ap psychology essay questions

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AP Psychology Exam Tips

Get to know the questions .

There are two free-response questions for AP Psychology: the Article Analysis Question (AAQ) and the Evidence-Based Question (EBQ).  

• The AAQ gives you 1 summarized peer-reviewed source and asks you to respond to 6 question parts. You’ll analyze the source for the research methods and design elements used, statistics interpretation, ethical guidelines, generalizability, and application of psychological content. 
• The EBQ gives you 3 summarized peer-reviewed sources on a common topic and asks you to respond to 3 question parts. You will propose a claim about the topic and provide 2 pieces of evidence to support your claim. You’ll also explain how the evidence supports your claim and connects to psychological content you learned in the course.  

Look for Task Verbs 

Pay close attention to the task verbs used in the free-response questions. Each one directs you to complete a specific type of response.  

Here are the task verbs you’ll see on the exam: 

• Describe: Provide the relevant characteristics of a specified topic.  
• “Explain how” typically requires analyzing the relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome;  
• “Explain why” typically requires analysis of motivations or reasons for the relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome.  
• Identify/State: Indicate or provide information about a specified topic, without elaboration or explanation.  
• Propose: Provide a claim for a specific topic using your own words.  
• Support or Refute: Provide reasoning that explains whether a claim or evidence should be upheld or rejected.  
• Use Evidence: Provide information from a study (i.e., data, rationales, conclusions, hypotheses) that is specific and relevant to a given topic. 

Plan Before You Start Writing 

Answering free-response questions takes training and practice. Students often begin to write immediately, which can create a string of disconnected thoughts. Instead, you should approach questions methodically and plan your answers before responding.  

• Carefully analyze the question, thinking through what is being asked, and identify the elements you’ll need to address in the response. Each AP Exam asks different types of questions. For AP Psychology, you will be asked to read source materials and then use those materials and the knowledge you’ve gained in the course to answer questions. 
• Next, consider what evidence from the source materials you can incorporate into your response. Consider how your evidence is related to content you learned during the year and then decide how it fits into the analysis.  
• Clearly explain why the evidence you use supports the claim or topic you’re referencing and how it connects to the knowledge you gained from the course. Don’t leave it to the reader to infer what you mean or how something illustrates a point.  
• Begin writing only after you have thought through the evidence you plan to use and determined what your argument will be. Once you’ve done this, you will be able to answer the question clearly. 

Practice Before Exam Day 

You may wish to work specifically on the free-response questions available in AP Classroom and on AP Central. Review the scoring rubrics for the questions to understand how the answers are scored. Sample responses for each point category are included in each scoring rubric. 

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

Free-Response Questions and Scoring Information

Go to AP Central to view free-response questions and scoring information from past exams.

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.

AP Psychology Exam: Study Plan and Resources

The AP Psychology exam is an opportunity for high school students to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts in psychology and potentially earn college credit. To excel on the exam, it's crucial to have a well-structured study plan and access to quality study resources. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you prepare effectively for the AP Psychology exam:

Creating Your Study Plan:

1. know the exam format:.

  - Familiarize yourself with the format of the AP Psychology exam. It consists of two sections: a multiple-choice section and a free-response section.

2. Set Clear Goals:

  - Define your goals for the exam, such as the score you aim to achieve. Having clear objectives will guide your study plan.

3. Create a Study Schedule:

  - Develop a study schedule that covers all the topics outlined in the AP Psychology curriculum. Allocate more time to challenging areas or topics you're less familiar with.

4. Break It Down:

  - Divide your study plan into manageable chunks. Assign specific topics or units to each study session to ensure comprehensive coverage.

5. Consistency Is Key:

  - Dedicate consistent daily or weekly study time. Regularity in your study routine will help you retain information effectively.

Top Resources for AP Psychology:

1. textbooks:.

  - "Psychology" by David G. Myers: This widely used textbook offers comprehensive coverage of AP Psychology topics. Make sure you have access to the most recent edition.

2. Online Courses:

  - Khan Academy: Khan Academy offers free online courses on psychology that align with the AP curriculum. Their interactive lessons and quizzes can be valuable study tools.

  - Coursera and edX: These platforms offer psychology courses from top universities, providing in-depth knowledge on specific topics that can complement your AP preparation.

3. Review Books:

  - "Barron's AP Psychology" and "Princeton Review's Cracking the AP Psychology Exam" are popular review books that provide practice questions and content review.

4. Flashcards:

  - Create or use flashcards to memorize key terms, concepts, and theories. Apps like Quizlet offer pre-made sets for AP Psychology.

5. Practice Tests:

  - Use official AP Psychology practice exams available on the College Board website. These exams closely resemble the real test and provide valuable practice.

  - Consider other practice test books like "5 Steps to a 5: AP Psychology" and "Barron's AP Psychology" for additional practice questions.

6. Online Resources:

  - Websites like AP Central (College Board's official AP resource) and AP Psychology Community provide sample questions, exam tips, and valuable insights from experienced AP Psychology teachers.

  - Psychology Today and American Psychological Association (APA) offer articles and resources that can help you understand real-world applications of psychology concepts.

Effective Study Strategies:

1. active learning:.

  - Engage actively with the material. Summarize, teach, or discuss topics with classmates to reinforce your understanding.

2. Practice Multiple-Choice Questions:

  - Regularly practice multiple-choice questions to improve your test-taking skills and knowledge retention.

3. Free-Response Practice:

  - Work on timed free-response questions to get comfortable with the format. Practice effective essay-writing skills and include relevant examples and terminology.

4. Mind Maps and Diagrams:

  - Use visual aids like mind maps, concept maps, and diagrams to organize complex information and relationships between concepts.

5. Mnemonics:

  - Create mnemonic devices to remember lists, theories, or key terms.

6. Study Groups:

 - Join or form a study group with peers. Discussing concepts and teaching each other can deepen your understanding.

