be able to graduate earlier, reducing the overall cost of your education. Additionally, the credits you earn can free up space in your schedule, allowing you to explore other subjects or take additional courses that align with your interests and career goals.

Performing well on the AP Psychology Exam can also enhance your college applications. Admissions officers value students who challenge themselves academically and are genuinely interested in their chosen field. By excelling in the AP Psychology Exam, you demonstrate your commitment to the subject and ability to handle college-level coursework.

Furthermore, the AP Psychology Exam can serve as a stepping stone towards a future career in psychology. By showcasing your knowledge and skills in this exam, you are proving your readiness for higher education and building a strong foundation for further studies in the field. Whether you aspire to become a clinical psychologist, a researcher, or a counselor, performing well on the AP Psychology Exam can open doors to exciting opportunities and set you on the path to success.

The AP Psychology Exam is important for several reasons. It allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in psychology, potentially earn college credits, strengthen your college applications, and pave the way for a future career. So, if you are passionate about psychology and eager to showcase your abilities, taking the AP Psychology Exam is a valuable step towards achieving your academic and professional goals.

Do colleges care about the AP Psychology exam?

Colleges generally value the completion of Advanced Placement courses and the corresponding exams, including AP Psychology. However, the weight of a specific AP exam, such as AP Psychology, can vary among colleges. Here are some considerations regarding how colleges view the AP Psychology exam:

1. Demonstration of Academic Rigor:

• Completing AP courses, including AP Psychology, demonstrates to colleges that you have engaged in challenging coursework. This commitment to academic rigor is often viewed positively during college admissions.

2. Potential for College Credit:

• Colleges may grant college credit or advanced placement to students who earn high scores on the AP Psychology exam. This can allow you to bypass introductory-level courses and delve into more advanced coursework in your chosen field.

3. Subject Relevance:

• Some colleges may emphasize certain AP exams based on their relevance to a student’s intended major or field of study. If you are considering a psychology or social sciences major, the AP Psychology exam may carry additional weight.

4. Holistic Admissions:

• Colleges often use a holistic admissions process, considering factors such as GPA , standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and the rigor of your coursework. While the AP Psychology exam is valuable, it is considered within the context of your overall academic profile.

5. Interest Alignment:

• Suppose your intended major or academic interests align with psychology or a related field. In that case, success in the AP Psychology course and exam may be particularly relevant and appealing to admissions officers.

6. Quality of School Curriculum:

• Some colleges consider the availability and rigor of your high school’s curriculum when evaluating your application. Taking challenging courses like AP Psychology can reflect positively in this context.

7. Application Boost:

• Earning a high score on the AP Psychology exam can boost your college application. It demonstrates content knowledge and skills such as critical thinking, analysis, and research methodology.

Important Notes:

• Score Thresholds: Colleges may have different score thresholds for granting credit or advanced placement. Check with the specific colleges you are interested in to understand their policies.
• Variability Among Colleges: The significance of the AP Psychology exam can vary among colleges. Some highly selective institutions may have more specific expectations, while others may emphasize more on AP coursework.
• Consult College Policies: Review the admissions policies of the colleges you are interested in to understand how they evaluate AP exam results. Some colleges may publish their credit policies on their websites.

Is it a good idea to take the AP Psychology exam?

Whether taking the AP Psychology exam is a good idea depends on various factors, including your academic goals, interests, and college plans. Here are some considerations to help you decide if taking the AP Psychology exam is the right choice for you:

Advantages of Taking the AP Psychology Exam:

College Credit and Placement:

Successfully passing the AP Psychology exam with a high score may allow you to earn college credit. This can save you time and money by exempting you from introductory psychology courses in college.

Demonstration of Academic Rigor:

Completing an AP course and taking the corresponding exam demonstrates to colleges that you have engaged in challenging coursework. This can be advantageous in the college admissions process, showcasing your commitment to academic excellence.

Interest in Psychology:

If you are genuinely interested in psychology, taking the AP exam allows you to delve deeper into the subject and gain a more comprehensive understanding of psychological principles.

Development of Critical Thinking Skills:

AP courses, including AP Psychology, are designed to develop critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills. These skills are valuable for the exam and success in higher education and future careers.

Considerations:

Workload and Time Commitment:

AP courses are known for their rigorous curriculum, and the workload can be demanding. Consider your current schedule, commitments, and ability to manage the additional workload of an AP course.

Interest in Other Subjects:

Suppose you have limited available slots for AP courses and are interested in other subjects. In that case, you may want to weigh the benefits of taking AP Psychology against those of other AP courses.

College and Career Goals:

Consider how AP Psychology aligns with your college and career goals. If you do not plan to pursue psychology, you may want to prioritize AP courses that align more closely with your intended major or career path.

Availability of Resources:

Ensure you can access the necessary resources, including a qualified teacher, textbooks, and study materials, to succeed in the AP Psychology course.

Personal Readiness:

Assess your own academic preparedness and interest in the subject matter. If you feel confident in your ability to handle the material and are genuinely interested in psychology, it can be a rewarding experience.

How long is the AP Psychology exam?

The AP Psychology exam is 2 hours long and consists of two sections: a multiple-choice section and a free-response section. The multiple-choice section lasts 70 minutes and contains 100 questions, while the free-response section lasts 50 minutes and consists of two essay questions. The multiple-choice section accounts for 67% of the exam score, and the free-response section accounts for 33%. The exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score.

How hard is the AP Psychology exam?

The difficulty of the AP Psychology Exam varies from student to student. While some may find it challenging, others may breeze through it. The key to success lies in effective preparation and a deep understanding of the material covered on the exam. With the right study strategies and dedication, you can confidently approach the exam and achieve a high score.

When assessing the difficulty of the AP Psychology Exam, it’s important to consider the unique nature of the subject matter. Psychology is a multifaceted discipline encompassing various topics, theories, and research methods. As a result, the exam covers diverse content, including biological bases of behavior, cognitive processes, developmental psychology, and social psychology, among others.

One of the challenges of the AP Psychology Exam is the need to memorize key concepts and theories and apply them to real-world scenarios. The exam often includes multiple-choice questions that require critical thinking and the ability to analyze and interpret psychological phenomena. Also, free-response questions ask students to demonstrate their knowledge by writing essays or designing experiments.

Preparing for the AP Psychology Exam involves more than just reviewing textbooks and lecture notes. Students are encouraged to engage in active learning strategies such as creating concept maps, participating in group discussions, and practicing with sample questions to excel truly. These activities help solidify understanding and enhance retention of the material.

Furthermore, it is important to note that the AP Psychology Exam is not only about factual knowledge but also about understanding the underlying principles and theories. This requires students to think critically and make connections between different concepts. By developing a comprehensive understanding of the subject, students can confidently tackle the exam and effectively answer questions that require higher-order thinking skills.

