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AP Score Distribution 2023: Insights into Student Performance

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1How to check my AP Scores 20232AP Score Distribution 2023 Breakdown 3AP Score Distribution – Mean Score Analysis4Top 10 Hardest AP Subjects in 2023 based on AP Scores5Top 10 Easiest AP Subjects in 2023 based on AP Scores6AP Score Distribution 20237AP English Language 2023 Score Distribution8AP United States History 2023 Score Distribution9AP English Literature 2023 Score Distribution10AP World History 2023 Score Distribution11AP US Government & Politics 2023 Score Distribution12AP Psychology 2023 Score Distribution13AP Calculus AB 2023 Score Distribution14AP Biology 2023 Score Distribution15AP Human Geography 2023 Score Distribution16AP Statistics 2023 Score Distribution17AP Environmental Science 2023 Score Distribution18AP Spanish Language & Culture 2023 Score Distribution19AP Physics 1 2023 Score Distribution20AP Computer Science Principles 2023 Score Distribution21AP Macroeconomics 2023 Score Distribution22AP Chemistry 2023 Score Distribution23AP Calculus BC 2023 Score Distribution24AP Microeconomics 2023 Score Distribution25AP European History 2023 Score Distribution26AP Computer Science A 2023 Score Distribution27AP Seminar 2023 Score Distribution28AP Physics C – Mechanics 2023 Score Distribution29AP Art and Design: 2-D 2023 Score Distribution30AP Research 2023 Score Distribution31AP Spanish Literature & Culture 2023 Score Distribution32AP Art History 2023 Score Distribution33AP Government & Politics – Comparative 2023 Score Distribution34AP Physics C – E&M 2023 Score Distribution35AP French Language & Culture 2023 Score Distribution36AP Art and Design: Drawing 2023 Score Distribution37AP Physics 2 2023 Score Distribution38AP Music Theory 2023 Score Distribution39AP Chinese Language & Culture 2023 Score Distribution40AP Art and Design: 3-D 2023 Score Distribution41AP Latin 2023 Score Distribution42AP German Language & Culture 2023 Score Distribution43AP Japanese Language & Culture 2023 Score Distribution44AP Italian Language & Culture 2023 Score Distribution45Understanding AP Score Distribution 202346Beyond the AP Scores: How to check my AP Credit for College Application?47Conclusion
AP Results 2023 how why and what
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In this blog, we present an overview of the 2023 Advanced Placement AP score distributions. We’ll explore the percentage of students who scored 3 or higher in each subject, ranging from AP Latin to AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism.

We analyzed the AP Exam Scores 2023 score distribution by Trevor Packer, to offer a glimpse into what these scores mean and how they can shape students’ academic futures.

Join us in celebrating the accomplishments of these talented students and their dedication to academic excellence.

Let’s dive into the data and discover the outcomes of the 2023 AP exams!

How to check my AP Scores 2023

  • Visit the website – https://bit.ly/apscores2023
  • Check that you can sign into your College Board account.
    Make sure that you remember your login credentials by signing in before scores are released in July. This is the same account that you use to access My AP or other College Board resources.
  • Make sure we have your current email address.
    If you’ve changed your email address, update it in your account.
  • Don’t create a new account if you already have one.
    Duplicate accounts can cause delays in getting your AP scores. Sign in with the same account you used to register and enroll in AP class sections.

AP Score Distribution 2023 Breakdown


Here’s the list of subjects in increasing order of pass rates (scores of 3 or higher):