7. Self-Assessment:

  - Periodically assess your progress with practice tests and quizzes. Identify areas where you need improvement and adjust your study plan accordingly.

Exam Day Preparation:

1. review your notes:.

  - On the day of the exam, review your notes and key concepts briefly but avoid cramming. Focus on building confidence in your knowledge.

2. Get a Good Night's Sleep:

  - Ensure you get adequate sleep the night before the exam to stay alert and focused during the test.

3. Bring Required Materials:

  - Check the College Board's website for the list of items you need to bring to the exam, such as a valid ID, No. 2 pencils, and a calculator (if allowed).

4. Manage Your Time:

  - During the exam, allocate time wisely. Don't spend too much time on a single question. Move on and return if needed.

5. Stay Calm:

  - Maintain a calm and positive mindset. Anxiety can affect your performance. Trust your preparation and stay confident.

By following this study plan and utilizing these resources, you can enhance your preparation for the AP Psychology exam. Remember that success comes from consistent effort, active learning, and effective test-taking strategies. Good luck with your AP Psychology exam!

In conclusion, preparing for the AP Psychology exam requires a well-structured study plan and access to quality study resources. This comprehensive guide has provided you with strategies to create an effective study plan, top resources for AP Psychology, and study strategies to maximize your preparation.

Remember that success on the AP Psychology exam is not solely about memorizing facts but understanding the underlying concepts and applying them to real-world scenarios. Active learning, practice tests, and self-assessment are key components of your preparation.

As you progress in your studies, stay focused, maintain a consistent study schedule, and use the resources available to you wisely. With dedication and a positive mindset, you can excel on the AP Psychology exam and earn college credit for your efforts. Best of luck in your AP Psychology journey!

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Ultimate Guide to the AP Psychology Exam

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The AP Psychology exam is one of the most popular APs among traditional students and self-studiers alike. Although many students enroll in the class, this particular exam is also well-suited to self-studying due to its heavy emphasis on vocabulary and highly specific theory. If you are interested in taking the AP Psychology exam, whether you have taken the class or have self-studied, read on for a breakdown of the test and CollegeVine’s advice for how to best prepare it.

When is the AP Psychology Exam?

On Tuesday, May 12, at 12 pm, the College Board will hold the 2020 AP Psychology Exam. For a comprehensive listing of all the AP exam times, check out our post, 2020 AP Exam Schedule: Everything You Need to Know .    

About the AP Psychology Exam

The AP Psychology course explores concepts, theories, and behaviors associated with the field and research areas of psychology. Successful students will become familiar with the history of the field, past and current research methods, and the biological and emotional bases for behavior. Because psychology is a rapidly-changing field, students should ensure that they prepare for the test with the most current materials available. 

The AP Psychology exam tests your mastery of both skills and concepts. During the course, you will develop three skills critical for passing the exam. Those skills and the weight they’re given on the AP Psychology exam are: 

The concepts tested on the AP Psychology exam are broken into nine units, focusing on the core principles, theories, and processes of the discipline. Below is a suggested structure of the nine units from the College Board along with the weight each unit is given on the AP Psychology exam: 

AP Psychology Exam Content

The AP Psychology exam is one of the shortest AP exams, clocking in at just two hours, and comprises two sections. The first section features multiple-choice questions and the second section is made up of free response questions. 

Section 1: Multiple Choice 

1 hour 10 minutes | 100 questions | 66.7% of score

Section one takes one hour and 10 minutes, contains 100 multiple-choice questions, and accounts for 66.7% of your total score. You’ll encounter two distinct types of multiple-choice questions: you’ll either be asked to define and explain content from the course topics or apply skills of concept understanding, data analysis, and scientific investigation. 

Example of a multiple-choice question asking you to define a course topic:

The answer to the multiple-choice questions above is B.

Example of a multiple-choice question asking you to apply a course concept: 

Section 2: Free Response

50 minutes | 2 questions | 33.3% of score

The second section takes 50 minutes, contains two free response questions, and accounts for 33.3% of your score. The first of the free response questions tests your grasp of the first course skill, concept understanding, and tasks you with explaining behavior and applying theories and perspectives to real-world situations. The second of the free response questions requires you to demonstrate possession of all three course skills with an emphasis on scientific investigation. On the second free response question, you’ll analyze research studies—including reviewing and interpreting quantitative data. 

Example of a concept understanding free response question: 

Example of a scientific investigation multiple-choice free response question: 

AP Psychology Score Distribution, Average Score, and Passing Rate

In 2019, 64.5% of students who took the AP Psychology exam received a score of 3 or higher. 20.5% of students received the top score of 5, while 22% scored a 1 on the exam. 

Keep in mind that credit and advanced standing based on AP scores varies widely from college to college. While a 3 is generally considered passing, you may need a 4 or 5 to receive credit. Some schools don’t grant credit at all, and only use AP exams for placement. You can find regulations regarding which AP exams qualify for course credits or advanced placement at specific colleges on the College Board’s website . 

A full course description that can help to guide your studying can be found in the College Board AP Psych course description .  If you’re curious about other score distributions, see our post Easiest and Hardest AP Exams .

Best Ways to Study for the AP Psychology Exam

Step 1: assess your skills.

Take a practice test to assess your initial knowledge of the material. Although the College Board’s AP Psychology website provides a number of sample test questions, it does not provide a complete sample test. There are, however, four complete practice tests with scoring guides provided on the College Board AP Psychology teacher website—from 1994 , 1999 , 2012 , and 2016 . You can also find a practice test in many of the commercial study guides, and some even include a diagnostic test to act as your initial assessment.

Once you have taken some kind of formative assessment, score it to identify the areas you already understand and those in need of improvement. It can be helpful to have a teacher or friend score your free response essays, as these are more subjective than the multiple-choice section. From an accurate practice test, you will get a better idea of where to focus your studying efforts.

Step 2: Study the Theory

In order to ace the AP Psychology exam, you will need to master the basic history of psychology along with the fundamental theories and approaches covered in the nine course units. 

