Guide to the AP Human Geography Exam
The AP Human Geography exam is administered by the College Board. It is taken by high school students who have completed the AP Human Geography course. The exam assesses your understanding of key concepts, theories, and methods in human geography. It covers topics such as population dynamics, cultural patterns and processes, political geography, economic systems, urbanization, and environmental sustainability.
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and free-response questions. Scoring well on the AP Human Geography exam can earn you college credit, which will help you in your pursuit of higher education in this field.
What is the AP Human Geography Exam Format?
The AP Human Geography exam is divided into two sections: the multiple-choice and the free-response sections.
Section I: Multiple-choice
Section I of the AP Human Geography exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 1 hour, which is 50% of the total exam score. These questions include individual as well as set-based questions. About 30–40% of the multiple-choice questions will rely on stimulus material, such as maps, tables, charts, graphs, images, infographics, and/or landscapes, with an even distribution between quantitative and qualitative sources.
Section II: Free-response
In Section II of the AP Human Geography exam, you have to attempt three free-response questions. This section is allotted 1 hour and 15 minutes and contributes to the other 50% of the overall exam score. Each question presents authentic geographic situations, evaluating your capability to describe, explain, and apply geographic concepts, processes, or models in analyzing geographic patterns, relationships, and outcomes in applied contexts.
Question 1 does not include any stimuli, while Question 2 includes one stimulus (data, image, or map), and Question 3 includes two stimuli (data, images, and/or maps). Additionally, at least one free-response question will assess your ability to analyze spatial relationships across geographic scales.
What’s Tested on the AP Human Geography Exam?
The AP Human Geography exam assesses your understanding of the skills and learning objectives outlined in the course framework. The exam assesses content from each of the three Big Ideas for the course:
- Patterns and Spatial Organization
- Impacts and Interactions
- Spatial Processes and Societal Change
Additionally, the College Board shares information regarding the specific weightage of each topic that they are testing. Here is a quick overview of the weightage they give to each topic in the MCQ section.
| Units | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Thinking Geographically | 8–10% |
| Unit 2: Population and Migration Patterns and Processes | 12–17% |
| Unit 3: Cultural Patterns and Processes | 12–17% |
| Unit 4: Political Patterns and Processes | 12–17% |
| Unit 5: Agriculture and Rural Land-Use Patterns and Processes | 12–17% |
| Unit 6: Cities and Urban Land-Use Patterns and Processes | 12–17% |
| Unit 7: Industrial and Economic Development Patterns and Processes | 12–17% |
When is the AP Human Geography Exam in 2024?
The 2024 AP Human Geography exam will be held on Tuesday, May 7th, at 8:00 a.m. local time. For the most up-to-date information and any potential changes, be sure to check the College Board’s official website or contact your school’s AP Coordinator.
How is the AP Human Geography Exam Scored?
The multiple-choice section is worth 50% of your final grade. Each question is worth 1 point, with no penalty for incorrect answers. This means you can earn a maximum of 60 points by answering all 60 questions correctly.
The free response questions are graded on a 7-point rubric, which accounts for the other 50% of your final grade. After the raw scores for both sections I and II are calculated, they are converted to derive your composite score out of 120. This composite score is again converted as per the College Board’s AP scale of 1 to 5.
What’s a Good Score on the AP Human Geography Exam?
A good score on the AP Human Geography exam depends on your goals. However, scoring 3 or higher on the AP Human Geography exam may grant you up to three hours of college credit, although certain colleges may mandate a score of 4 or 5 for credit eligibility.
Additionally, some colleges provide the option for both advanced placement and credit. This enables you to skip the course and receive credit instead. Here’s a table about the AP Human Geography score distributions over the past four years:
| AP Score | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 4-year average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16% | 14.9% | 15% | 10.7% | 14.1% |
| 2 | 20% | 18.7% | 20% | 18.3% | 19.2% |
| 3 | 18% | 19.6% | 19% | 20.1% | 19.1% |
| 4 | 14% | 15% | 16% | 16.9% | 15.4% |
| 5 | 32% | 31.8% | 31% | 33.9% | 32.1% |
Past AP Human Geography Exam Questions
Here are some 2023 sample free-response questions from the AP Human Geography exam given in the table. You may visit the website for more such resources.
5 Tips to Prepare for the AP Human Geography Exam
Here are some tips to improve your performance in the free-response section, as suggested by the College Board:
1. Plan your responses
Before writing, strategize your responses. Avoid writing in a hurry, which may lead to a lack of flow and clarity. Then, analyze the question thoroughly to grasp its requirements. Additionally, identify the key elements to address, such as comparing similarities and differences or constructing an argument supported by examples.