Subject Percentage (3 or higher)
AP Latin 47%
AP US History 48%
AP European History 49%
AP Chemistry 50%
AP World History 50%
AP Physics 1 45%
AP Music Theory 61%
AP Calculus AB 58%
AP English Literature & Composition 57%
AP English Language & Composition 56%
AP Psychology 60%
AP Statistics 60%
AP Microeconomics 66%
AP Macroeconomics 64%
AP Art History 64%
AP German 66%
AP Biology 64%
AP Calculus BC 74%
AP French 74%
AP Seminar 69%
AP Italian 69%
AP Computer Science Principles 68%
AP Spanish Literature 67%
AP Computer Science A 67%
AP Comparative Government & Politics 71%
AP Physics C: Mechanics 66%
AP Japanese 76%
AP Art and Design 3D Portfolio 76%
AP Spanish Language 84%
AP Research 84%
AP Chinese 85%
AP Art and Design Drawing Portfolio 85%
AP Physics 2 68%
AP Human Geography 54%
AP US Government and Politics 38%
AP Environmental Science 53%
AP Macroeconomics 64%
AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism 68%

The subjects are listed in increasing order based on the pass rates (scores of 3 or higher) from lowest to highest.

Help us further understand the AP Exam Results by filling in this short survey:

AP Score Distribution – Mean Score Analysis

Subject Mean Score
AP English Language & Composition 2.81
AP US History 2.56
AP English Literature and Composition 2.84
AP World History 3.04
AP US Government and Politics 2.59
AP Psychology 2.89
AP Calculus AB 2.98
AP Biology 3.03
AP Human Geography 2.74
AP Statistics 2.88
AP Environmental Science 2.77
AP Physics 1 2.52
AP Computer Science Principles 3.03
AP Macroeconomics 3.05
AP Chemistry 3.24
AP Calculus BC 3.72
AP Microeconomics 3.15
AP European History 2.94
AP Computer Science A Exam 3.20
AP Seminar 3.29
AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam 3.35
AP Art and Design 2D Portfolio 3.37
AP Research 3.33
AP Spanish Literature 2.95
AP Art History 3.01
AP Comparative Government & Politics 3.13
AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism 3.42
AP French (total group) 3.17
AP Art and Design Drawing Portfolio 3.48
AP Music Theory 3.03
AP Chinese (total group) 3.93
AP Art and Design 3D Portfolio 3.05
AP Latin 2.80
AP German (total group) 3.11
AP Japanese (total group) 3.63
AP Italian 3.22
AP Physics 2 3.09

The table presents the mean scores for all Advanced Placement (AP) subjects in 2023, providing a comprehensive overview of student performance. Higher mean scores indicate stronger proficiency, while lower scores may suggest more challenging courses.

This data offers valuable insights for educators and students, guiding efforts to enhance academic achievements. It highlights the importance of academic excellence and recognizes the diverse skill sets and interests of students in various AP subjects.

Top 10 Hardest AP Subjects in 2023 based on AP Scores

Here are the subjects with the top 10 lowest pass rates (3 or higher):

Subject Mean Score
AP Physics 1 2.52
AP US History 2.56
AP US Government and Politics 2.59
AP Human Geography 2.74
AP Environmental Science 2.77
AP Latin 2.8
AP English Language & Composition 2.81
AP English Literature and Composition 2.84
AP Statistics 2.88
AP Psychology 2.89

The list represents the top 10 hardest Advanced Placement (AP) subjects based on the mean score for the year 2023. These courses, known for their rigor and academic challenges, have garnered lower mean scores among students who took the respective exams. Topping the list are AP Physics 1, AP US History, and AP US Government and Politics, where students achieved average scores of 2.52, 2.56, and 2.59, respectively. The list also includes other demanding subjects such as AP Human Geography, AP Environmental Science, and AP English Language & Composition.

Top 10 Easiest AP Subjects in 2023 based on AP Scores

Here are the subjects with the top 10 highest pass rates (3 or higher):

Subject Mean Score
AP Chinese 3.93
AP Calculus BC 3.72
AP Japanese 3.63
AP Art and Design Drawing Portfolio 3.48
AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism 3.42
AP Art and Design 2D Portfolio 3.37
AP Physics C: Mechanics 3.35
AP Research 3.33
AP Seminar 3.29
AP Chemistry 3.24

The table represents the top 10 easiest Advanced Placement (AP) subjects based on the mean scores for the year 2023. These courses have earned higher mean scores among students who took the respective exams, indicating that they are comparatively less challenging. At the top of the list are AP Chinese (total group) with a mean score of 3.93, closely followed by AP Calculus BC with a mean score of 3.72, and AP Japanese (total group) with a mean score of 3.63.