It is worth mentioning that the College Board, the organization responsible for administering the AP exams, provides a detailed course description for AP Psychology. This document outlines the content that may be covered on the exam, and the specific skills students are expected to demonstrate. Familiarizing yourself with this document can be immensely helpful in structuring your study plan and ensuring you cover all the necessary topics.

Ultimately, the difficulty of the AP Psychology Exam is subjective and dependent on individual factors such as prior knowledge, study habits, and test-taking skills. While it is important to acknowledge the challenges, it is equally important to approach the exam with confidence and a positive mindset. With adequate preparation and a thorough understanding of the material, you can overcome difficulties and succeed on the AP Psychology Exam.

What factors influence the difficulty of the AP Psychology exam?

The difficulty of the AP Psychology exam can be influenced by several factors, and individual experiences may vary. Here are key factors that contribute to the overall difficulty of the exam:

Depth of Content:

The exam covers a wide range of topics within psychology, and questions may require a deep understanding of theories, concepts, and research findings. The more comprehensive your knowledge of the subject, the better you’ll be able to handle various questions.

Complexity of Questions:

The multiple-choice questions and free-response prompts may vary in complexity. Some questions may require straightforward recall of information, while others may demand a higher level of critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis of concepts.

Application of Knowledge:

Success on the exam often depends on the ability to apply psychological principles to real-world scenarios. Questions may assess your capacity to analyze situations using psychological concepts and theories.

Interdisciplinary Connections:

The exam may include questions that require an understanding how psychological principles intersect with other disciplines, such as biology, sociology, or anthropology.

Research Design and Methodology:

The free-response section includes an experimental design question, evaluating your ability to design and analyze psychological experiments. Proficiency in research methods and experimental design contributes to success in this part of the exam.

Time Management:

The AP Psychology exam has a specific time limit for each section. Effective time management is crucial to completing all questions within the allotted time. Practicing with time constraints during preparation can help you develop a strategy for managing your time during the actual exam.

Preparation and Study Habits:

Individual students’ level of preparation and study habits can greatly influence their performance on the exam. Consistent and thorough review of the material, practice with past exams, and engagement in active learning can enhance preparedness.

Familiarity with Exam Format:

Students familiar with the exam format and who have practiced with sample questions may feel more comfortable and confident during the test. Knowing what to expect can reduce test-related stress.

Teacher Quality and Instruction:

The effectiveness of the instruction received during the AP Psychology course can impact a student’s readiness for the exam. Well-qualified and experienced teachers can contribute to a deeper understanding of the material.

Individual Learning Styles:

Different students have different learning styles. Some may find certain aspects of the exam more challenging based on their preferred modes of learning and processing information.

Understanding and addressing these factors during preparation can contribute to a more successful experience on the AP Psychology exam. Students must approach the exam with a solid foundation of knowledge, critical thinking skills, and effective study strategies.

The exam duration may vary slightly depending on the year, but here is the typical breakdown:

• The multiple-choice section consists of a set of questions covering various topics in psychology. Students are given 70 minutes to complete this section, which usually includes around 100 questions.
• Free-Response Section:
• The free-response section includes two essay questions designed to assess students’ ability to apply their understanding of psychological concepts and theories. Students are given 50 minutes to complete this section.

Therefore, the total duration of the AP Psychology Exam is typically around 2 hours and 20 minutes (70 minutes for the multiple-choice section + 50 minutes for the free-response section).

It’s important to note that specific details about the exam, including format and timing, may be subject to change. Students should refer to the most recent information on the College Board’s official website or consult their school’s AP coordinator for the latest details regarding the AP Psychology Exam.

How to register for the AP Psychology exam

To register for the AP Psychology exam, you generally need to follow a process that involves coordination between you, your school, and the College Board, the organization that administers the AP program. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to register for the AP Psychology exam:

1. Speak with Your School Counselor or AP Coordinator:

• Start by discussing your interest in taking the AP Psychology exam with your school counselor or AP coordinator. They can provide information about the registration process, exam dates, and any specific procedures your school follows.

2. Enroll in the AP Psychology Course:

• Most students take the corresponding AP course before registering for the exam. Enrollment in the course is typically done through your high school. If your school does not offer the AP Psychology course, you may have the option to self-study or explore online course alternatives.

3. Receive a Join Code:

• Your teacher or AP coordinator will provide you with a unique join code that you’ll use to enroll in your class section on the College Board’s AP Classroom platform.

4. Create a College Board Account:

• If you don’t already have one, create an account on the College Board website . This account will serve as your portal for all things related to the AP program.

5. Join Your Class Section on AP Classroom:

• Use the join code to enroll in your class section on the AP Classroom platform. This is where you’ll access resources, practice exams, and other materials related to the AP Psychology course.

6. Indicate Your Exam Intentions:

• In your AP Classroom account, you will indicate whether you plan to take the AP Psychology exam in May. This is typically done by a certain deadline set by the College Board.

7. Pay Exam Fees:

• Your school may have specific procedures for payment. Some schools cover the cost of AP exams for all students, while others may require students to pay a portion or the full exam fee. Ensure you are aware of your school’s payment policies and deadlines.

8. Receive Your Exam Schedule:

• Once registered, you will receive information about your AP Psychology exam’s specific date, time, and location. The exams are usually administered in May.

9. Prepare for the Exam:

• Use the resources provided on the AP Classroom platform, including practice exams, review materials, and any guidance from your teacher, to prepare for the exam.

10. Take the Exam:

• On the designated exam day, arrive at the testing location according to the instructions provided by your school. Bring the necessary materials, such as a valid ID, pencils, and pens.
• The registration process may vary slightly depending on your school’s policies and procedures. Staying informed about deadlines, fees, and any specific requirements your school sets is crucial.

Remember to communicate with your school’s AP coordinator and follow the instructions provided by your school and the College Board to ensure a smooth registration process for the AP Psychology exam.

How to study for the AP Psychology exam

Test your skills : While you might be tempted to study for the AP Psychology Exam, it’s best to start by assessing your current skills. Knowing what the test covers is important, but that’s only half of the battle. You also have to know where you stand regarding familiarity with those topics. This makes it easier to determine which areas you need to study more than others – greatly improving the efficiency of your preparation.

Taking practice tests effectively assesses your knowledge of the exam’s material at the onset. The College Board site provides some helpful sample questions but not a complete test. For an even more comprehensive understanding of your skills, you can take one of the following four complete sample tests that you can find online.

There’s one from each of the following years – 1994 , 1999 , 2012 , and 2016 . Be sure to note how you perform on these sample questions and tests by comparing your responses to the correct answers. This will give you an accurate idea of what areas of the material you should focus on when preparing for the real AP Psychology Exam.

Study the unit material : As we referenced before, this exam requires an in-depth understanding of the concepts and material covered in the clearly stated course units. Both AP course students and self-studiers need to review this discipline’s relevant theory to secure an excellent grade on the AP Psychology Exam. Investing in reliable studying materials will be necessary in this process.