2. Integrate evidence
Always integrate relevant evidence into your answers. If the question includes visual aids like maps or graphs, examine them closely. Connect the evidence studied in your course to the question’s context. Describe how it supports your analysis or argument, highlighting similarities, differences, or supporting/refuting points.
3. Elaborate on evidence
You should go beyond simply paraphrasing your evidence. Clearly articulate your intentions, then provide additional information or analysis to further elaborate on the significance of the evidence.
4. Practice, practice, and practice
Use practice questions from past AP exams, as provided in the previous section, to refine and improve your skills. Comparing your responses with scored examples improves your understanding of effective strategies.
5. Task verbs
You should always pay attention to the task verbs in the questions, as they indicate specific response requirements. Familiarize yourself with task verbs such as compare, define, describe, explain, and identify to give your responses accordingly.
From the desk of Yocket
The AP Human Geography exam assesses the complex relationships between humans and the places they inhabit, covering topics like population patterns, cultural identities, and urban development. By taking the exam, you develop strong analytical skills as you learn to interpret maps, data, and other geographical information. By exposing yourself to these concepts, you foster a deeper appreciation for the geographical forces that shape our lives.
However, the exam’s intensity shouldn’t be understated. Earning a high score requires a solid grasp of geographical concepts and the ability to apply them to real-world scenarios. The time pressure involved, particularly in the multiple-choice section, can also be a challenge. The vast amount of material covered in the AP Human Geography exam necessitates a strong study plan and a commitment to understanding complex geographical concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AP Human Geography Exam format?
The AP Human Geography exam is divided into two sections: the multiple-choice and the free-response sections. Section I of the AP Human Geography exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 1 hour (50% of the total exam score). In Section II, you have to attempt three free-response questions, allotted 1 hour and 15 minutes (50% of the exam score).
How long is the AP Human Geography exam?
The AP Human Geography exam is two hours and fifteen minutes long. It is divided into two sections: multiple-choice and free response. Be sure to pace yourself well as you allot time for each section.
When is the AP Human Geography exam held?
For the year 2024, it is scheduled to be conducted on Tuesday, May 7, at 8 a.m. local time. It is generally conducted in early to mid-May every year.
Are you a high school student interested in human geography? Someone who takes an interest in geography, culture, and various spatial distributions? If so, then the AP Human Geography exam is the right fit for you to assess your understanding and interests and help pursue a major in this field in college.
In the lead-up to an exam, it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information you need to learn. This confusion can make it difficult to know where to start and how to best prepare yourself. That’s exactly why this blog exists: to clear up any confusion you might have, provide you with a clear and organized study plan, and ultimately help you succeed on your AP Human Geography exam.
Overview of the AP Human Geography Exam
The AP Human Geography exam is administered by the College Board. It is taken by high school students who have completed the AP Human Geography course. The exam assesses your understanding of key concepts, theories, and methods in human geography. It covers topics such as population dynamics, cultural patterns and processes, political geography, economic systems, urbanization, and environmental sustainability.
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and free-response questions. Scoring well on the AP Human Geography exam can earn you college credit, which will help you in your pursuit of higher education in this field.
What is the AP Human Geography Exam Format?
The AP Human Geography exam is divided into two sections: the multiple-choice and the free-response sections.
Section I: Multiple-choice
Section I of the AP Human Geography exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 1 hour, which is 50% of the total exam score. These questions include individual as well as set-based questions. About 30–40% of the multiple-choice questions will rely on stimulus material, such as maps, tables, charts, graphs, images, infographics, and/or landscapes, with an even distribution between quantitative and qualitative sources.
Section II: Free-response
In Section II of the AP Human Geography exam, you have to attempt three free-response questions. This section is allotted 1 hour and 15 minutes and contributes to the other 50% of the overall exam score. Each question presents authentic geographic situations, evaluating your capability to describe, explain, and apply geographic concepts, processes, or models in analyzing geographic patterns, relationships, and outcomes in applied contexts.
Question 1 does not include any stimuli, while Question 2 includes one stimulus (data, image, or map), and Question 3 includes two stimuli (data, images, and/or maps). Additionally, at least one free-response question will assess your ability to analyze spatial relationships across geographic scales.
What’s Tested on the AP Human Geography Exam?
The AP Human Geography exam assesses your understanding of the skills and learning objectives outlined in the course framework. The exam assesses content from each of the three Big Ideas for the course:
- Patterns and Spatial Organization
- Impacts and Interactions
- Spatial Processes and Societal Change
Additionally, the College Board shares information regarding the specific weightage of each topic that they are testing. Here is a quick overview of the weightage they give to each topic in the MCQ section.
| Units | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Thinking Geographically | 8–10% |
| Unit 2: Population and Migration Patterns and Processes | 12–17% |
| Unit 3: Cultural Patterns and Processes | 12–17% |
| Unit 4: Political Patterns and Processes | 12–17% |
| Unit 5: Agriculture and Rural Land-Use Patterns and Processes | 12–17% |
| Unit 6: Cities and Urban Land-Use Patterns and Processes | 12–17% |
| Unit 7: Industrial and Economic Development Patterns and Processes | 12–17% |
When is the AP Human Geography Exam in 2024?