These subjects are considered less daunting by students, resulting in higher average scores. The list also includes other relatively accessible subjects, such as AP Art and Design Drawing Portfolio, AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism, and AP Art and Design 2D Portfolio, all of which have received commendable mean scores

AP Score Distribution 2023

The AP Score Distribution for 2023 provides a comprehensive analysis of the performance of students in various subjects. This examination of score distribution offers valuable insights into the overall achievements of test-takers.

The data reveals patterns and trends, showcasing subjects where students excelled and areas where improvement may be needed. Educators and policymakers can utilize this information to assess the effectiveness of educational programs and tailor support accordingly.

The 2023 AP Score Distribution serves as a valuable resource for evaluating student performance and shaping future educational initiatives.

AP English Language 2023 Score Distribution

AP English Language & Composition Scores 2023

Subject AP English Language & Composition
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 10% 20% 26% 29% 15%

AP United States History 2023 Score Distribution

AP US History Scores 2023

Subject AP US History
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 11% 15% 22% 23% 29%
2023 AP US History Scores

AP English Literature 2023 Score Distribution

AP English Literature & Composition Scores 2023

Subject AP English Literature and Composition
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 9.3% 17.3% 33.5% 27.7% 12.2%

AP World History 2023 Score Distribution

AP World History Scores 2023

Subject AP World History
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 15% 22% 28% 22% 13%

AP US Government & Politics 2023 Score Distribution

AP US Government and Politics Scores 2023

Subject AP US Government and Politics
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 13% 11% 25% 24% 27%
2023 AP US Govt & Politics Scores

AP Psychology 2023 Score Distribution

AP Psychology Scores 2023

Subject AP Psychology
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 17% 23% 20% 12% 28%

AP Calculus AB 2023 Score Distribution

AP Calculus AB Scores 2023

Subject AP Calculus AB
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 22% 16% 20% 22% 20%
2023 AP Calculus AB Scores

AP Biology 2023 Score Distribution

AP Biology Scores 2023:

Subject AP Biology
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 14% 23% 27% 24% 12%
2023 AP Biology scores

AP Human Geography 2023 Score Distribution

AP Human Geography Scores 2023:

Subject AP Human Geography
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 16% 20% 18% 14% 32%
2023 AP Human Geography scores

AP Statistics 2023 Score Distribution

AP Statistics Scores 2023:

Subject AP Statistics
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 15% 22% 23% 16% 24%
2023 AP Statistics Scores

AP Environmental Science 2023 Score Distribution

AP Environmental Science Scores 2023:

Subject AP Environmental Science
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 8% 28% 17% 27% 20%

AP Spanish Language & Culture 2023 Score Distribution

AP Spanish Language Scores 2023

Subject AP Spanish Language
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 24% 30% 30% 14% 3%
2023 AP Spanish Language scores

AP Physics 1 2023 Score Distribution

AP Physics 1 Scores 2023

Subject AP Physics 1
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 8% 18% 19% 28% 27%

AP Computer Science Principles 2023 Score Distribution

AP Computer Science Principles Scores 2023

Subject AP Computer Science Principles
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 12% 23% 33% 20% 12%

AP Macroeconomics 2023 Score Distribution

AP Macroeconomics Scores 2023

Subject AP Macroeconomics
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 16% 23% 25% 22% 14%

AP Chemistry 2023 Score Distribution

AP Chemistry Scores 2023

Subject AP Chemistry
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 15% 27% 33% 17% 8%

AP Calculus BC 2023 Score Distribution

AP Calculus BC Scores 2023

Subject AP Calculus BC
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 42% 16% 20% 16% 6%
2023 AP Calculus BC Scores

AP Microeconomics 2023 Score Distribution

AP Microeconomics Scores 2023

Subject AP Microeconomics
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 18% 26% 22% 21% 13%
2023 AP MicroEconomics Scores

