What is the AP Macro exam like?
2 min read•december 14, 2021
AP Macroeconomics 💶
99 resourcesSee Units
Like many other AP exams, the AP Macro test is divided into 2 sections: multiple choice & free response.
The Multiple Choice Section: (66% of exam score)
You will have 1 hour & 10 minutes to answer 60 questions. The questions will test you on all units, so it's important to brush up on anything you struggle with.
How to tackle the MC section
- Answer all the questions, as you're not penalized for wrong answers.
- Process of elimination will save your life.
- Write all over your booklet. You paid for it, and it'll help you stay organized with your thoughts.
- Tackle the easy questions first, then go back and do the tough ones.
- Circle your answer choice on the booklet, then bubble them in on the answer sheet after you've completed a page. This will avoid silly marking mistakes.
Here is the overall material tested:
* From College Board:
https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/ap/ap-economics-course-description.pdf
The Free Response Questions: (33% of exam score)
Oh you know, just me casually remembering what I sat through on May 15, 2019.
You'll have an 1 hour to complete 3 questions: one long question & two short ones. On this section you will have to draw graphs, preform minimal calculations, & examine situations to explain outcomes.
How to tackle the FRQs
Know all the different graphs and how they relate to each other: it's all just cause & effect. Here are all the graphs my interweb friends:
- Production Possibilities Curve
- Supply and Demand
- Loanable Funds Market
- Money Market
- Foreign Exchange Market
- Aggregate Supply and Demand
- Phillips Curve
- Show your work: Starting in 2020, you will be required to show your work on the FRQs.
- 2 different colored pens (black & blue) will make your work more organized & understandable
- LABEL EVERYTHING. I cannot stress this enough. Label every curve, graph, axis, & shift. Make me proud child.
- When a questions says explain, use nice, concise sentences. Don't just include a graph or a one word answer. Lots of students lose points here.
What to Bring on Your Test Date
- photo ID
- preferably 2 No. 2 pencils
- sharpener
- eraser
- black or blue inked pens- no pencil allowed on the FRQ portion
- tissues(for tears of joy of course)
Calculators are NOT allowed.
It's a good idea to bring water & a snack, but these are not allowed in the testing room. Save them for the break period.
Alright then, go on and make me proud. Score a 5!
Closing out AP Macro
AP Macro is a complex subject, so make sure to check out formula sheet for AP Macro and this blog about 5 Steps to gain Success for AP Macro for any additional help you might need.
You got this! 🎉
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💸Unit 1 – Basic Economic Concepts
📈Unit 2 – Economic Indicators & the Business Cycle
💲Unit 3 – National Income & Price Determination
💰Unit 4 – Financial Sector
⚖️Unit 5 – Long-Run Consequences of Stabilization Policies
🏗Unit 6 – Open Economy - International Trade & Finance
📝Exam Skills: MCQ/FRQ
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