The AP Macroeconomics Exam covers basic economic concepts; measurement of economic performance; national income and price determination; financial sector; stabilization policies; international economics; and economic growth.

About the Exam

The exam is 2 hours and 10 minutes long, and includes a multiple-choice section and a free-response section.

Section I: Multiple-Choice (60 Questions)

You'll have 70 minutes to complete the multiple-choice section.

Total scores on the multiple-choice section are based on the number of questions answered correctly. Points are not deducted for incorrect answers and no points are awarded for unanswered questions.

Section II: Free-Response (3 Questions)

You'll have 60 minutes for the free-response section, including a mandatory 10-minute reading period. During the reading period, use the green insert to sketch graphs, make notes, and plan your essays. In your final essay answers, clearly label all graphs. After you finish the reading period, you'll have 50 minutes to complete one long and two short essay questions. Fifty percent of the section score is based on the long essay while each short essay contributes one-quarter to the free-response score.

The essays usually require that you link two or more content areas, analyze an economic situation, and evaluate general macroeconomic principles. The best essays demonstrate analytical and organizational skills, and when needed, incorporate diagrams that clarify the analysis. Some questions include graphs that you'll have to interpret while some others ask you to provide the graphs.

Scoring the Exam

Wondering how your final score will be tallied? For the Macroeconomics Exam, the multiple-choice section accounts for two-thirds of the grade and the free-response section is the final one-third.