The 2024 AP Human Geography exam will be held on Tuesday, May 7th, at 8:00 a.m. local time. For the most up-to-date information and any potential changes, be sure to check the College Board’s official website or contact your school’s AP Coordinator.
How is the AP Human Geography Exam Scored?
The multiple-choice section is worth 50% of your final grade. Each question is worth 1 point, with no penalty for incorrect answers. This means you can earn a maximum of 60 points by answering all 60 questions correctly.
The free response questions are graded on a 7-point rubric, which accounts for the other 50% of your final grade. After the raw scores for both sections I and II are calculated, they are converted to derive your composite score out of 120. This composite score is again converted as per the College Board’s AP scale of 1 to 5.
What’s a Good Score on the AP Human Geography Exam?
A good score on the AP Human Geography exam depends on your goals. However, scoring 3 or higher on the AP Human Geography exam may grant you up to three hours of college credit, although certain colleges may mandate a score of 4 or 5 for credit eligibility.
Additionally, some colleges provide the option for both advanced placement and credit. This enables you to skip the course and receive credit instead. Here’s a table about the AP Human Geography score distributions over the past four years:
| AP Score | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 4-year average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16% | 14.9% | 15% | 10.7% | 14.1% |
| 2 | 20% | 18.7% | 20% | 18.3% | 19.2% |
| 3 | 18% | 19.6% | 19% | 20.1% | 19.1% |
| 4 | 14% | 15% | 16% | 16.9% | 15.4% |
| 5 | 32% | 31.8% | 31% | 33.9% | 32.1% |
Past AP Human Geography Exam Questions
Here are some 2023 sample free-response questions from the AP Human Geography exam given in the table. You may visit the website for more such resources.
5 Tips to Prepare for the AP Human Geography Exam
Here are some tips to improve your performance in the free-response section, as suggested by the College Board:
1. Plan your responses
Before writing, strategize your responses. Avoid writing in a hurry, which may lead to a lack of flow and clarity. Then, analyze the question thoroughly to grasp its requirements. Additionally, identify the key elements to address, such as comparing similarities and differences or constructing an argument supported by examples.
2. Integrate evidence
Always integrate relevant evidence into your answers. If the question includes visual aids like maps or graphs, examine them closely. Connect the evidence studied in your course to the question’s context. Describe how it supports your analysis or argument, highlighting similarities, differences, or supporting/refuting points.
3. Elaborate on evidence
You should go beyond simply paraphrasing your evidence. Clearly articulate your intentions, then provide additional information or analysis to further elaborate on the significance of the evidence.
4. Practice, practice, and practice
Use practice questions from past AP exams, as provided in the previous section, to refine and improve your skills. Comparing your responses with scored examples improves your understanding of effective strategies.
5. Task verbs
You should always pay attention to the task verbs in the questions, as they indicate specific response requirements. Familiarize yourself with task verbs such as compare, define, describe, explain, and identify to give your responses accordingly.
From the desk of Yocket
The AP Human Geography exam assesses the complex relationships between humans and the places they inhabit, covering topics like population patterns, cultural identities, and urban development. By taking the exam, you develop strong analytical skills as you learn to interpret maps, data, and other geographical information. By exposing yourself to these concepts, you foster a deeper appreciation for the geographical forces that shape our lives.
However, the exam’s intensity shouldn’t be understated. Earning a high score requires a solid grasp of geographical concepts and the ability to apply them to real-world scenarios. The time pressure involved, particularly in the multiple-choice section, can also be a challenge. The vast amount of material covered in the AP Human Geography exam necessitates a strong study plan and a commitment to understanding complex geographical concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AP Human Geography Exam format?
The AP Human Geography exam is divided into two sections: the multiple-choice and the free-response sections. Section I of the AP Human Geography exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 1 hour (50% of the total exam score). In Section II, you have to attempt three free-response questions, allotted 1 hour and 15 minutes (50% of the exam score).
How long is the AP Human Geography exam?
The AP Human Geography exam is two hours and fifteen minutes long. It is divided into two sections: multiple-choice and free response. Be sure to pace yourself well as you allot time for each section.
When is the AP Human Geography exam held?
For the year 2024, it is scheduled to be conducted on Tuesday, May 7, at 8 a.m. local time. It is generally conducted in early to mid-May every year.