The Myers’ Psychology For AP book is often cited as the most thorough and accurate guide for the course and exam. If the density of this textbook or its pricing is enough to turn you away, there are other sources you can use.

For example, Barron’s AP Psychology 8th Edition presents the same ideas and concepts more concisely. You can also purchase psychology flashcards to support your preparation further. For alternative resources, look no further than the content-rich internet. There are nearly limitless studying materials, from study guides and sample tests to flashcards and instructional videos on the internet ether. This 40-episode series on YouTube focuses specifically on the AP Psychology Exam.

Rehearse multiple-choice questions : When you’re comfortable with the theory portion of the exam, you can focus on rehearsing the types of questions you’ll encounter. Since multiple-choice questions make up a significant portion of the test’s overall score and time limit, starting here is not a bad idea.

You’ll be able to find sample MC questions online and in most AP Psychology Exam study guides. Practice exams are also a good source for finding sample MC questions. Some examples are on the College Board’s official AP Psychology Exam page . Study.com also has a free practice test with 50 MC questions. As we mentioned, you’ll want to keep track of the vocabulary and concepts you still struggle with to rehearse later.

Practice free-response questions : While MC questions are fairly straightforward, the free-response questions on the AP Psychology Exam are a little more subjective. This makes double-checking your answers to this section slightly trickier.

However, rehearsing your answer to these free-response questions is still critical to preparing for the exam. These questions assess your ability to put the theory into practical use. You should become familiar with applying some common psychology principles and be comfortable with evaluating or designing a research study.

A grasp of the task verbs you might encounter on the free-response portion of the exam is critical to successfully answering these questions. After all, this is the exact skill that the free-response questions are designed to test. Here are some important definitions to keep in mind when making sense of these questions:

• Explain, relate, or discuss: These words require students to connect psychological concepts and the given prompt and questions logically.
• Show or describe: These terms request that students outline specific examples or the essential characteristics of a certain phenomenon, theory, or concept.
• Identify: This word asks students to point out or name psychological concepts related to the question.

Before tackling these free-response questions, it’s a good strategy to outline your main thoughts. This can make it easier to organize your ideas to make your answer more coherent and succinct. Including specific examples related to your studying can drive home your points. You can lead into these references with phrases such as “for example,” “for instance,” or “one example of that is…”.

These genuine student answers with actual scoring explanations offer an excellent window into how the people scoring your test will think through their assessment.

Mimic the test settings : Perhaps the most effective way to prepare for the AP Psychology Exam is to take a full-length sample test while mimicking the actual test settings. This means no notes, cheat sheets, textbooks, or Google searches.

You’ll need to find a quiet place with few to no distractions. You should use a complete sample test with multiple-choice and free-response sections to most accurately assess your capabilities. Don’t forget to add a timer. It’s best to save this preparation step towards the end of your studying stretch to see how far you’ve come since you started studying. Recreating the test environment will give you a better idea of how you’ll perform on the real exam.

Tips on the day of the exam

On the day of the AP Psychology Exam, it’s important to approach the test with confidence and a clear mind. Here are some tips to help you perform your best:

• Get a good night’s sleep: Get enough rest the night before the exam to ensure optimal cognitive function.
• Eat a balanced meal: Fuel your brain with a nutritious meal before the exam to maintain energy and focus.
• Arrive early : Give yourself ample time to find your test center and settle before the exam begins.
• Stay calm and focused: Take deep breaths and stay relaxed during the exam to maintain concentration and control any test anxiety.
• Read the instructions carefully: Ensure you understand the directions for each exam section before starting.
• Manage your time: Pace yourself and allocate time for each exam section to ensure you have ample time to complete all questions.
• Eliminate answer options: Cross out any incorrect answer choices to narrow your options when answering multiple-choice questions.
• Review your responses: If time permits, go back and review your answers to ensure accuracy and completeness.

When is the AP Psychology exam in 2024?

The AP Psychology exam 2024 will be administered on Thursday, May 9, 2024. The exam will be held at 12 p.m. local time . Students should confirm the start/report time with their school or AP coordinator.

For a complete list of the 2024 AP Exam dates, here’s a full list:

When do AP scores come out?

AP scores are typically released in early to mid-July of the year the exams were taken. The exact release date may vary slightly from year to year, but students who took their AP exams in May can generally expect their scores to become available.

You can check for updates on the College Board’s official AP scores website if you are waiting for your AP scores. They will also email you when your scores are added to your score report. If you haven’t received your scores by mid-August, contacting AP Services for Students is recommended for assistance.

Post-exam tips

After completing the AP Psychology Exam, take some time to reflect on your performance and consider these post-exam tips:

• Don’t dwell on it : Avoid stressing over the exam once it’s over. Focus on the next steps in your academic journey.
• Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses: Identify areas where you performed well and areas where you need further improvement.
• Seek feedback: Discuss your performance with your teacher or an experienced psychology professional to gain insights for future improvement.
• Continue learning: Psychology is a dynamic field, so continue exploring and expanding your knowledge even after the exam.

By following this ultimate guide, you can confidently approach the AP Psychology Exam and increase your chances of achieving a high score. Effective preparation and a solid understanding of the material are key to success. Best of luck on your exam!

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AP Psychology

Learn all about the course and exam. Already enrolled? Join your class in My AP.

Not a Student?

Go to AP Central for resources for teachers, administrators, and coordinators.

About the Course

Explore the ideas, theories, and methods of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. You’ll examine the concepts of psychology through reading and discussion and analyze data from psychological research studies.

AP Psychology Revisions for 2024-25

We revised AP Psychology for the 2024-25 school year.

Skills You'll Learn

Connecting psychological concepts and theories to real-life scenarios

Understanding and interpreting data

Analyzing research studies in psychology

Equivalency and Prerequisites

College course equivalent.

A one-semester, introductory college course in psychology

Recommended Prerequisites

About the units.

The course content outlined below is organized into commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. Your teacher may choose to organize the course content differently based on local priorities and preferences.

Course Content

Unit 1: biological bases of behavior .

You’ll study behaviors and mental processes from a biological perspective and explore the effects of the interaction between human biology and our environment. 

Topics may include:  

• The interaction of inherited traits, environment, and evolution in shaping behavior  
• Structures and functions of nervous systems 
• Neural firing and the influence of psychoactive substances  
• The study of the brain, including its structures and functions  
• Sleep 
• Sensation 

On The Exam

15%–25% of exam score

Unit 2: Cognition

You’ll examine the complex nature of how memory, intelligence, and other mental processes impact human behavior. 

• Perception 
• Biases and errors in thinking, creative thinking, and problem-solving strategies  
• The cognitive and physiological processes that make up memory  
• Forgetting and typical memory errors  
• Defining and measuring intelligence and achievement 

Unit 3: Development and Learning

You’ll study how physical and social changes over humans’ lifespans can influence behavior and mental processes from a variety of perspectives and how learning works. 