You will likely need some study resources to help you as you tackle this content. The Myers’ Psychology For AP textbook is said to be the most comprehensive guide, as it is designed specifically for the AP class. Some criticize it for having too much information and for being particularly expensive, but it does cover all of the theory necessary to study for the exam in-depth. For information that is presented more concisely, you might consider Barron’s AP Psychology 8th Edition study guide. There are also accompanying Barron’s AP Psychology flashcards available.

In addition, there are tons of study resources available online, including many from AP teachers who have posted comprehensive outlines and study guides. There is also a great 40-episode YouTube series focused on the AP Psychology Exam. 

Additionally, a convenient way to study is to use one of the recently-developed apps for AP exams. Make sure you read reviews before choosing one, as their quality varies widely. The Brainscape AP Psych app and Varsity Tutors app are free, and both have positive reviews.

Step 3: Practice Multiple-Choice Questions

Once you have your theory down, test it out by practicing multiple-choice questions. You can find these in most study guides or through online searches. You could also try taking the multiple-choice section of a practice exam. Many sample questions with answers and explanations can be found in the official course description . Varsity Tutors offer numerous free AP Psychology diagnostic tests which contain an abundance of multiple-choice questions to practice with. Study.com also provides a free 50-question practice test . Try to keep track of which concepts and vocabulary are still tripping you up, and go back over this material.

Step 4: Practice Free Response Questions

On the AP Psychology exam’s free response section, you should be prepared to make practical use of your theory. Familiarize yourself with how to apply the most common principles from the field, and know how to effectively design or evaluate a research study.

To effectively master the free response section of your AP Psychology exam, you should have a good understanding of what task verbs you will commonly encounter, and precisely what each is asking you to do. The College Board provides the following definitions for the most commonly encountered directives on this exam:

• Identify requires that students name or point out psychological concepts as they pertain to the question.
• Show or describe require students to detail the essential characteristics or examples of a particular concept, theory, or phenomenon.
• Explain , discuss , and relate require that students make logical and coherent connections among the prompt (or premise), question, and psychological concepts.

Before you begin writing, make a brief, strong outline. It will not count toward your score, but it will help to organize your thoughts. Try to include specific examples from your studying and make sure to clearly introduce them in your writing. Common ways to successfully highlight specific examples include “For example,” or “One example of this is…”

The best way to prepare for the free response prompts is to practice them and study the scoring examples provided by the College Board. The College Board has the free response questions used on the AP Psychology exam dating back to 1999 posted on their website. These authentic student responses with real scoring explanations should give you a good idea of how the free response questions are scored, and where points are commonly lost.  

Step 5: Take Another Practice Test

As you did at the very beginning of your studying, take a practice test to evaluate your progress. You should see a steady progression of knowledge you’ve accumulated, and it’s likely that you will see patterns identifying which areas have improved the most and which areas still need improvement. If you have time, repeat each of the steps above to incrementally increase your score.

Step 6: Exam Day Specifics

If you’re taking the AP course associated with this exam, your teacher will walk you through how to register. If you’re self-studying, check out our blog post How to Self-Register for AP Exams .

For information about what to bring to the exam, see our post What Should I Bring to My AP Exam (And What Should I Definitely Leave at Home)?

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For more guidance about the AP exams, check out these other informative articles: 

2020 AP Exam Schedule

How Long is Each AP Exam?

Easiest and Hardest AP Exams

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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.

AP® Psychology Exam Format

The AP® Psychology exam is one of the most popular AP exams! AP Psych is taken by thousands of students every year. If you've decided to take the AP Psych exam, it's a good idea to become familiar with it. Learning the actual format of the exam will help you create an effective and comprehensive study plan that will get you one step closer to your goal: success on the AP Psychology exam. In this article, we'll review the AP Psych exam structure and look into the exam length, format, and other details to jumpstart your AP preparation.

What Is the Format of the AP Psychology Exam?

To help you understand the test’s format better, let’s begin by addressing a few questions about the time, structure, and length of the AP Psych exam.

How long is the AP Psychology exam?

The AP Psych exam length is two hours . You will be given 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete Section I, and 50 minutes to complete Section II.

Are there any essay questions on the AP Psych exam?

Yes, there are two essay questions in Section II of the AP Psychology exam.

How many FRQs are there on the AP Psych exam?

There are two FRQs on the AP Psychology exam .

How is the AP Psychology exam structured?

The AP Psych exam structure consists of two sections: Section I contains 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and Section II contains two free-response questions (FRQs). The table below explains the AP Psych exam format in detail and the weight given to each section. Let's have a look:

As you can see from the table above, the MCQ section carries a greater weight than the FRQ section. This means that scoring well in Section I will heavily impact your overall AP Psychology exam score . It’s a good idea to keep this in mind while preparing for your AP Psych exam and take enough AP Psychology practice tests. This way, nothing will surprise you.

The overall score for the AP Psychology exam is calculated on a scale from 1 to 5 . Colleges vary on what score is required for course credit, with some accepting a score of 3+, 4+, and some even requiring a 5. Because every college has its own set of AP credit requirements, you should inquire about the AP credit policies of the colleges where you plan to apply ahead of time.

Types of Questions on the AP Psychology Exam

Now that you are familiar with the AP Psychology exam format, we are ready to explore the types of questions you can expect to see on the test. We will discuss each section in detail to better understand how the AP Psychology course content reflects on the overall exam weighting and what skills you need to focus on while answering them.

Section I: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

For the first section, consisting of 100 MCQs, you must select the correct response from the five answer choices provided for each question. The trick to answering this section efficiently is to carefully evaluate all the answer choices and eliminate the ones that are either obviously incorrect or only partially answer the question.

The multiple-choice section is worth 66.7% of the total exam score, and it assesses your skills and knowledge of the content you learned during your AP Psychology course . The units and topics covered during the course also carry specific weight in this section. This weighting of units will determine the number of questions you will likely get from a certain unit on the exam. In other words, the exam will contain more questions from the course units with higher weights and fewer questions from the ones with lower weights.

