The Exam
The AP Biology Exam puts your knowledge and understanding of modern biology to the test -- and gives you the chance to earn college credit before you're done with high school.
About the Exam
The three hour test includes an 80-minute, 100 question multiple-choice section, a 10 minute reading period, and a 90-minute four question free-response section.
Section I: Multiple-Choice
The multiple-choice section covers a broad range of topics and types of questions. What should you expect? Everything from thought-provoking problems based on fundamental ideas to questions that ask you to recall the basic facts and major concepts of modern biology. The topic outline for AP Biology details the percentage of the course -- and the exam -- devoted to each major subset of biology.
Unlike other multiple-choice tests, random guessing can hurt your final score. While you don't lose anything for leaving a question blank, one quarter of a point is subtracted for each incorrect answer on the test. But if you have some knowledge of the question and can eliminate one or more answers, it's usually to your advantage to choose what you believe is the best answer from the remaining choices.
Section II: Free-Response
In the free-response section, you'll be asked to write persuasive and coherent essays for four broad questions. Your answers will demonstrate your reasoning and analytical skills, as well as your ability to synthesize material from several sources. Each of the four essays is given equal consideration when tallying your final score.
The free-response section usually includes one question on molecules and cells, one on genetics and evolution, and two on organisms and populations. But, since there is some overlap between these areas, some questions may cover more than one topic. Also, keep in mind that the questions may go beyond your book learning and require you to analyze and interpret data or information from your laboratory experience.
Remember to write all answers to the free-response questions in essay form. Outlines and unlabeled diagrams are not acceptable final answers.
Scoring the Exam
The multiple-choice section counts for 60 percent of your final score, and the free-response section counts for 40 percent.
While each AP Biology class generally covers the same types of information, there are differences from class to class. The test may include questions that you might not have covered in class. Don't worry -- you're not expected to know the answer to every single question to get a passing grade.