Topics may include:   

• Research methods used in developmental psychology 
• Physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development across the lifespan  
• Gender and sexual orientation

Unit 4: Social Psychology and Personality

You’ll study how the social experience influences behavior of individuals and groups and how personality is studied and develops. 

• Attribution theory and person perception 
• Attitude formation and change 
• The psychology of social situations 
• Psychodynamic, humanistic, social cognitive, and trait theories of personality 
• Motivation 
• Emotion 

Unit 5: Mental and Physical Health

You’ll learn how psychologists promote mental and physical health and evaluate, study, and treat a range of psychological disorders. 

• An introduction to health and positive psychology 
• Standards for diagnosing and approaches to explaining psychological disorders  
• Neurodevelopmental and schizophrenic spectrum disorders  
• Bipolar, depressive, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders  
• Dissociative and trauma- and stress-related disorders  
• Eating disorders and personality disorders  
• Historical developments in psychological treatment  
• Modern treatment options and methods 

Credit and Placement

Search AP Credit Policies

Find colleges that grant credit and/or placement for AP Exam scores in this and other AP courses.

Course Resources

Ap classroom resources.

Once you join your AP class section online, you’ll be able to access AP Daily videos, any assignments from your teacher, and your assignment results in AP Classroom. Sign in to access them.

• Go to AP Classroom

AP Psychology Course and Exam Description

This is the core document for the course. It clearly lays out the course content and describes the exam and AP Program in general.

See Where AP Can Take You

AP Psychology can lead to a wide range of careers and college majors

Additional Information

AP Psychology

Ap psychology course and exam description.

This is the core document for the course, revised for the 2024-25 school year.

AP Psychology Revisions for 2024-25

We revised the AP Psychology course and exam for the 2024-25 school year.

Course Overview

AP Psychology introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. 

While considering the studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with major units of study, including biological bases of behavior, cognition, development, learning, social psychology, personality, and mental and physical health.  

Throughout the course, students apply psychological concepts and employ psychological research methods and data interpretation to evaluate claims, consider evidence, and effectively communicate ideas. 

Course and Exam Description

This is the core document for this course, revised for the 2024-25 school year. Unit guides clearly lay out the course content and skills and recommend sequencing and pacing for them throughout the year.

Course Resources

Ap psychology course overview.

This resource provides a succinct description of the course and exam. It was updated in the summer of 2024.

AP Psychology Course at a Glance

Excerpted from the AP Psychology Course and Exam Description, the Course at a Glance document outlines the topics and skills covered in the AP Psychology course, along with suggestions for sequencing. It was updated in the summer of 2024.

Learn more about revisions to AP Psychology for the 2024-25 school year.

Course Content

The course framework included in the course and exam description (CED) clearly describes the course requirements necessary for student success.  

The framework specifies what students must know, be able to do, and understand, with a focus on ideas that encompass core principles, theories, and processes of the discipline. The framework also encourages instruction that prepares students for advanced coursework in psychology at the undergraduate level. 

The AP Psychology framework is organized into five commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. As always, you have the flexibility to organize the course content as you like. 

Science Practices

The AP Psychology framework also outlines distinct science practices central to the study and practice of psychology. Students should develop and apply these science practices regularly throughout the course.  

AP and Higher Education

Higher education professionals play a key role in developing AP courses and exams, setting credit and placement policies, and scoring student work. The AP Higher Education section features information on recruitment and admission, advising and placement, and more.

This chart  shows recommended scores for granting credit, and how much credit should be awarded, for each AP course. Your students can look up credit and placement policies for colleges and universities on the  AP Credit Policy Search .

Course Development

Every AP course is designed in consultation with college faculty and experienced high school teachers. To stay aligned with best practices in college-level learning, AP courses and exams emphasize research-based curricula that meet higher education expectations.  

College faculty and experienced high school teachers guide the development of the AP course framework, which defines what students must know and be able to do to earn a qualifying score on the AP Exam and (by extension) college credit or placement. 

As part of the course development process for AP Psychology, we gathered course research by examining college syllabi, analyzing textbooks and pedagogical research, and conducting content advisory sessions with college faculty. Based on this research, an advisory board and writing team collaborated on the course framework. 

Meet the Development Committee for AP Psychology

AP is unique in its reliance on development committees. These committees, made up of an equal number of college faculty and experienced secondary AP teachers from across the country, are essential to the preparation of AP course curricula and exams.

AP Psychology Development Committee

Meet the high school and college educators who develop the AP Psychology course and exam.

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By submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., guide to the ap psychology exam.

Interested in the scientific study of behavior and mental processes? The AP ® Psychology Exam is a college-level exam administered every year in May upon completion of an Advanced Placement Psychology course taken at your high school. If you score high enough, your  AP score  could earn you  college credit !

Check out our AP Psychology Guide for the essential info you need about the exam:

• Exam Overview

Sections & Question Types

• How to Prepare

What's on the AP Psychology Exam?

The College Board requires your AP teacher to cover certain topics in the AP Psychology course. As you complete your Psych review, make sure you are familiar with the following topics:

• Scientific Foundations of Psychology: Introducing Psychology; Research Methods in Psychology; Defining Psychological Science: The Experimental Method; Selecting a Research Method; Statistical Analysis in Psychology; Ethical Guidelines in Psychology
• Biological Bases of Behavior: Interaction of Hereditary and Environment; The Endocrine System; Overview of the Nervous System and the Neuron; Neural Firing; Influence of Drugs on Neural Firing; The Brain; Tools for Examining Brain Structure and Function; The Adaptable Brain; Sleep and Dreaming
• Sensation and Perception: Principles of Sensation; Principles of Perception; Visual Anatomy; Visual Perception; Auditory Sensation and Perception; Chemical Senses; Body Sense
• Learning: Introduction to Learning; Classical Conditioning; Operant Conditioning; Social and Cognitive Factors in Learning
• Cognitive Psychology: Introduction to Memory; Encoding; Storing; Retrieving; Forgetting and Memory Distortion; Biological Bases of Memory; Introduction to Thinking and Problem Solving; Biases and Errors in Thinking; Introduction to Intelligence; Psychometric Principles and Intelligence Testing; Components of Language and Language Acquisition
• Developmental Psychology: The Lifespan and Physical Development in Childhood; Social Development in Childhood; Cognitive Development in Childhood; Adolescent Development; Adulthood and Aging; Moral Development; Gender and Sexual Orientation
• Motivation, Emotion, and Personality: Theories of Motivation; Specific Topics of Motivation; Theories of Emotion; Stress and Coping; Introduction to Personality; Psychoanalytic Theories of Personality; Behaviorism and Social Cognitive Theories of Personality; Humanistic Theories of Personality; Trait Theories of Personality; Measuring Personality
• Clinical Psychology: Introduction to Psychological Disorders; Psychological Perspectives and Etiology of Disorders; Neurodevelopmental and Schizophrenic Spectrum Disorders; Bipolar, Depressive, Anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders; Trauma- and Stressor- Related, Dissociative, and Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders; Feeding and Eating, Substance and Addictive, and Personality Disorders; Introduction to Treatment of Psychological Disorders; Psychological Perspectives and Treatment of Disorders; Treatment of Disorders from the Biological Perspective; Evaluating Strengths, Weaknesses, and Empirical Support for Treatments of Disorders
• Social Psychology: Attribution Theory and Person Perception; Attitude Formation and Attitude Change; Conformity, Compliance, and Obedience; Group Influences on Behavior and Mental Processes; Bias, Prejudice, and Discrimination; Altruism and Aggression; Interpersonal Attraction