Knowing this information will help you organize an efficient study schedule and teach you crucial time-management skills. The table below lists the AP Psychology course units and their respective weights in the MCQ section. Let’s check it out.

As mentioned earlier, performing well on the MCQ section will significantly improve your overall score for the AP Psychology exam. Learn how to approach the AP Psychology MCQ section with the help of our step-by-step instructions, tips, and AP Psychology sample questions to ace the AP Psych exam's MCQ section!

Section II: Free-Response Questions (FRQs)

Section II of the AP Psychology exam assesses your knowledge of psychological concepts, perspectives, and research methodology. To succeed in this section, you need to answer the questions clearly and within the prompt's context.

The first FRQ will assess your ability to apply the concepts and theories learned during the course to real-world scenarios. The second question will test your ability to assess a research study and interpret quantitative data. The table below summarizes the AP Psychology exam's FRQ section and its question types:

Because the time allotted for this section is less than an hour, you need to be precise in your analysis of the problems and demonstrate your understanding explicitly through your answer.

If you are interested in learning tips, tricks, and more information on how to ace this section, our expert guide on how to approach AP Psychology FRQs is here to help.

AP Psychology Exam - Paper or Digital Mode

In 2024, the AP Psychology exam will be administered in a paper-and-pencil format.

• AP Psychology. (n.d.). apcentral.collegeboard.org. Retrieved February 8, 2024, from https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-psychology  
• AP Course Overview - AP Psychology. (2021). apcentral.collegeboard.org. Retrieved February 8, 2024, from https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-psychology-course-overview.pdf  
• AP Psychology Course and Exam Description. (2020). apcentral.collegeboard.org. Retrieved February 8, 2024, from https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-psychology-course-and-exam-description.pdf  
• 2024 AP Exam Dates. (n.d.). apcentral.collegeboard.org. Retrieved February 8, 2024, from https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/exam-administration-ordering-scores/exam-dates  
• Key Facts About 2024 Digital AP Exams. (n.d.). apcentral.collegeboard.org. Retrieved February 8, 2024, from https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/exam-administration-ordering-scores/digital-ap-exams/key-facts

Read More About the AP Psychology Exam

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AP® Psychology

The ultimate list of ap® psychology tips.

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

Scoring a 4 or 5 on AP® Psychology can seem daunting. Fortunately, 45.6% of students who sat for the AP® Psychology test scored a 4 or 5 on the exam! That means AP® Psychology is a prime opportunity to boost your confidence and experience in taking AP® exams. Hopefully after reading this list of comprehensive tips, you’ll feel better prepared to rock your AP® Psychology test!

If you’re looking for online AP® Psychology prep , Albert is your go to place. Combining Albert with old school review books is a great option too. Check out this post for the best AP® Psychology review books .

Now to the good stuff… here are 50 AP® Psychology tips.

AP® Psychology FRQ Essay Tips & Advice

1. Underline important clauses : It is easy to overlook a small but important part of an FRQ question. Make sure to use your writing utensil. Underline or circle important phrases in the prompt.

2. Identify the verbs: Look for these cues to as mental reminders of what to include in your response. Verbs that are frequently on the test include; describe, explain, compare, contrast, evaluate, apply, identify, etc. Identifying these cues will allow you to ensure you are addressing every part of the question at hand.

3. Bucket the course : What we mean is you should outline the AP® Psychology course during your review sessions. Break down the important themes in the course and familiarize yourself with mentally cueing these “buckets” whenever you read an AP® Psychology question. You can label certain topic areas to your own liking i.e. Area 1: History & Approaches, Area 2: Research Methods, etc. So if you see a question about William James, you may remember that this question is testing your knowledge of History & Approaches and mentally recall related concepts to different approaches and the history of psychology.

4. Budget your time: with just 50 minutes to answer the two FRQ questions, you need to prepare yourself to answer each question in roughly 25 minutes. A good way to approach the FRQs is to spend the first 3-4 minutes planning your answer before beginning to write for the remainder of the time. Keep your eye on the time and make sure you don’t spend too much time on one essay over another.

5. Put your best foot forward: Cliche, yes. But this is a really important tip to remember. At the end of the day, you may enter the AP® Psychology test and not know every single part of the question you are responsible for. It’s okay! Take a deep breath and recall everything you do know. The name of the game is doing as well as you possibly can, and sharing with the reader/grader what you’ve learned. It is better to put your best foot forward and to try earning as many points as you can than to feel self-defeated and simply not write because you do not know a particular part of the question.

6. Use the proper terminology: When you can recall it, use the appropriate psychological term when responding to the FRQs. It is an AP® Psychology test for a reason!

7. Be specific: One of the areas students struggle with on the AP® Psychology test is being specific enough with their responses. If you survey the sample responses released by the College Board, you will see that many poorly scored responses are ones that lack specificity. Give examples and show that you truly understand what the question is asking.

8. Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication: We get it. You love complex sentences. However, students who are able to write simply and elegantly are often the best writers. When you can, break down your sentences. Write with clarity.

9. Understand the rubric: One of the best parts about taking AP® tests is that you know what will be on test before you take the exam. Print out a copy of the AP® Psychology FRQ rubric and learn it by heart. Once you internalize it, you will start to think about the test from the eyes of the test creator. You will become more aware of whether or not your responses are answering every part of the question being asked.

10. Write in complete sentences: I recommend answering your FRQs in complete sentences with a clear sentence for each part of the question. From example if the question asks you to define and explain, 4 terms, you would have a sentence defining the term and a sentence or two explaining the term. Make sure to clearly denote when you are transitioning from one term or idea to the next by indenting, skipping a line or having a bullet or word appropriately labeling the new section.