AP European History 2023 Score Distribution

AP European History Scores 2023

Subject AP European History
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 13% 21% 25% 29% 12%

AP Computer Science A 2023 Score Distribution

AP Computer Science A Exam Scores 2023

Subject AP Computer Science A Exam
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 27% 22% 18% 10% 23%

AP Seminar 2023 Score Distribution

AP Seminar Scores 2023

Subject AP Seminar
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 11% 20% 57% 11% 1%
2023 AP Seminar Scores

AP Physics C – Mechanics 2023 Score Distribution

AP Physics C: Mechanics Scores 2023

Subject AP Physics C: Mechanics Exam
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 23% 28% 22% 15% 12%

AP Art and Design: 2-D 2023 Score Distribution

Subject AP Art and Design 2D Portfolio
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 12% 31% 41% 14% 2%
2023 AP Art and Design 2D Scores

AP Research 2023 Score Distribution

AP Research Scores 2023

Subject AP Research
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 13% 26% 45% 13% 3%
2023 AP Research Scores

AP Spanish Literature & Culture 2023 Score Distribution

AP Spanish Literature Scores 2023

Subject AP Spanish Literature
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 8% 22% 37% 23% 10%

AP Art History 2023 Score Distribution

AP Art History Scores 2023

Subject AP Art History
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 13% 23% 28% 24% 12%

AP Government & Politics – Comparative 2023 Score Distribution

AP Comparative Government & Politics Scores 2023

Subject AP Comparative Government & Politics
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 16% 23% 32% 16% 13%

AP Physics C – E&M 2023 Score Distribution

AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Scores 2023

Subject AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 31% 24% 13% 20% 12%
2023 AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism scores

AP French Language & Culture 2023 Score Distribution

AP French Scores 2023

Subject AP French
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 12% 25% 37% 20% 6%
2023 AP French Scores

AP Art and Design: Drawing 2023 Score Distribution

AP Art and Design Drawing Portfolio Scores 2023

Subject AP Art and Design Drawing Portfolio
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 16% 33% 36% 13% 2%
2023 AP Art and Design Drawing Portfolio Scores

AP Physics 2 2023 Score Distribution

AP Physics 2 Scores 2023

Subject AP Physics 2
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 15% 17% 36% 26% 6%
AP Physics 2 score distribution Trevor Packer 2023

AP Music Theory 2023 Score Distribution

AP Music Theory Scores 2023

Subject AP Music Theory
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 20% 17% 24% 24% 15%
2023 AP Music Theory scores

AP Chinese Language & Culture 2023 Score Distribution

AP Chinese Scores 2023

Subject AP Chinese
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 50% 17% 18% 6% 9%
2023 AP Chinese Scores

AP Art and Design: 3-D 2023 Score Distribution

AP Art and Design 3D Portfolio Scores 2023

Subject AP Art and Design 3D Portfolio
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 7% 25% 40% 23% 4%
2023 AP Art and Design 3D Portfolio Scores

AP Latin 2023 Score Distribution

AP Latin Scores 2023

Subject AP Latin
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 12% 17% 28% 25% 18%
2023 AP Latin scores

AP German Language & Culture 2023 Score Distribution

AP German Scores 2023

Subject AP German
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 19% 21% 26% 20% 14%
2023 AP German scores

AP Japanese Language & Culture 2023 Score Distribution

AP Japanese Scores 2023

Subject AP Japanese
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 47% 9% 19% 9% 17%
2023 AP Japanese scores

AP Italian Language & Culture 2023 Score Distribution

AP Italian Scores 2023

Subject AP Italian
Scores 5 4 3 2 1
Percentage 20% 22% 29% 18% 11%
2023 AP Italian Scores

Source: Trevor Packer (Head of Advanced Placement Programme at Collegeboard)

Understanding AP Score Distribution 2023

In summary, the AP score distribution for 2023 serves as a valuable tool for gauging student performance and identifying both the most challenging and accessible subjects. The data allows educators and students to comprehend the academic landscape, driving efforts towards academic improvement and recognizing the diverse abilities and interests of learners in various AP courses.