Read More: Review for the exam with our AP Psychology Crash Courses

The AP Psych exam is 2 hours long and has two sections: a multiple-choice section and a a free-response section. 

Multiple-Choice Questions

The AP Psychology multiple-choice questions test the following skills:

• Concept Understanding
• Data Analysis
• Scientific Investigation

Free-Response Questions

The AP Psych FRQs consists of two questions:

• Question 1 is about Concept Application, assessing a student’s ability to explain and apply theories and perspectives in authentic contexts
• Question 2 is about Research Design, assessing a student’s ability to analyze psychological research studies that include quantitative data.

For a comprehensive content review, check out our book,  AP Psychology Premium Prep

What’s a good AP Psychology Score?

AP scores are reported from 1 to 5. Colleges are generally looking for a 4 or 5 on the AP Psychology exam, but some may grant credit for a 3. Here’s how students scored on the May 2020 test:

Source: College Board

How can I prepare?

AP classes are great, but for many students they’re not enough! For a thorough review of AP Psychology content and strategy, pick the  AP prep option  that works best for your goals and learning style. 

• AP Exams  

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10 Hardest AP Psychology Practice Questions

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What’s Covered:

• How Will AP Scores Impact Your Chances?
• Overview of the AP Psych Exam
• Hard AP Psych Questions

The AP Psych Exam questions involve critical thinking, analyzing graphs and data, and making scientific investigations on case studies. While the content can be tricky, a majority of students pass the exam and around 22% of students score a 5. 

This post will cover some of the more difficult AP Psych questions and what makes them so difficult — then we’ll show you how you can get them right. We also offer tips on how to take the exam and basic information on the exam layout.

How Will AP Scores Impact My College Chances?

Whether you get a 2 or a 5 on the AP Psych exam, it’s unlikely to affect your admissions chances in a large way. Colleges don’t typically consider your AP scores in admissions ; you don’t even have to report them unless you want to.

The more important measures of your performance are course rigor and GPA. Basically, how many APs you take and what grades you get are more important than your exam scores! 

To understand how your course load impacts your college changes, use our free chancing engine . It will let you know your odds of acceptance at over 500 colleges, based on your grades, test scores, extracurriculars, and demographics. Keep in mind that it can’t account for essays and rec letters, which are also considered in the process; essays are especially important.

Overview of the AP Psychology Exam

If you’ve never taken an AP exam before, the anticipation can be tortuous. The pressure of standardized testing situations — the flickering lights, the test administrator, the eerie quiet of your peers — can cause some students to perform poorly. It is important to remember that an 5 on an AP exam does not determine if you will get into college, it only determines what courses you may take once you get there. Use this stress to encourage more studying, but don’t overwork yourself. The AP Psych exam is one of the more common tests so there are a lot of public AP Psych questions to study.

Exam Layout

The AP Psych exam is a very straightforward test made up of two parts: multiple choice and free-response. These sections combine to be only two hours, one of the shortest AP exams! This is great news for students that struggle with test anxiety because there is much less to stress about. Furthermore, College Board offers digital practice exams; however, these don’t give the full experience of being in the test-taking environment (though there is a digital test option for 2021). 

70 minutes are given for the 100 multiple choice questions that start the exam. This portion is worth two-thirds of the exam. The AP Psych questions for the multiple choice section will consist of vocabulary, knowing scientists and the work they’ve done, and taking principles of psychology and “diagnosing” possible situations with psychology terminology. 

The subsequent section is the two free response questions where students have 50 minutes to write as much as they feel is necessary. This section is only worth one-third of the total score. Although this is shorter than the previous section, some students argue that this section requires more work. The free-response portion of the AP psych exam questions has two subsections: a “concept application” and a “research design” question . The “concept application” will describe a situation, maybe giving you a character in a social situation or an action that has taken place, and ask you to describe, diagnose, and hypothesize how a few psychology concepts are applicable. The “research design” question asks students to design a research experiment that either supports or refutes a given hypothesis.

To grade the AP Psych questions in the multiple choice section, graders assign one point per question, for a total of 100 points. Pretty simple. 

To score the free response section, each of the two questions are assigned 7 possible points. Your total is multiplied by 3.57 to accumulate a total of 50, making a grand total of 150 available points on the AP Psych Exam. The scores are curved each year to make sure that students are rewarded for their hard work, so in the 2020 test cycle, the minimum a student needed to score a 5 on the AP Psych Exam was 113. 

10 Hardest AP Psychology Questions

Although the test is heavily weighted towards the multiple choice questions, they are the more straightforward part of the test. Because of this, College Board combines seemingly easy questions with obviously difficult questions. Be sure to review your answers if you have extra time at the end of this section. The AP Psych questions that require more time and effort up-front are the free-response questions. There is no limit to how much a student can write so be sure to exhaust all ideas that pop into your head.

Multiple Choice

The correct answer to this question is 4, Sublimation. Sublimation is a mature type of defense mechanism where socially unacceptable impulses are transformed into socially accepted actions (though we don’t recommend yelling at your mother). This question focuses on the definition of psychology terms and the application of those terms to real-life situations.

The correct answer is B this is because arriving on time for work is an attribute that is not inherently programmed into humans. Work is a cultural construct instead of a psychological construct. This question is fairly straightforward if you can make this distinction.

The correct answer is D for the above question. Because the sample may not have been representative, her answer is biased and therefore not valid. People who were unhappy with their children may have been more inclined to respond to the columnist than those who were happy. The answer to this question comes from thinking critically about the advice columnist’s situation. 

The AP Psych exam expects you to know the difference between polling people on the street and a valid scientific study. If the study in the above question had randomly selected participants in a chosen population and those participants had no outside motivation, this would have been a valid study. Because this was a casual newspaper column, it cannot be considered a valid study.