11. Read the question: This is very important! Don’t make the mistake of assuming what the rest of a question is asking, writing an entire response, and then realizing you’ve failed to answer the question. When you first open your FRQ packet , read both questions before starting to write . Then, make a decision on which one you feel more comfortable tackling first. This will not only boost your confidence and get you in the flow of writing before you have to tackle the question you have less expertise on.

12. Consider planning before answering: You should set aside a few minutes in the beginning of the free response section to plan your response before jumping in. It is well worth the time. Having a clear road-map of your response allows you to craft a coherent response.

13. Do not contradict yourself: You won’t be docked points for incorrect information, but you also won’t be given points for stating contradictory information. For example, you cannot say that positive reinforcement is rewarding a behavior to increase its frequency and rewarding for a behavior to decrease its frequency so even though you got the correct answer, since you contradicted it later, you would loose the point you had gained.

14. Cut the introduction and conclusion: You do not need an introduction or conclusion since the rubric is graded on your ability to hit specific points of the question. You can lead off with a response to the question. Remember, this is AP® Psychology, not AP® English.

15. Do not restate the question: With only 25 minutes per free response question, there are better uses to your time than restating the question. This goes in line with tip #14 of cutting the introduction and conclusion. However use parts of the question to show where your answers are located, for example, use the bulleted items you need to cover to label each section where the grader will find the answer.

16. Remember UDA: Underline the term or concept being tested, define the term without using the term itself in the definition, and apply the term to an example.

ie. Do not say, “Development psychology is about development…”

AP® Psychology Multiple Choice Review Tips

1. Understand what the question is asking: It seems simple, but sometimes students struggle to figure out what the College Board is actually asking of them. When you read the question, don’t be afraid to circle or underline the keywords in the question so that you can mentally think about what that keyword relates to conceptually.

2. Use POE : Often times you can eliminate an answer choice. POE stands for process of elimination . As you work through the AP® Psychology multiple choice section, make X marks or dashes by answer choices that do not make sense with the question. This helps you in two ways: it makes you logically think about what are feasible answer solutions and it makes reviewing your test at the very end more efficient.

3. Practice progressively: Cramming for the AP® Psychology exam the night before is not an effective method to prepare for the test. Make sure to begin your review several weeks before the exam. Practice a few questions every night and review whether or not you get the questions right or wrong. A good starting block is practicing ten questions a night two months before the exam. Then, ramp up your studying sessions with fifteen a night; before long, you can answer twenty a night. Remember, every 100 questions you practice is the equivalent of having taken one full AP® Psychology multiple choice section.

4. Create flashcards for problem areas: When you are reviewing the practice questions you’ve completed each night, take out five to ten flashcards and create cards for any term or concept that seemed foreign to you. If you progressively build on this stack (it can even be virtual i.e. on Quizlet ), you will have a go-to set of key concepts to review those final nights before the test.

5. Figure out WHY you are getting questions wrong: As important as it is to familiarize yourself with AP® style practice questions, it’s equally as important to figure out the reason why you are getting questions wrong. Figure out how to identify why certain answer choices are right and why other answer choices are incorrect. Always ask yourself, “Why?” when you are feeling uncertain or need to walk yourself mentally through a question.

6. Remember MAPS: Mark the test-maker traps i.e. except, main, best, etc. Answer the question yourself before assessing the answer choices. Use POE (see #2 above) to narrow down the options. Skip the questions you don’t know the answer to until you’ve done a first pass through the rest of the multiple choice section. Put a star or question mark next to questions you are unsure about.

7. Easy, Moderate, and Difficult questions are interspersed throughout the test.  Remember there are 100 questions total and they do not necessarily get harder as you go on. The very last question could be one you totally know!  Try to skip questions and make your way to the end of the exam so don’t miss easy wins.

Overall How to Study for AP® Psychology Tips

1. Master the terminology: Knowing the terms frequently tested on the AP® Psychology exam will go a long way to improving your score. Create ways to remember important names and contributions and ensure that you understand how theories and concepts interact with one another.

2. Group study: Studying for AP® Psychology doesn’t have to be lonely! Tag team with your friends or classmates to prepare for the test. Group studying can be highly effective if everyone goes in with an open mind towards learning. It is a good way to bounce knowledge off of one another, and create a group facilitation effect. Teaching concepts to others is also one of the most effective ways to study.

3. Isolate your weaknesses: If you know something like the back of your hand, then there is no need to spend too much time reviewing it. Instead, focus your efforts on areas that you know you need to improve upon. Often students like studying to feel easy so they only review concepts they already know. While that is OK for confidence building, it isn’t a great strategy for preparing for the full exam.

4. Complete your reading: Often times students think they can just memorize several hundred psychology terms and be okay on the test. The problem is that if you do not complete your reading, you will struggle to apply the terms on the test. Your textbook is one of the best ways to make the connection between terms.

5. Rewrite your notes: A great way to review core concepts is by looking over your notes and identifying what you feel is most important. Then take what you thought was most important and summarize the notes in a more concise way. Isolating important ideas and rewriting them will help you become more familiar with the concepts so that when the test rolls around, you will be able to recall it quickly.

6. Complete test corrections: When you begin your AP® Psychology review, review all of the tests you have taken this year in the class. Look at the questions you got wrong and be able to answer why you got the question wrong. Seeking continuous improvement in your weak areas is the key to great success on the AP® Psychology exam.

7. Understand the test percentages: The test itself has a specific breakdown in terms of the relative frequency of concepts. You can find the outline below. Review this outline before you begin your review so that you can plan how to spend your review time.

Tips Submitted by AP® Psychology Teachers

1. Make a chart for the free response questions so you don’t forget anything and lose valuable points. Thanks for the tip from Cory S. from Laramie Senior High!

2. RELAX . If you are stuck on an question, go back to it. It’s important to answer as many correctly as you can. Thanks for the tip from Jennifer A. from Windsor High.

3. Stress makes people stupid, so relax . If you know your stuff you will be fine and if you don’t, well stressing out about it won’t help. Thanks for the tip from Ron E. from Goshen High.

