If you’re preparing for the AP World History: Modern exam, one of the most common questions is: “What is a good AP World History score?” The simple answer is that a 3, 4, or 5 is considered good, with most colleges accepting these scores for credit or placement.
In this article, we’ll break down what each score means, share official score distributions, explain how raw scores convert to the AP scale, and provide helpful tools like the AP World History grade calculator to project your results. (Created by GW Calculator to make your prep easier.)
Understanding AP World History Scores
The AP exam is graded on a 1–5 scale:
- 5 – Extremely Well Qualified: Mastery of college-level material; highly likely to earn credit.
- 4 – Well Qualified: Solid understanding and analysis skills; often earns college credit.
- 3 – Qualified: Considered a passing score by the College Board; may earn some credit.
- 2 – Possibly Qualified: Partial understanding; rarely earns credit.
- 1 – Not Qualified: Needs significant improvement.
Most students aim for at least a 3 or higher to maximize their chances of receiving credit.
Approximate Score Conversion
While the College Board does not release exact cutoffs, trends show that:
- 55–74% raw score → Score of 3
- 75–89% raw score → Score of 4
- 90%+ raw score → Score of 5
To see how this works in practice, you can use tools like the AP World History grade calculator. This lets you estimate whether your current practice scores align with a passing range.
Official Score Distributions (2024)
According to the College Board’s official website (apstudents.collegeboard.org):
- 5: 11.9% of students
- 4: 32.3%
- 3: 19.6%
- 2: 27.4%
- 1: 8.8%
- Mean score: 3.11
This means about 63.7% of students earned a 3 or higher in 2024.
(Source: College Board Official AP Score Distributions)
Score Trends (2019–2024)
| Year | Passing Rate (3+) | Mean Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 55.3% | 2.75 |
| 2020 | 60.2% | 2.88 |
| 2021 | 52.2% | 2.71 |
| 2022 | 62.1% | 2.96 |
| 2023 | 64.7% | 3.04 |
| 2024 | 63.7% | 3.11 |
Takeaway: A 3 remains the common benchmark, but aiming for a 4 or 5 is better for competitive universities.
Useful Tools for Score Predictions
If you want to explore other AP subjects, check out:
- AP Statistics grade calculator
- AP Computer Science Principles score calculator
- AP Lang score calculator
- AP Psychology score calculator
- AP Bio Exam & Test Grade Calculator
These tools, available on GW Calculator, help you compare your performance across multiple AP exams.
Tips for Scoring a 5
- Focus on Big Themes – Understand causation, continuity, and comparison across eras.
- Practice DBQs and LEQs – Writing strong historical arguments is key.
- Master Time Management – Avoid leaving blanks; guess if needed.
- Use Past Papers – Real exam questions are the best preparation.
FAQs
Q: What is considered passing?
A: A 3 or higher is generally passing and may qualify for credit.
Q: Is a 5 necessary for credit?
A: No. Most colleges accept 3 or 4, though some elite schools prefer 4 or 5.
Q: What is the average AP World History score?
A: In 2024, the average was 3.11, with 63.7% of students earning a passing score.
Q: Where can I check official updates?
A: The College Board official site provides the most accurate, updated distributions.
Final Thoughts
A good AP World History score usually means a 3, 4, or 5, depending on your college’s credit policy. While a 3 is passing, a 4 or 5 will provide the greatest benefits for credit and placement.
For a quick estimate of where you stand, try the AP World History grade calculator on GW Calculator. And if you’re also preparing for other AP exams, explore calculators for AP Stats, CSP, Lang, and Psych to guide your study strategy.