The correct answer for the above question is A. This can be a tricky question for test-takers because in the heat of the moment, they get confused and say that .89 is the strongest correlation. The -1.00 indicates the strongest negative correlation, which is a correlation just the same. For this question, it is paramount to go slowly and remember the basics. This will help you from making small mistakes throughout the rest of the exam.

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Free-Response

To score this free-response question, graders assign the first three points to explaining the source of the headache, the dizziness, the difficulty reading, and the impaired auditory comprehension. These could be talking about injury to certain regions of the brain, including Wernicke’s area. The next four points are assigned to the design of your experiment. One point is given for an adequate answer to each of the listed categories. This is a typical assignment of the free-response question points.

Points are awarded in this essay for each argument you present for both sides of the nature-nurture debate. Examples to answer the nature side of the “shyness” portion could be citing:

• Kagan’s longitudinal research on inhibited children, or
• Strong correlation between inhibited parents / grandparents and shy children. 

The nurture portion could be answered by noting:

• 25% of Kagan’s children changed temperament by adolescence, or 
• Abused children, others with low self-esteem, or socially rejected may learn shyness

Points are awarded in this essay for addressing the sensory and brain issues in section A. Because this is the largest section, the majority of points are awarded here. When reading a question, think critically about which part elicits the biggest response and devote the most time there; you don’t need to be egalitarian with your writing. For sections B and C, a test-taker can accumulate points by presenting arguments on how flight-or-flight works and describing one of many theories, including Schachter’s two-factor theory or Lazarus’s cognitive appraisal theory.

This question can be hard for students that are unfamiliar with some of these terms. The points are awarded based on how valid a connection you’re able to argue. This isn’t to say that you have to support each answer with two pages of research; rather, that being as clear as possible is crucial. Some students are surprised by this question because they think that vocab is relegated to the multiple choice section. It is throughout the test!

For this research design question, it is important to define the parameters of the experiment: question, hypothesis, and ethics. Following this, points are awarded for each of the categories. You should spend the most time on the final section because this will prove if you understand how the experiment works.

Question 10

To decode the point scoring in this essay, it is critical to look at how many examples are required for each section. The more examples required, the more points awarded. If you aren’t feeling confident about one of your answers, take a guess and list something. The most important thing that you can do is put something down when they ask you to list something. When answering the final section, it is important to make an obvious distinction between these two characteristics. Because it’s a confusion that the public faces, you must make your explanation lucid.

If you haven’t already, you should speak to your teacher to learn more about what the AP test may entail in your area. Your school may have different practices and protocols for administering the AP exam, be sure to know what’s going on!

The content in AP isn’t overwhelming if you take it bit by bit. Try to learn one new piece of psychology vocabulary every day. If you’re looking for a bigger challenge, try to answer a free-response question once a day as well. With enough practice, the real test won’t seem so scary!

Check out these CollegeVine resources for more help with your studying:

• Ultimate Guide to the AP Psych Exam
• Easiest and Hardest AP Classes
• 2021 AP Exam Schedule + Study Tips
• How to Understand and Interpret Your AP Scores
• How Long Is Each AP Exam? A Complete List

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

AP® Psychology

Psychological perspectives for ap® psychology.

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: March 1, 2022

The one constant throughout the entire AP® Psychology exam (and throughout the field of psychology as a whole) is that there are several different viewpoints, or perspectives, about how to think about and interpret human behavior. Whether you are talking about Sigmund Freud or Abraham Maslow, there has been a multitude of varying opinions on why humans act the way they do.

At this point in modern psychology, the varying viewpoints on human behavior have been split into eight different perspectives: biological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic, sociocultural, evolutionary, and biopsychosocial. Having an understanding of each of these perspectives is a great way to increase your understanding of the various psychologists, theories, and disorders that you need to know for the AP® Psychology exam. And the best way to do well on the AP® Psychology exam is through understanding rather than straight memorization. That is why we are giving you a brief overview of each psychological perspective!

For most of the perspectives listed we have a more in-depth explanation available, but whether you are crunched for time, or you just need a quick review, this list of Psychological Perspectives for AP® Psychology will give you what you need.

Biological Perspective

To understand what the biological perspective (also known as the neuroscience perspective) is all about, you simply have to look at the name. Bio-psychologists base their explanations of human behavior solely regarding an individual’s biological processes. The three main causes of our thoughts and behaviors in a biological perspective are our genetics, hormones, and neurotransmitters. This means that our behaviors are not so much our choice, but a result of our genetic background, nervous system, and immune system.

A psychologist looking through the biological perspective would explain an individual’s extroverted behavior as a result of their genetic makeup from their parents, and the subsequent effect of those genes on certain neurotransmitters in their brain.

Our crash course review on the biological perspective offers a more detailed explanation.

Behavioral Perspective

Behaviorists and the behavioral perspective, in general, is heavily based on observable behaviors and actions; unlike some of the other perspectives, the behavioral perspective does not pay attention to cognitive processes because they are not observable. The behavioral perspective explains behavior through conditioning (such as classical conditioning ). Essentially, a behavioral psychologist will say that all behavior is learned.

A behavioral psychologist would explain an individual’s introverted behavior through what they have rewarded or punished for in the past. Maybe the individual has been punished in the past for attempting to extend their social circle, or they were rewarded in some way for withdrawing from social interaction. Find out more about the behavioral perspective with our crash course review .

Cognitive Perspective

Unlike the behavioral perspective, the cognitive perspective (as you would guess) is all about our cognitive processes. A cognitive psychologist looks at an individual’s behavior as a result of the way the individual interprets, perceives, and remembers the events and occurrences around them. Essentially, in order to understand an individual’s behavior and actions, you have to understand how they are processing the world around them and also why they are processing it in the way they are. This theory is heavily based on memory and perception as well.

For an individual with introverted behavior, a cognitive psychologist would look at it as how the individual interprets the social situations they are placed in; maybe the individual interprets people asking questions about their life as that they are judgemental, so they withdraw from social interaction.

You can find a more detailed look into the cognitive perspective with the crash course review on our blog.

Humanistic Perspective

The humanistic perspective was inspired mostly by Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, who both emphasized their psychological viewpoint on free will and individual choice. The general humanistic perspective is also heavily based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (tip: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a very important theory in psychology, always expect a question on it for the AP® Psychology exam). This theory essentially states that for a person to reach their full potential, they need to gain each of the five steps or needs. They are (in order) physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. In general, the humanistic perspective looks at human behavior as a whole, and that we are in control and chose the majority of our behaviors.

An example of how a humanistic psychologist would approach something is that they may say an introverted person may be choosing to limit their social circle because they find their needs are better met with a smaller group of friends. A critique of this perspective is that it is difficult to test with experiments and through the scientific method.

A more detailed look into the humanistic perspective is also available in our crash course review .

Psychodynamic Perspective

The psychodynamic (or psychoanalytic) perspective relies heavily on how the past has affected an individual’s psychological states. Psychologists who use this perspective believe that our unconscious mind (similar to Freud) is what controls the majority of our cognition and behavior.

