What is the AP Macro exam like?

2 min read•july 11, 2024

AP Macroeconomics 💶

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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.