4. Use the knowledge you are acquiring about your brain and behavior to your academic advantage. Be willing to adjust your studying and learning strategies to incorporate what you’ve learned to use your brain more efficiently. Thanks for the tip from Kristi B. from Traverse City Central High.

5. Be sure to read the essay questions carefully and relate the response to the prompt specifically. Thanks for the tip from Keith M. from Ball High.

6. Create themes for each of the Major Units so as to be well prepared for the two Free Response Questions. Thanks for the tip from Kelly G. from Timberline High.

7. Use flashcards . Know the vocabulary! Thanks for the tip from Michael S. at Roosevelt High and Matt D. from Waupun Junior/Senior High.

8. Know each perspective and the terms associated with each. This has helped students tremendously. Thanks for the tip from Sharon C. from Crestview High.

9. On the FRQ section, answer EVERYTHING , even if you think you don’t know it, try to answer it. It is better that you try and answer it than leave it blank. You never know where you’ll get points from! Thanks for the tip from Kristopher C. from Manvel High.

10. Students must know the language of the field in the multiple choice and they must prove they can apply that language to given scenarios on the AP® Essay portion. I provide several different assessments that include theorist names, schools of thought, and language of the field so they can begin to “thread” theorist to school of thought to its language — because they are going to get those questions in one of those 3 forms. It works very well and always receive great feedback from students, accordingly. Layering the learning generates easier encoding from which to recall. Thanks for the tip from Jody Z. from Hammond High.

11. Use the  Barron’s Review book : read it, annotate, and take the practice quiz-grade that and highlight the answer key in the end of the chapter explain “why I missed the question”. That becomes their “ticket in” to test corrections. That way the students have done some extra study to help clarify the material and are not simply guessing on the questions. Thanks for the tip from Ann F. from Centennial High.

12. Use Four Corner Flashcards.  After making flashcards with traditional main term or concept and definition, I have my students add four other unit terms to the notes card, one in each corner.. I put a list of all important unit terms, researchers and studies in our unit packet. I ask the students to pick four of the terms (different terms for each note card), and place one term in each corner of the note card. After learning the definition, the student has to connect the main term on the card to each of the other four terms and mentally explain in FRQ format how the other four terms relate to the main term on the card. That way, students get practice connecting unit terms and concepts together. I also have them pick their best card and we complete a speed dating activity with each person sharing their card with each other. They only have one minute to share their “Four Corner Card” so two minutes each “date.” Then they switch to another person. After everyone has shared, students share which “date” was best, or which “date” they learned the most from. Thanks for the tip from Mike R. from Verona Area High.

13. Read the question for traps. Then if you pick an answer, stick with it….do not go back and change an answer. I have found that your first instinct is correct MOST of the time. So, unless you are certain of the answer, go with your gut and do not make a change. Review pairs that may be confusing like regression and repression….make sure you know the difference. Use acronyms when you study like SAME….Sensory Afferent…..Motor, Efferent. Thanks for the tip from Jamie H from North Davidson High.

14. Be absolutely familiar with the six major fields of study in psychology : Behaviorism, Psychoanalytic, Humanism, Cognitive, Biological, and Social learning. Key words on many multiple choice questions will help you determine the answer if you understand everything about these disciplines and the people responsible for them. An example would be “unconscious “– Psychoanalytic or Freud and ” perception “–Cognitive or Bandura. Thanks for the tip from Terry M.

15. Take at least four practice AP® exams and then do an item analysis on what sections you are weak in. Then focus on those sections. Thanks for the tip from Domenic M. from Avon Grove High.

16. Create personal examples for each of the key terms, concepts or theories. There are A LOT of them throughout the course and attaching meaning to each will trigger your memory (Hint, hint– Elaborative rehearsal!!). Thanks for the tip from Maggie M. from Villa Joseph Marie High.

17. My MOST important tip on the day of the exam , 5 -10 minutes before entering the exam room, Power Pose – If you haven’t watch Amy’ Cuddy’s TED Talk . Thanks for the tip from Tammy D. from Lexington High.

18. During the free response, always remember to apply the term back to the situation given.  Thanks for the tip from Diane L. from Elwood.

19. Organize your note cards and outlines BEFORE you start studying. Otherwise it can be very overwhelming. Thanks for the tip from Julianne H. at Stratford High.

20. Study interconnected concepts and themes between units.  Do not focus so much on each term from the textbook. Memorization is most effective when students make meaningful and personal connections – build their schema. Thanks for the tip from Steve K. from Hillcrest High.

Are you a teacher or student? Do you have an awesome tip? Let us know!

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The Ultimate AP Psychology Review Guide: 5-Step Prep Plan

Advanced Placement (AP)

Preparing for the AP Psychology exam shouldn't make you lose your sanity (as it were). Some of the material is challenging, but overall it's not that scary compared to other AP tests. As long as you stay focused during your prep and are familiar with the format of the test, you'll have a good chance of acing it!

In this article, we'll go over the structure and content of the AP Psychology exam and explain how you can make the best use of your AP Psychology review time to end up with a great score.

What's the Format of the AP Psychology Exam?

The AP Psychology exam is one of the shorter AP tests, clocking in at just two hours in total . You'll have 70 minutes to complete 100 multiple-choice questions and 50 minutes to answer two free-response questions. Overall, I'd say that AP Psych is one of the easier AP tests based on its shorter length and the complexity of its content.

Here's an overview of the format of the AP Psych exam, which changed slightly in the 2019-20 testing year :

Since you only have 70 minutes for 100 multiple-choice questions, you'll need to make sure you're keeping track of time. It's important that you move relatively quickly because you'll have less than a minute for each question!

Try not to spend more than 30 seconds on a single multiple-choice question; you can always come back to that question later. There is no guessing penalty on multiple choice (as for all AP exams now), so incorrect answers won't hurt your score. In short, always put down something!