Another way of explaining this perspective is that psychodynamic psychologists believe that the reason for anything that an individual does has to do with something in their past. To overcome something in the present, the individual simply has to understand what has happened to them in the past. This is one of the simplest perspectives, however, it is one of the most controversial. In using the same example, a psychodynamic psychologist would explain that an introverted person limiting their social interactions is due to childhood embarrassment or anxiety with social interactions.

Find a more detailed explanation of the psychodynamic perspective with our crash course review .

Sociocultural Perspective

For the sociocultural perspective, psychologists look at an individual’s behavior based on the influence of the individual’s culture. Essentially, this perspective looks at how individuals interact with their social and cultural groups, as well as how these groups influence an individual’s behavior. A social-cultural psychologist would look at an individual’s introverted or extroverted behavior as a result of the cultural rules of social interaction. A person may seem introverted, but in reality, they are following the social norms they have learned from their culture.

For a more detailed look at the sociocultural perspective, check out our crash course review .

Evolutionary Perspective

The evolutionary perspective is based on Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection. So, an individual’s thoughts and behaviors are based on what would give them the best chance of survival; subsequently, the behaviors that give the best chance of survival are passed on to further generations. An evolutionary psychologist would explain an extroverted behavioral trait as an evolutionarily advantage. If someone is outgoing and extroverted, they could make friends and allies who could protect them and increase their chance for survival.

You can find a more in-depth look into the evolutionary perspective with our crash course review .

Biopsychosocial Perspective

The biopsychosocial perspective is exactly what it sounds like; it is an integrated approach that uses the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural perspective in order to determine causes of behavior and cognitive processes. This perspective is a much more holistic approach to understanding behavior and attributes it to multiple causes rather than a specific approach like the other perspectives.

A psychologist who follows this perspective would look at introverted behavior as a result of genetics and biological processes, or past unrealized experiences, or social-cultural norms, or a combination of all three.

Psychological Perspectives on the AP® Psychology Exam

Understanding the various psychological perspectives is very important for success on the AP® Psychology exam. How any psychological concept, theory, or disorder is looked at comes through the lens of any of the psychological perspectives.

While a question on the psychological perspectives hasn’t come up in recent FRQ’s, it is still likely that you could have to use one of the perspectives as a way to relate to a given scenario. While the history and approaches portion of AP® Psychology only counts for 2-4% of the exam, it is still likely that you will get a multiple choice question relating to one of the perspectives. A multiple choice question may look like one of these examples (found in the Barron’s AP® Psychology review):

1. Behaviorists explain human thought and behavior as a result of

• past conditioning
• unconscious behavioral impulses
• natural selections
• biological processes
• individual choice.

2. In what way might a behaviorist disagree with a cognitive psychologist about the cause of aggression?

• A behaviorist might state that aggression is caused by memories or ways we think about aggressive behavior, while a cognitive psychologist might say aggression is caused by a past repressed experience.
• A behaviorist might state that aggression is a behavior encouraged by our genetic code, while a cognitive psychologist might state that aggression is caused by memories or ways we think about aggressive behavior.
• A behaviorist might state that aggression is caused by past rewards for aggressive behavior, while a cognitive psychologist might believe aggression is caused by an expressed desire to fulfill certain life needs.
• A behaviorist might state that aggression is caused by past rewards for aggressive behavior, while a cognitive psychologist might believe aggression is caused by memories or ways we think about aggressive behavior.
• A behaviorist would not disagree with a cognitive psychologist about aggression because they both believe that aggressive behavior is caused by the way we cognitively process certain behaviors.

The correct answer to question 1 is A, past conditioning. Behaviorists explain actions as learned behavior due to past conditioning (operant or classical).

The correct answer to question 2 is D, a behaviorist might state that aggression is caused by past rewards for aggressive behavior, while a cognitive psychologist might believe aggression is caused by memories or ways we think about aggressive behavior. This is because a behavioral psychologist is going to look at what we have been rewarded or punished for, while a cognitive psychologist wants to explain actions in terms of the way we interpret our environment.

The psychological perspectives are a great way to tie together everything you’ve learned in psychology. For each perspective, you should understand the basis of the viewpoint, as well as the application to a psychological situation.

So that’s it for this review on Psychological Perspectives for AP® Psychology! If you want to look into any of the perspectives further, click on the links in each section of this article. Are you struggling with any other topics for AP® Psychology? We have a supply of crash course reviews that are made to help you break down specific concepts before the exam.

Let’s put everything into practice. Try this AP® Psychology practice question:

Looking for more ap® psychology practice.

Check out our other articles on  AP® Psychology .

You can also find thousands of practice questions on Albert.io. Albert.io lets you customize your learning experience to target practice where you need the most help. We’ll give you challenging practice questions to help you achieve mastery of AP Psychology.

Start practicing here .

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AP Psychology Practice Tests: Complete Collection

Advanced Placement (AP)

Practice tests are some of the best review tools for AP Psychology. They'll give you insight into your areas of weakness and prepare you for the structure and content of the actual test. We'll list all the official and unofficial practice tests available online and provide advice on how to use them to get a great score on the AP test.

Official AP Psychology Practice Tests

It's best to use official practice tests when preparing for the AP Psych exam because you can be sure that the questions are faithful representations of what to expect on test day. Only a limited supply of official exams have been released, but you should be able to get enough practice out of them (and you can still supplement with some unofficial tests if necessary, which we'll discuss in the next section).

Fortunately, there haven't been many major changes to the AP Psychology exam this year , so even old tests can be valid resources if you know how to use them. Be aware that changes are expected for the 2023-24 school year, but we’ll let you know when those go into effect!

Still, it's important to be aware that the AP Psychology test also changed slightly  in 2019-2020 (mostly in terms of course units and how the free-response section is scored). You can read more about these changes and the current format in the 2020 Course and Exam Description .

There are four official AP Psych practice tests you can download for free as PDFs:

• 2016 AP Psychology Exam
• 2012 AP Psychology Exam
• 1999 AP Psychology Exam
• 1994 AP Psychology Exam

If you're looking for more free-response practice specifically, you can try working on official free-response questions in isolation . Most of these also have accompanying answer keys and sample responses to help you better understand what the graders are expecting. You can get tons of free-response questions on the College Board website ( from 2021 all the way back to 1999 ).

Additionally, if you want to practice multiple-choice questions without having to take a complete practice exam, you can check out the sample questions in the AP Psychology Course Descriptions:

• 2019-20 AP Psych Course Description : Includes 15 multiple-choice questions and two free-response questions, as well as answers
• 2014-15 AP Psych Course Description : Includes 25 multiple-choice questions and two free-response questions, as well as answers

You might be able to find additional official practice tests and questions online from other sources. Your teacher will also have access to practice testing materials that are not available to the general public. If you're looking for more official AP tests, talk to your teacher and see whether they can provide you with any extra resources.

