If you’re a high school student who has recently taken the AP World History Exam, you may be wondering if a score of 2 is considered bad. The answer to this question is not as straightforward as you might think. In this article, we’ll explore what a score of 2 means, how it compares to other scores on the AP World History Exam, and what it can mean for your future academic plans.
Understanding the Scoring System
Before we delve into whether a 2 on the AP World History Exam is good or bad, let’s first understand how the exam is scored. The AP World History Exam is scored on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. Each score corresponds to a range of points earned on the exam:
- 5: Extremely well qualified (120+ points)
- 4: Well qualified (90-119 points)
- 3: Qualified (60-89 points)
- 2: Possibly qualified (45-59 points)
- 1: No recommendation (0-44 points)
As you can see, earning a score of 2 means that you have earned between 45 and 59 points on the exam.
Comparing Scores
To determine whether a score of 2 is considered bad, it’s important to compare it to other scores on the AP World History Exam. According to data from the College Board, which administers the exam, in 2020:
- The mean score was 2.64
- The percentage of students earning each score was as follows:
- 5: 6.3%
- 4: 14.9%
- 3: 25.4%
- 2: 30.6%
- 1: 22.7%
Based on this data, a score of 2 is below average, as the mean score is closer to a 3. However, it’s worth noting that nearly one-third of students who take the AP World History Exam earn a score of 2.
What Does a Score of 2 Mean for Your Future?
Now that we’ve established what a score of 2 means and how it compares to other scores on the AP World History Exam, let’s consider what it can mean for your future academic plans.
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that AP exams are just one factor that colleges and universities consider when making admissions decisions. While a low score on an AP exam may not be ideal, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be accepted into college or won’t be able to pursue your desired major.
It’s also worth noting that some colleges and universities offer credit or advanced placement for AP exams with scores of 3 or higher. While a score of 2 may not earn you college credit or advanced placement, it can still demonstrate to admissions officers that you are willing to challenge yourself academically by taking an AP course and exam.
Conclusion
So, is a score of 2 on the AP World History Exam bad? While it’s below average compared to other scores on the exam, earning a score of 2 doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to achieve your academic goals. Ultimately, what matters most is how you respond to this experience – whether you choose to retake the exam, seek additional support in your studies, or explore other academic interests – and how you use it to grow and learn in the future.