The free-response questions shouldn't give you much trouble in terms of time. There are only two of them (much fewer than most other AP tests), and they're usually very straightforward. In many cases, they will just ask you to explain how terms you've learned in AP Psychology relate to a specific situation.

You'll also need some knowledge of the scientific method for certain free-response questions that ask about the methodology of a psychological study. In the next section, we'll take a look at actual examples of AP Psychology multiple-choice and free-response questions.

What's on the AP Psychology Exam?

The 2020 AP Psychology Course and Exam Description gives a breakdown of the different units covered in the AP Psych course and what percentage of questions they make up on the test. Here are the topics you'll see on the exam:

This chart could inform how much of your AP Psychology review time you spend studying each big topic, but it's probably more important to pay attention to where you struggle the most on an individual level .

For example, if you know all there is to know about Cognitive Psychology but don't remember that much about Sensation and Perception, you should spend more time reviewing the latter topic , even though it relates to fewer questions.

Next, we'll look at official sample AP Psychology questions.

Multiple-Choice Question Example

Here's an example of a multiple choice question you might see on the test, taken from the 2014-15 Course Description :

This question is kind of wordy, and it might seem as though you need to know a lot to figure it out, but you could in fact still come up with the correct answer without having much psychology knowledge at all (though it's less confusing with some background information).

Here, we're told that the baby monkeys preferred the soft cloth surrogate mother over the wire surrogate with food, indicating that the comfort of the cloth was more important to them than the food when they were scared. The answer, therefore, is B.

Most multiple-choice AP Psychology questions will involve either simple logic, like this one, or basic memorization of the content in the course.

Free-Response Question Example

Here's an example of a free-response question from the 2019-20 Course and Exam Description :

Here, it's easy to see how the points for this second free-response question are earned. The seven bullet points/lines correspond to the 7 possible points you can earn . This question is dependent on a comprehensive knowledge of specific terms and concepts from the AP Psych curriculum. You can see how to earn full points for this question in the official scoring guidelines .

4 Preliminary AP Psychology Study Tips

Here are some tips to keep in mind before you start your AP Psychology exam review. They'll help you stay on track and make the most of your prep time.

#1: Plan Out Your Time

How much time do you have before the AP Psych exam? You'll need to take this into account when formulating your study plan. Think about how much time you can afford to spend studying for AP Psychology while considering the amount of other schoolwork you have.

For example, if you think you'll have about 10 hours to study , your plan might look something like this:

• Take and score a practice test (2.5 hours)
• Go over your mistakes (1 hour)
• Review weak content areas and update your test-taking strategies (2 hours)
• Take and score another practice test (2.5 hours)
• Final review (2 hours)

If you have more time before the exam, you might be able to go more in depth with your mistakes on the second practice test and even take a third or fourth test.

Overall, your time should be split relatively evenly between taking practice tests and reviewing the material. Your plan could change depending on your initial scores and how much you're looking to improve.

I'd say that you don't need to spend more than 20 hours in total studying for AP Psychology. The amount of material isn't overwhelming, and it's not an especially difficult test, so this should be plenty of time. (I'll get more specific on how to use practice tests effectively in the next section.)

#2: Choose Review Materials Wisely

You'll need reliable review materials to ensure you're getting the most out of your study sessions.

I recommend buying a review book ( 5 Steps to a 5 and Cracking the AP Psychology Exam are the ones I like best). Review books cover just the information you'll need to know for the test, so they are going to be less overwhelming to study than your textbook or notes from class will be.

That said, don't totally ignore the resources you've accumulated in your AP Psychology class . Your notes might include unique methods for remembering concepts and terms, which can be useful as an alternative to the information in a review book. Your textbook could be useful as well because it might have diagrams that are better than the ones in review books.

Overall, I think it's nice to have an AP review book as a backup so that you stay focused on your studying and don't spend time on topics that are less relevant to the exam.

#3: Focus on Memorizing Terms

The AP Psychology exam is centered around psychological terms and theories. Some of these can be confusing and hard to tell apart (or not what they sound like intuitively). As a result, it's really important to have a solid grasp on all the terms you learned in the course , for both multiple-choice and free-response questions.

Free-response questions will often ask you to explain the relation of an obscure psychology term to a hypothetical scenario, and it's impossible to earn points if you aren't completely confident in your understanding of the meaning of the term.

Flashcards are helpful for this type of memorization. If you have time, you can make flashcards for all the important terms in the class or even just a few terms that always trip you up. These can be physical flashcards or (if that's too old-fashioned) digital flashcards, such as those found on Quizlet (in which case you wouldn't even need to make your own, as there are already loads of user-created study sets available!).

Personally, I find that writing down the definitions of terms will help drill their meanings into your brain more effectively, so I prefer to make my own cards, but you can do whatever works best for your schedule and learning style.

#4: Go Over Testing Strategies

Before you take a practice test, you should be aware of the testing pitfalls that might impact your score. Don't sacrifice points on practice tests (or the real test!) due to factors unrelated to your knowledge of the material. Here are some strategies for different types of test questions.

Multiple-Choice Questions

As I mentioned earlier, the AP Psych exam doesn't give you a ton of time for each multiple-choice question. If you have the tendency to get stuck on difficult questions, you'll need to keep this in mind during the test.

Try to avoid spending more than 30 seconds on each question (40 max), and don't worry too much about temporarily skipping a few. You should still eventually go back to them and put something down, though, as there's no penalty for incorrect answers. It's perfectly OK to randomly guess on a question you don't know the answer to if you're running out of time.

Also note that it's possible to get a 5 on the AP Psychology test, even if you get wrong around 20 to 30 multiple-choice questions.

Finally, don't let yourself overthink multiple-choice questions . The questions can sound and look complex, but most of the time they're not overly difficult if you know the material. U nderline the parts of the question that are most important so that you don't get distracted or start to second-guess yourself. If one of the answers seems as if it doesn't make sense, eliminate it.

