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1 hour and 30 minutes (90 minutes)
AP Psychology Tuition
Understand the syllabus, exam format and get free resources.
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96%
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What is AP Psychology? Why study it?
AP Psychology is designed for high school students ready for a college-level challenge. AP Psychology introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with major units of study, including biological bases of behavior, cognition, development, learning, social psychology, personality, and mental and physical health. Studying AP Psychology gives you valuable insights into human behavior and mental processes, which are applicable in everyday life. It also provides a strong foundation in scientific research methods, critical thinking, and prepares you for further studies in psychology or related fields.
Your track record in the AP Psychology Tuition course is one of the key factors that will determine your college acceptances.
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AP English Language and Composition Syllabus: Topics + Overview
Explore the comprehensive curriculum of AP Psychology, carefully structured to equip students with a solid foundation in human behavior. This syllabus overview is designed to provide clarity on the major topics covered in the course, ensuring students are well prepared for their AP Psychology exams.
Topic
Content
Biological Bases of Behavior
Recommended Learning
17-23 Class Periods
Content Description: You’ll study behaviors and mental processes from a biological perspective and explore the effects of the interaction between human biology and our environment.
Prior Knowledge Required: Basic understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system, particularly the brain and neurons. Prior knowledge should include the basics of how neurotransmitters work, the role of the endocrine system, and the interaction between genetics and environment in shaping behavior.
Cognition
Recommended Learning
17-23 Class Periods
Content Description: You’ll examine the complex nature of how memory, intelligence, and other mental processes impact human behavior.
Prior Knowledge Required: Familiarity with the basic processes of memory, including encoding, storage, and retrieval. Prior knowledge should include an understanding of the concepts of intelligence, problem-solving, and decision-making, as well as the factors that influence perception and attention.
Development and Learning
Recommended Learning
17-23 Class Periods
Content Description: You’ll study how physical and social changes over humans’ life spans can influence behavior and mental processes from a variety of perspectives and how learning works.
Prior Knowledge Required: Foundational understanding of the major stages of human development (infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood) and the key theories of development (e.g., Piaget, Erikson). Prior knowledge should also include the basic principles of classical and operant conditioning and how they relate to learning.
Social Psychology and Personality
Recommended Learning
17-23 Class Periods
Content Description: You’ll study how the social experience influences behavior of individuals and groups and how personality is studied and develops.
Prior Knowledge Required: Familiar with the basics of social influence, including concepts like conformity, obedience, and group dynamics. Prior knowledge should include an understanding of the major theories of personality, such as Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, trait theory, and humanistic perspectives.
Mental and Physical Health
Recommended Learning
17-23 Class Periods
Content Description: You’ll learn how psychologists promote mental and physical health and evaluate, study and treat a range of psychological disorders.
Prior Knowledge Required: Basic understanding of the different types of psychological disorders, including their symptoms and potential causes. Prior knowledge should include familiarity with the methods psychologists use to assess and treat these disorders, as well as an understanding of the factors that contribute to mental and physical well-being.
Download full sub-topic list for the IB DP Math AI SL and HL
Download SyllabusAP Calc AB Exams and Past Papers: Overview
Section 1 of 2
1 exam - 2 sections
67% of the final exam grade
Example Question
“The longer an individual is exposed to a strong odor, the less aware of the odor the individual becomes. This phenomenon is known as sensory: Acuity Adaptation Awareness Reception Overload”
Section 2 of 2
1 exam - 2 sections
33% of the final exam grade
Example Question
“Gavin’s parents took him to his favorite science museum, and he explored all of the exhibits. One of the interactive exhibits featured glass marbles. He grabbed a large marble and tried to bounce it on the ground. At one point during the visit, he became separated from his parents, and it took a few minutes for them to find him. Later that night, he drew a colorful picture of the exhibits at the museum. The next day, Gavin brought his picture with him to preschool. While his grandmother drove, Gavin talked to her about the picture. Part A • Explain how Jean Piaget’s concept of assimilation could relate to Gavin’s experience with the glass marble. • Explain how egocentrism could relate to how Gavin interacted with his grandmother in the car. • Explain how avoidant attachment could relate to Gavin when he was separated from his parents. Part B Explain how each of the following terms could relate to Gavin in this scenario. • Serial position effect • Motor cortex • Cognitive map • Cones in the retina”
Download all the free past papers
Download Free Test PaperAP English Language and Composition Exam Topic Weights
The AP Psychology exam covers a range of topics within the broader categories of human behavior, cognition, development and learning, personality and mental and physical health. Here is the breakdown of the topic weights for the exam:
Topic
