College Board AP exams require a high level of understanding of their question types – knowing how they are weighted, how to answer them on digital and paper tests, and how to prepare for certain topics that might be covered. A crucial half of AP exam test-taking falls under what is known as the Free Response Question (FRQ) section.

Introducing FRQs

FRQs are an integral part of an AP exam, requiring a high level of critical thinking to fully answer a question correctly. As opposed to Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), which focus more on recall and recognition of an AP course’s content, an FRQ typically assesses a student’s ability to synthesize, analyze, and apply their knowledge to a particular scenario or within a particular context. FRQs can vary from exam to exam, especially in different subject areas. For example, consider the following abbreviated list that compares some of the more popular AP exams, and notice the variety in the question compositions.:

FRQ Weighting in AP Scores

Now that we’ve gone through how FRQs could be structured on different exams, let’s take a look at how they are weighted. FRQs are typically weighted differently on each AP exam, but generally they make up a range of 30-60% of an exam’s total score. On a test, a student may do well on the MCQs, but if they are not as successful on the FRQs, it could be the difference between the student scoring a 2 and a 5. Students should be aware of how much FRQs are weighted across different exams. To highlight the weighted differences, consider the following examples:  

Common FRQ Type	FRQ Weightage in AP Score
Essay-based (AP Eng Lang and Comp.)	55 %
Performance Task (AP CSP)	30 %
DBQ, SAQs, LEQ (AP World History, U.S. History)	60 %
Data Analysis, Investigative Task (AP Calculus, AP Statistics)	50 %

Guide on Digital and Paper Exams

Your AP Exam format can significantly change how you approach its FRQs. 

Digital AP Exams: Digital exams have several advantages for FRQ completion. Students can type their responses, which is often faster than handwriting and allows for easier editing and revision. The digital format also includes helpful tools like word processors with spell-check, equation editors for math and science exams, and the ability to easily move text around within your response. However, students should practice typing lengthy responses and become comfortable with the digital interface before test day. We’d say the best place to practice for a digital (and paper) format would be on magnaeducation.ai, the platform with the largest question bank of AP style exam questions in the world, for a good simulation of the AP exam. 

Paper AP Exams: Traditional paper exams require students to handwrite their FRQ responses. This format demands clear, legible handwriting and more careful planning, since editing is more difficult. Students should practice writing extended responses by hand and develop strategies for organizing their thoughts before writing. It’s also important to manage your physical writing stamina, as some exams require extensive writing over several hours.

Knowing What to Prepare For (Standards)

FRQs can essentially cover anything related to an AP course’s content, even beyond the scope of what’s covered in MCQs, but with the right strategies, you can achieve a great score. Across a few popular exams, here are some standards covered by FRQs:

1. AP U.S. History – Knowing how to analyze historical documents (DBQs), construct arguments from your own evidence (LEQs), and synthesize information in a short-answer response (SAQs) 

2. AP English Language and Composition – Knowing how to synthesize and construct a persuasive argument, break down rhetoric, and build an argument from self-constructed evidence 

3. AP Calculus AB and BC – Knowing how to apply mathematical concepts ranging from limits and continuity to integration to set up, solve, and reason answers  

4. AP Computer Science Principles – Knowing how to create an abstract computer program with full functionality and strong impact 

Some techniques in increasing your efficiency on FRQs include reviewing past FRQs on College Board’s course pages with a heavier focus on reviewing FRQs from years 2021-2025, as they repeat patterns that are likely to show up on the following year’s AP Exam’s FRQs. In addition, having a structure within your response helps you articulate your thoughts concisely and provides clarity for the grader. A basic structure could include an introductory sentence that responds to the question, a sentence or two describing specific evidence, and a sentence or two to analyze and wrap-around your response to tie back to your claim.

For general AP exams, writing in complete sentences is imperative to making your writing more readable and coherent for the grader. However, for some exams, such as STEM AP Exams, it is a good practice to show all REQUIRED calculations (steps) and units to getting the right answer. 

Mastering the AP Exam FRQs requires time and diligence. To maximize your points and learn how FRQs work across different types of AP exams, head over to magnaeducation.ai to start unpacking practice FRQs! You can also gain insightful feedback from our AI-powered assistant to focus on your weak points and prepare for your next exam!

Access past AP Exam FRQs here: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/past-exam-questions