AP Psychology Exam Tips & Review Materials

Here is an overview of the AP® Psychology Exam, some basic tips on how to take the in May, and lots and lots of study aids for you.

Section I: Multiple Choice Questions (2/3 of overall score)

  • There are 100 multiple-choice questions.
  • Test is arranged in order of difficulty (starts easy, becomes medium, then gets quite difficult).
  • Eventually, you’ll probably reach a point where you begin to have some trouble. Don't panic! This is to be expected!
  • When you hit the hard questions (around #70) do the easier ones first, skip the ones that are too hard, then come back to the hard ones.
  • On a tough item, answer the question in your own words before looking at the options, then cross out options that are not close to your answer. Use common sense and the information in the question and use the process of elimination to get it down to two options. You will NOT be penalized for guessing!
  • The wrong choices are designed to confuse you, not help you! Don’t look at them too soon!
  • After 70 minutes, your booklet and answer sheet will be collected.
Section II: Free Response (1/3 of overall score)


DOs and DON'Ts
  • DO make an outline first.
  • DO write an introductory sentence that is not a repeat of the question.
  • DO use psychology terms and proper names of theories, theorists, etc.
  • DO support everything with examples, preferable from course work (not from your own life!)
  • DO clearly state the purpose of the example (i.e., to support or contrast).
  • DO be clear, direct, and to the point.
  • DON’T don’t start writing until you have a clue of what you’ll say.
  • DON'T ramble or put in extra fluff!
Mr. Doyle's AP Psychology Exam Review
Documents & Links
Other Links You Might Find Useful

The following are some other sites from around the Web:
Even More Stuff

Direct from the College Board, you'll find sample multiple-choice and essay questions here. In addition to the questions themselves, they even give you sample essays and scoring criteria for all of the essay questions going back to 1999! Please check them out to get a good idea of what a good essay looks like!

In addition to my own review pages listed above, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you check out http://www.appsychology.com. Don't let its ugly design fool you! It has an extensive collection of tips, practice questions, PowerPoint notes, flashcards, chapter summaries, and more!

Finally, for smart phone and tablet owners, you'll find a selection of AP Psychology apps available for both iPhones & iPads, BlackBerries, and Android phones. Check your local app store!