How the aPUSH Score Calculator works
APUSH weights the 55 question multiple choice section at 40%, the three short answer questions at 20%, the document based question at 25%, and the long essay at 15%. Your weighted composite then maps to a 1 to 5 using cutoffs that typically sit near 64% for a 5, 49% for a 4, and 36% for a 3.
Composite = MC/55 × 40 + SAQ/9 × 20 + DBQ/7 × 25 + LEQ/6 × 15
Example: 38 multiple choice, 6 SAQ points, a 4 on the DBQ, and a 4 on the LEQ is a composite of about 65%, right at the edge of a 5.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of students get a 5 on APUSH?
Historically about 10% to 13% earn a 5, and roughly half of all test takers score a 3 or higher. The DBQ rubric is where prepared students most often pick up separating points.
How is the DBQ scored?
Out of 7 points: thesis, context, using documents as evidence, outside evidence, sourcing analysis, and complexity. Averaging 4 of 7 with solid multiple choice already puts a 4 in reach.
Are these cutoffs official?
No. The College Board sets exact cutoffs after each exam and does not publish them, so this uses stable estimates from released data. Scores within 2 points of a boundary could go either way.