Exam Weights
Question Areas
Biological Bases of Behavior
15-25%
- The interaction of inherited traits, environment, and evolution in shaping behavior
- Structures and functions of nervous systems
- Neural firing and the influence of psychoactive substances
- The study of the brain, including its structures and functions
- Sleep
- Sensation
Cognition
15-25%
- Perception
- Biases and errors in thinking, creative thinking, and problem-solving strategies
- The cognitive and physiological processes that make up memory
- Forgetting and typical memory errors
- Defining and measuring intelligence and achievement
Development and Learning
15-25%
- Research methods used in developmental psychology
- Physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development across the lifespan
- Gender and sexual orientation
Social Psychology and Personality
15-25%
- Attribution theory and person perception
- Attitude formation and change
- The psychology of social situations
- Psychodynamic, humanistic, social cognitive, and trait theories of personality
- Motivation
- Emotion
Mental and Physical Health
15-25%
- An introduction to health and positive psychology
- Standards for diagnosing and approaches to explaining psychological disorders
- Neurodevelopmental and schizophrenic spectrum disorders
- Bipolar, depressive, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Dissociative and trauma- and stress-related disorders
- Eating disorders and personality disorders
- Historical developments in psychological treatment
- Modern treatment options and methods
Biological Bases of Behavior
Topic
Exam Weights
15-25%
Question Areas
- The interaction of inherited traits, environment, and evolution in shaping behavior
- Structures and functions of nervous systems
- Neural firing and the influence of psychoactive substances
- The study of the brain, including its structures and functions
- Sleep
- Sensation
Cognition
Topic
Exam Weights
15-25%
Question Areas
- Perception
- Biases and errors in thinking, creative thinking, and problem-solving strategies
- The cognitive and physiological processes that make up memory
- Forgetting and typical memory errors
- Defining and measuring intelligence and achievement
Development and Learning
Topic
Exam Weights
15-25%
Question Areas
- Research methods used in developmental psychology
- Physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development across the lifespan
- Gender and sexual orientation
Social Psychology and Personality
Topic
Exam Weights
15-25%
Question Areas
- Attribution theory and person perception
- Attitude formation and change
- The psychology of social situations
- Psychodynamic, humanistic, social cognitive, and trait theories of personality
- Motivation
- Emotion
Mental and Physical Health
Topic
Exam Weights
15-25%
Question Areas
- An introduction to health and positive psychology
- Standards for diagnosing and approaches to explaining psychological disorders
- Neurodevelopmental and schizophrenic spectrum disorders
- Bipolar, depressive, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Dissociative and trauma- and stress-related disorders
- Eating disorders and personality disorders
- Historical developments in psychological treatment
- Modern treatment options and methods
Understand The AP Scoring System
The AP scores are primarily used to determine a student's readiness to receive college credit or placement in advanced courses, rather than directly reflecting traditional school grades. The criteria for achieving these scores typically involve performance on both multiple choice questions and free response items, assessing a combination of knowledge, application, and analytical skills.
AP Score
Description
Grade Equivalent
IB Equivalent
GPA Equivalent
Criteria
5/5
Extremely well qualified
A,A+
7/7
4.0
Shows thorough knowledge and understanding
4/5
Well qualified
A- to B
6/7
3.7
3/5
Qualified
B- to C
5/7
3.0
2/5
Possibly qualified
C to D
4/7
2.0
1/5
No credit
F
3 or below
1.0
AP Score
5/5
Description
Extremely well qualified
Grade Equivalent
A,A+
IB Equivalent
7/7
GPA Equivalent
4.0
Criteria
Shows thorough knowledge and understanding
AP Score
4/5
Description
Well qualified
Grade Equivalent
A- to B
IB Equivalent
6/7
GPA Equivalent
3.7
Criteria
AP Score
3/5
Description
Qualified
Grade Equivalent
B- to C
IB Equivalent
5/7
GPA Equivalent
3.0
Criteria
AP Score
2/5
Description
Possibly qualified
Grade Equivalent
C to D
IB Equivalent
4/7
GPA Equivalent
2.0
Criteria
AP Score
1/5
Description
No credit
Grade Equivalent
F
IB Equivalent
3 or below
GPA Equivalent
1.0
Criteria
Is AP Psychology Difficult?
AP Psychology is often considered one of the more accessible AP courses, especially if you have an interest in understanding human behavior and mental processes. The material is broad, covering various psychological theories, concepts, and experiments, but it tends to be straightforward and relatable. The course involves memorization of key terms and theories, which can be challenging if you’re not used to it, but many students find the content engaging and easier to grasp compared to other AP subjects. With consistent study habits and a genuine interest in the topics, most students find AP Psychology manageable and rewarding.
AP Psychology
Standard Level
Higher Level
Ascend Now Examiner Tips
Master the Vocabulary
“Psychology is full of specific terms and concepts. Make sure that you know the definitions and can apply them in different contexts.”
Arshiya
AP Tutor
TOK facilitatior and coordinator, expert in Counseling Psychology
Understand Key Theories
“Familiarize yourself with the major psychological theories and their founders. Be ready to compare and contrast them on the exam.”
AP Tutor
8+ years of tutoring experience teaching English Language and Literature, and Visual Arts
Use Real-World Examples
“Applying psychological concepts to real-life scenarios can help solidify your understanding and make your answers more compelling.”
AP Tutor
Passionate teacher with 10+ years of experience improving student math skills
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