Free-Response Questions

On free-response questions, remember that this isn't an English test! There's no need to write an introduction and conclusion—just go straight for the answer to the question. That being said, you should still write in complete sentences with correct grammar. Make it as easy as possible for the graders to find your answers and give you points. Underline verbs like "describe" or "define" in the question to keep yourself focused on the task at hand.

With some free-response questions, it can be easier to work backwards by putting yourself in the position of one of the people in the hypothetical scenario . For example, with the sample question above, you might say to yourself, "If I were involved in a study that required me to punch a punching bag after being told my essay was horrible, how might I react? Why?"

Your 5-Step AP Psychology Review Plan in Action

Here's a basic outline of the steps you should take once you've prepared your materials and made a rough study plan for AP Psychology.

Step 1: Take and Score a Practice Test

The first step is to take a practice test to see how high you're currently scoring . The absolute best tests to take are those created by the College Board, since these will be most similar to what you'll see on test day.

There are three official AP Psychology practice tests available for free as PDFs:

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

It's a smart idea to prioritize recent exams over older ones. Note, too, that the AP Psychology test underwent some changes in 2020 , so you might need to tweak these practice exams slightly.

Here's a conversion table that shows (roughly) how raw composite scores from practice tests translate to the AP scoring scale :

To calculate your raw composite score, add up the number of multiple-choice questions you answered correctly . Then, consult the scoring rubric for the free-response questions to calculate the number of points you earned on each question (out of 7 each).

Convert the number of points you got on the free-response questions to a value out of 50. For example, if you got 8 out of 14 points on the two free-response questions, you would convert that to about 29 out of 50.

Finally, add the raw score numbers from the multiple-choice and free-response sections together. If you earned 75 points (meaning you got 75 questions correct) on the multiple-choice section and 29 points on the free-response section, your composite score would be 104, making your official AP Score around a 4. See this article for more information on calculating your AP score .

Once you've scored your practice test, you can set a future score goal . This is pretty simple for AP tests because the score range is just 1-5. There's no reason not to aim for a 5 on the test , especially in the case of the AP Psychology exam. Since it's one of the less difficult AP tests, a 5 should be achievable for you if you simply put some effort into studying .

If you're scoring very low right now, though, you could think about aiming for a 3-4 and increasing your goal if you reach it before the test. Even if you're already in the 5 range, you should still consider doing a bit of studying if you have time. It's important to feel as comfortable as possible on test day!

Step 2: Analyze Your Mistakes

Look at the questions you got wrong or had to guess on in your practice test, and try to figure out why you struggled. Did you forget a term or concept? Were you not sure what the question was asking? Did you make a careless error? Did you run out of time? Which of these issues was most prevalent? Did you notice a certain type of question that you tended to get wrong?

Record your findings on the nature of your mistakes so that you can correct them in your studying. This guide will help you with reviewing your mistakes (I know it's for SAT/ACT practice specifically, but the same principles apply to AP tests).

Step 3: Review Weak Content Areas

If you made a lot of mistakes related to content or question misunderstandings, you should try to figure out which areas caused you the most trouble. Then, you can consult your notes or a review book to brush up on terms or concepts you've forgotten . AP Psychology involves quite a bit of memorization, so there's bound to be at least a few areas for which you weren't sure of the meaning or couldn't remember a specific detail.

Stay focused on your weak areas, and pay special attention to weak areas that are also big parts of the exam. For example, if questions about cognitive psychology give you trouble but you also struggle with developmental psychology, put more effort into studying the former, as it makes up a bigger part of the test. A knowledge deficit in this area will cost you more points in the end.

Step 4: Revise Your Test-Taking Strategies

If your mistakes fell heavily on the side of time issues and careless errors, you should think more about how you can change your approach to the test . Remember to avoid getting stuck on difficult questions if you're running out of time. Consider slowing down a bit and reading questions more carefully if you suffer from careless errors.

Step 5: Rinse and Repeat!

After you've revised your strategies and brushed up on your content knowledge, you should take another practice test to assess your progress . Then, you can go through the review process again and take steps to improve further. You can do this as many times as it takes for you to feel comfortable with the AP Psychology test and reach your score goal.

Conclusion: Your Best AP Psychology Review

When reviewing for the AP Psychology exam, it's important to pay attention to the format of the test so that you know what to expect on test day. You should also devote special attention to topic areas that are the most difficult for you . Both strong content knowledge and smart testing strategies are important if you want to earn a high score.

Practice tests are the most valuable tools in your arsenal for checking on your progress as you review the material. Keep revising your strategies and closing any gaps in your content knowledge until you get to a score that makes you happy!

What's Next?

Want to learn more about specific AP Psych topics? Then start with our discussion of Stockholm Syndrome .

What does a good score on the AP Psychology mean for you in college? Learn more about how AP credit works at colleges .

Are you taking AP US History along with AP Psychology? Read this article for some helpful AP US History study resources .

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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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2024 AP Psychology Exam Guide

10 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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Enter your email to unlock an extra $25 off an sat or act program, 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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AP Psychology

Click any of the links above for the best AP Psychology practice exams, free response questions, notes, videos, flashcards, and study guides. These online resources include all the information you need to succeed in your AP Psych course.

AP Psychology Exam

This course focuses on the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Psychological principles, facts, and phenomena are covered for each of the major fields of psychology. The primary topics covered are:

1.) History & Approaches 2.) Research Methods 3.) Biological Bases of Behavior 4.) Sensation & Perception 5.) States of Consciousness 6.) Learning 7.) Cognition 8.) Motivation & Emotion 9.) Developmental Psychology 10.) Personality 11.) Testing & Individual Differences 12.) Abnormal Behavior 13.) Treatment of Abnormal Behavior 14.) Social Psychology

The AP Psychology Exam format is:

Multiple-Choice Section : Two-thirds of exam grade. -100 questions (70 minutes)

Free-Response Section : One-third of exam grade. -2 questions (50 minutes)

When is the AP Psychology Exam?

The exam date for the 2022–2023 school year is Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 12 noon . This test is offered once per year.

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