AP HUMAN
GEOGRAPHY
AP Human Geography - Exam Overview
The AP Human Geography Exam will test your understanding of the geographic concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to analyze maps, geospatial data, infographics, and more.
Exam Duration
2hrs 15mins
Exam Components
Section I: Multiple Choice - 60 questions | 1hr | 50% of Score
The multiple-choice section includes individual questions as well as sets of questions. You’ll be asked to:
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Analyze geographic concepts, processes, patterns, and relationships
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Analyze geographic data from maps, tables, charts, graphs, satellite images, and infographics.
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Interpret geographic information represented visually in maps, satellite images, photographs, cartoons, and landscapes.
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Analyze spatial relationships using geographic scales
Section II: Free Response - 3 questions | 1hr 15mins | 50% of Score
In the free-response section, you’ll respond to three questions with written answers. All three will present an authentic geographic situation or scenario, and at least two will ask you to explain and analyze spatial relationships across geographic scales.
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The first question will have text only.
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The second question will ask you to analyze and/or interpret data, an image, or a map.
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The third question will feature two stimuli, which will include data, images, and/or maps.
At least one of the free-response questions assesses your ability to analyze across geographic scales to explain spatial relationships.
AP Human Geography Exam – Scoring
For the first section (multiple-choice), for every question you answer correctly, you will get one point each. There is no negative marking. It means that even if your answer is wrong or left blank, no points are deducted.
Next is the free response section. Its scoring system is a bit complicated. Rather than being graded by AI, it is reviewed by AP graders and scored following the guidelines for set 1 and guidelines for Set 2 AP Human Geography Exam.
For more information about AP Human Geography Exam and scoring, you can visit the College Board’s website.
AP Human Geography Exam – Credit
Keep in mind, credit and advanced standing based on AP scores vary widely from school to school. Though a score of 3 is typically considered passing, it is not always enough to receive credit. Regulations regarding which APs qualify for course credits or advanced placement depend on the policy that your desired college or university has for AP exams.
AP Human Geography Exam - Study Resources
• College Board Classroom Resources
• The Choices Program — Brown University (Geography)
• National Council for Geographic Education
AP Human Geography Exam Tips
The following strategies for answering the free-response questions will help you on exam day.
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Plan your responses before you start writing.
Don’t start to write immediately; that can lead to a string of disconnected, poorly planned thoughts. Carefully analyze the question: think about what is being asked and identify the elements that must be addressed in the response. For example, some questions may require you to consider the similarities between people or events, and then to think of the ways they are different. Others may ask you to develop an argument with examples to support it. Be sure to answer exactly what is being asked in the question prompt!
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Integrate evidence into your response.
After you have determined how to answer the question, consider what geographic themes you can incorporate into your response. If there is a map, chart, graph, or diagram with the question, study it carefully before beginning your answer. Think about the evidence you studied during the course that relates to the question and then decide how it fits into the analysis or explanation. Does it demonstrate a similarity or a difference? Does it argue for or against a point that is being addressed? Does it ask you to identify and explain a certain number of examples or reasons?
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Elaborate on the evidence.
Don’t just paraphrase or summarize your evidence. Clearly state your intent, then use additional information or analysis to elaborate on how these pieces of evidence are similar or different. If there is evidence that refutes a statement, explain why. Your answer should show that you understand the subtleties of the question. Carefully answer each part of the question. Be sure to use appropriate geographic terms, and refer to models or theories when appropriate.
Practice!
Answering free-response questions from previous AP Exams is a great way to practice. It allows you to compare your own responses with those that have already been evaluated and scored. Free-response questions and scoring guidelines are available on the Exam page for AP Human Geography.
Task Verbs
Pay close attention to the task verbs used in the free-response questions. Each one directs you to complete a specific type of response. Here are the task verbs you’ll see on the exam:
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Compare: Provide a description or explanation of similarities and/or differences.
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Define: Provide a specific meaning for a word or concept.
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Describe: Provide the relevant characteristics of a specified topic.
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Explain: Provide information about how or why a relationship, process, pattern, position, or outcome occurs, using evidence and/or reasoning.
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Identify: Indicate or provide information about a specified topic, without elaboration or explanation.
Conclusion
In Human geography, students can expect to learn about geography, cultural patterns, agriculture, and more in this course. Taking AP Human Geography exam and all other AP Exams as a whole, while you’re in high school, is a great way to demonstrate your academic skill and prepare for college coursework. If you do well on your AP exams, those high scores will be valuable assets when it comes time for you to apply to college. On exam day, just be positive and look forward to your goal. If you make little mistakes, it's okay! If you fail, do not be afraid to try again. Good luck!