AP exam scores are graded on a scale of one to five, and the score students receive can determine whether they earn college credit. Students often aim to earn a four or five on AP exams because higher scores can help reduce college costs. New reports, however, show that earning a passing score on AP exams has become easier in recent years.
According to John Moscellato’s article “The Great Recalibration of AP exams,” College Board has adjusted nine of its most popular AP exams, including U.S history, government and politics, biology and English literature so that approximately 500,000 more AP exams will earn a three or more than without the readjustment. If the process continues, then approximately one million more AP exams will earn a three or more. “The end result will be a win for AP students everywhere: Millions of high school students will save millions of dollars in college credits in the coming years,” Moscellato said.
An article from The Hill claims that since 2021 College Board has introduced a different approach called evidence-based standard setting for exams such as English language and composition, English literature, world history, psychology and chemistry. “Evidence-based standard-setting works differently… instead of relying on a small, carefully selected panel of experts, the College Board now consults hundreds of college instructors and asks what proportion of students should receive each score,” The Hill writer Paula Peterson said.
The recalibration of AP exam scores is reflected in data released by the College Board. A graph comparing AP scores from 2022 to 2024 showed major increases in the percentage of students earning a three or higher on several exams. On the European history exam, approximately 54 percent of students earned a three or higher in both 2022 and 2023. In 2024, that number increased to nearly 75 percent. Chemistry scores also increased significantly. In 2022, 52 percent of students earned a three or higher, while in 2024, exactly 75 percent received a passing score.
Despite AP Chemistry being one of the exams with significant increase in scores, students still find the exam challenging. “I think the AP Chemistry exam is difficult due to the free response questions, they are sort of difficult,” junior Alisa Arya said.
AP Language and Composition is another exam that has had an increase in scores over the years. “The AP language exam was OK, I don’t think it was super hard,” junior Angie Shen said.
While data shows a rise in top tier AP scores, teachers suggest this trend may point to a shift in grading standards rather than students’ performance. “Before 2023, I noticed the quality of writing is much better and what it takes to earn a top score is much higher whereas recent student essays that have earned top scores don’t seem to have the same level of quality,” English teacher Amani Elkassabany said.
Another College Board graph compares students who received a three or higher between 2015 and 2025. In 2015, 1,103,896 took an AP exam and 664,889 got a three or higher. While in 2025, 1,307,781 took an AP exam and 875,778 got a three or higher.
A graph from the Fordham Institute also showed changes in AP score distribution between 2018 and 2024. In 2021, approximately 42 percent of students earned a three or higher. By 2024, nearly 70 percent earned a passing score.
The recalibration of AP exam scores could encourage more students to take AP exams. Students may view AP scores as a way to distinguish themselves when applying for college, and with the adjustment of AP scores, it could further encourage students to take classes.
The adjustment of AP exam grading also impacts teachers. Through the College Credit by Examination Incentive Program, teachers in States like Arizona can receive bonuses for students getting a three or higher on AP exams.
The recalibration of AP exams matters because it changes how students access college opportunities and an affordable education. Higher passing rates can reduce the cost of college for families while encouraging more students to challenge themselves academically. At the same time, the changes could influence how colleges and universities view the value and rigor of AP scores in the future.