Beyond the AP Scores: How to check my AP Credit for College Application?

AP scores can have a significant impact on earning college credit. Many universities have established credit policies that outline the minimum AP scores required to receive credit for specific subjects. These policies vary among institutions, with some granting credit for scores as low as 3, while others may require a score of 4 or 5.

Our blog on AP Credit Policies covers the universities and their minimum AP score requirements to earn a college credit in detail

Conclusion

In conclusion, the AP score distribution for the year 2023 offers valuable insights into the performance of students across various subjects. The data reveals both the top 10 hardest and easiest subjects based on mean scores, providing a glimpse of the academic challenges students faced and their achievements.

The analysis of these scores can guide educators and students in understanding the rigor and proficiency of different AP courses, fostering continuous improvement in academic outcomes. By recognizing the diversity of skill sets and interests among students, the AP program continues to promote a well-rounded education that prepares learners for future success.

When do the AP Scores come out?

The Advanced Placement (AP) Exams Scores for 2023 have been released by College Board on their official website.

Which AP Subject was the hardest in 2023?

AP Latin was the hardest subject in 2023 with a low pass rate (scoring 3 or higher) of 47%. It was followed by AP US History at 48% and AP European History at 49%. These subjects have been consistently in the hardest AP Subjects over the past decade.

What is the AP Score Distribution for 2023?

The AP score distribution for 2023 for students scoring 3 or higher were as follows: AP Latin: 47%
AP US History: 48%
AP European History: 49%
AP Chemistry: 50%
AP World History: 50%
AP Physics 1: 45%
AP Music Theory: 61%
AP Calculus AB: 58%
AP English Literature & Composition: 57%
AP English Language & Composition: 56%
AP Psychology: 60%
AP Statistics: 60%
AP Microeconomics: 66%
AP Macroeconomics: 64%
AP Art History: 64%
AP German: 66%
AP Biology: 64%
AP Calculus BC: 74%
AP French: 74%
AP Seminar: 69%
AP Italian: 69%
AP Computer Science Principles: 68%
AP Spanish Literature: 67%
AP Computer Science A: 67%
AP Comparative Government & Politics: 71%
AP Physics C: Mechanics: 66%
AP Japanese: 76%
AP Art and Design 3D Portfolio: 76%
AP Spanish Language: 84%
AP Research: 84%
AP Chinese: 85%
AP Art and Design Drawing Portfolio: 85%
AP Physics 2: 68%
AP Human Geography: 54%
AP US Government and Politics: 38%
AP Environmental Science: 53%
AP Macroeconomics: 64%
AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism: 68% , read the detailed analysis on the blog

What is a passing AP Score?

A passing AP score is the minimum score required on an AP exam to earn college credit. The passing score varies by subject and is usually between 3 and 5. However, different colleges may have their own specific requirements, so it’s important to check with the institution you’re interested in.

Is 3 on an AP Exam good?

Scoring a 3 on an AP exam is generally considered a decent achievement. It demonstrates a solid understanding of the subject and shows that you can perform at a college level. However, the significance of a 3 may vary depending on the college or university you are applying to, as their policies regarding AP scores may differ. It’s important to research the specific requirements of your target institutions to understand how they view a score of 3.

Can you retake an AP exam?

Yes, College Board allows you to retake an AP exam if you want to improve your score or were not satisfied with your initial performance. It’s important to note that retaking an AP exam requires registering and paying the exam fee again

How do I log in to AP Classroom?

To log in to AP Classroom, follow these steps:
Visit the official College Board website (collegeboard.org).
Click on the “AP Students” or “AP Central” section, depending on how the website is organized.
Look for the “AP Classroom” link or tab and click on it.
You will be directed to the AP Classroom login page.
Enter your username and password. Note that your username is usually your College Board account username.
Once you have entered your login credentials, click on the “Log In” or “Sign In” button.
If the entered information is correct, you will be logged in to your AP Classroom account, where you can access resources, assignments, practice exams, and more.

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