Unofficial AP Psychology Practice Exams

Unofficial practice tests can also be helpful for your AP Psych prep, but you shouldn't rely on them entirely. While they still test roughly the same content as the real exam, their questions might be phrased differently and have a slightly higher or lower difficulty level. Usually, the ones you must pay for will be higher quality than free unofficial ones, so keep this in mind.

It's a good idea to intersperse official practice tests with these unofficial ones in your prep.

Shmoop Practice Tests

Shmoop offers one AP Psychology diagnostic test and three full-length practice exams that mimic the content and format of the real test (free-response section included). You have to pay for an account eventually. The rate for a student account is $14.99 a month .

REA Online Practice Exam

This is just one AP Psychology practice test, but it includes automatic scoring and analyzes your mistakes for you . The exam is also timed, so testing conditions are replicated relatively accurately (minus the fact that it's on the computer). The cost is $5.95.

Varsity Tutors Diagnostic Tests

This well-known test-prep company offers tons of free full-length AP Psychology exams (minus the free-response section) . While they're not the highest quality out there, these are good to use to review some of the material you've learned and to keep drilling important concepts. It's also got several shorter quizzes organized by topic area.

How to Review With AP Psychology Practice Tests

Practice tests can be used throughout the school year and in your final review sessions for the AP Psychology exam. They're the best way to judge how advanced you are in your knowledge of the material. They'll also help you gain familiarity with the format of the AP Psych test so that you're not caught off-guard on test day.

Here's some advice on using these practice tests in your prep at different points throughout the year.

First Semester: In-Class Test Prep

At this point, you're just preparing for in-class tests and haven't learned all the information for the course yet. You might decide to use practice sites that include focused questions on specific aspects of the AP Psychology curriculum , such as this one .

Still, the Psychology practice tests in this article might be helpful resources. You can sort through the free-response questions that were asked on previous administrations of the test to find ones that are relevant to what you've learned so far.

It's a smart idea to practice free-response questions well ahead of time because they require the most independent knowledge. Most students have a tougher time on this section than on the multiple-choice section because you don't get a list of options that might jog your memory about a certain term or concept. Guessing isn't a viable option, so it's important to prepare thoroughly.

Second Semester: AP Test Prep

As you head into your second semester, start thinking about prepping for the AP test with full-length practice exams. You will have learned most of the material by the middle of the second semester, so you'll be able to use AP Psych practice tests to judge your skills more accurately. We'd recommend taking your first full-length test sometime in March.

Online tests can be helpful, but make sure you print out some practice tests, too; this is the only way to see whether your time management is on point. When you take a Psychology practice test, be sure to treat it seriously so that you can learn from your mistakes. After you finish, score it and investigate your incorrect answers.

There are several reasons why you might answer a question incorrectly. It could be due to poor time management, a careless mistake, or a lack of content knowledge. If one of the first two problems is the source of many of your mistakes, you probably need to take more practice tests to get used to the format while learning to read more carefully and pace yourself better.

If your mistakes have more to do with content knowledge, then you can narrow your focus further by categorizing your wrong answers by subject ( consult the list of topics in this article ). This way, you can primarily study parts of the course that you struggle with and avoid wasting time on concepts you already understand.

Once you've identified your mistakes on the practice test and taken steps to correct them, take another test to check your progress . Again, make sure you take this test with the same time limits as the real AP test. After taking the second test, repeat the steps of scoring it and looking through your mistakes. Continue this process until you feel fully prepared for the AP Psych exam.

If you struggle with the free-response questions, it might be productive to practice them between full practice tests. The more familiar you are with the way free-response questions are asked and what graders expect, the more likely you are to ace this section on the real test in May.

These questions will also help reinforce your understanding of psychological terms because they often ask you to apply terms to a hypothetical real-life scenario.

4 Essential AP Psychology Practice Testing Tips

Here are a few important tips to remember while using practice tests to review for AP Psychology.

#1: Always Time Yourself

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: if you want to assess your weak spots accurately, you need to time yourself as though you're taking the real test. You don't want time pressure to be your downfall after working your butt off to memorize all the content. If you can get a parent, sibling, or friend who doesn't have anything better to do for two hours than to be a mock proctor for you, that's even better!

#2: Don't Overthink

It's especially funny to list this tip for AP Psychology, but it's also relevant to the way the questions are structured. You'll see quite a few questions that seem complex but are just a matter of common sense. Try not to second-guess yourself on these types of questions. The test isn't trying to trick you!

#3: Be Direct in the Free-Response Section

When some students think about free-response questions, they imagine writing a five-paragraph essay. You don't have to do that on this test! All the graders want are the correct answers written in complete sentences. Forget about intros, conclusions, or any other fluffy stuff you're tempted to include—just get straight to the point.

#4: Put More Faith in Official Test Scores Than Unofficial Ones

It's tempting to believe that a high score on an unofficial test is valid, but it can get you into trouble. Remember that some tests could be easier or harder than the real AP test because the questions weren't designed by the College Board.

You should always include at least one official AP Psychology practice test in your studying so you can compare the difficulty levels and get an accurate reading on your progress.

Conclusion: Prepping With AP Psychology Practice Tests

Use the practice tests in this article as tools to bolster your prep for AP Psychology. Both official tests and unofficial tests are valuable resources, but you should definitely pay more attention to your scores on official tests when judging your progress and skill level.

Going over mistakes on practice tests will help you understand where your weaknesses lie and how you can fix them. If you take multiple practice tests, analyze your mistakes, and plan out your studying responsibly, you can expect high scores on the AP Psych test and any in-class tests you take throughout the year .

What's Next?

Looking for more guidance in preparing for this test? Read my complete AP Psychology study guide to get a collection of helpful notes. You should also check out our description of Stockholm Syndrome (complete with examples) here .

Review books can be great study resources for AP Psych as well. If you're not sure which one to get, take a look at this list of the best AP Psychology books .

What will a high score on an AP test really mean for you in college? Find out how AP classes can lead to college credits .

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Samantha is a blog content writer for PrepScholar. Her goal is to help students adopt a less stressful view of standardized testing and other academic challenges through her articles. Samantha is also passionate about art and graduated with honors from Dartmouth College as a Studio Art major in 2014. In high school, she earned a 2400 on the SAT, 5's on all seven of her AP tests, and was named a National Merit Scholar.

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AP Psychology Practice Exams

We have links to all of the best online AP Psychology practice exams. There are plenty of challenging tests to choose from, with hundreds of free practice questions. Pick an option from the list below to start your test prep right now!

AP Psychology Practice Tests

2012 official practice exam, 1999 released exam, albert ap psychology questions, intro to psychology practice tests, 1994 released exam.

AP Psychology | Practice Exams | Free Response | Notes | Flashcards |  Study Guides

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