AP Chem MCQs: Format, Timing and Exam Strategies
- What Is the Structure of the AP Chemistry MCQs Section
- What Are the Question Formats in the AP Chem MCQs Section
- What the AP Chem MCQs Section Tests
- How to Pace Yourself for AP Chem MCQs
- Calculator Policy for AP Chem MCQs
- Where to Find Official Practice Materials for AP Chem MCQs
- Contact BartyED's AP Chem Tutors to Get Started
The AP Chemistry exam is a hybrid digital exam with one of its two sections focusing solely on multi-choice questions (MCQ). This blog will cover essential information about the MCQ section, including grade weight and timing, as well as the calculator policy and where to find and how to use practice materials.
What Is the Structure of the AP Chemistry MCQs Section
The AP Chemistry paper is split into two parts. Section I is the MCQ portion of the exam. It consists of 60 multiple choice questions, with each question having four answer choices. This section of the AP Chemistry test is worth 50% of the overall grade for the examination and candidates have 90 minutes to complete it.
As previously stated, the AP Chemistry test is a hybrid exam. This means that candidates will utilise both a digital interface and physical media, namely an exam booklet, in the process of the test. For Section I, specifically, candidates complete all multiple-choice questions using the Bluebook testing app.
For the AP Chemistry, calculators are permitted for both sections of the exam. Candidates may use either a scientific or graphing calculator, or the built-in Desmos calculator through Bluebook when completing Section I. Additionally, a periodic table and equations/constants sheet are provided and available in Bluebook on exam day.
The last point to note is that there are no penalties for wrong answers in the MCQ portion of the AP Chemistry examination. Consequently, students should answer every question on the paper, leaving nothing blank. Unanswered questions means a guaranteed loss of marks.
What Are the Question Formats in the AP Chem MCQs Section
Broadly speaking, there are two styles of questions candidates will be asked in Section I of the AP Chemistry exam. These are discrete questions and question sets.
Discrete questions are stand-alone questions that test a single concept. These are usually faster to answer. Question sets, on the other hand, are typically between two and five questions that are tied to a shared stimulus. Common shared stimuli are, for example, reaction coordinate diagrams, particulate models, and lab data tables. Question sets are the areas of the exam that students most commonly lose time. If one question is blocking progress, flag it and move on. Questions within a set do not always build on each other, meaning they can usually be answered independently. So long as students make sure to circle back later, it’s fine to put a pin in a particularly tricky question. Lingering only uses up time.
What the AP Chem MCQs Section Tests
Section I of the AP Chemistry exam assesses candidates on content across all nine units of the course. These nine units are as follows:
Atomic structure
Molecular and ionic compound structure
Intermolecular forces
Chemical reactions
Kinetics
Thermodynamics
Equilibrium
Acids and bases
Electrochemistry
The units are examined with roughly equal weight, however a slight preference is given to Unit 3 and Unit 8.
Additionally, certain key abilities are tested across the 60 multiple choice questions. Candidates are expected to be able to explain, analyse, and interpret models and representations of chemical properties or phenomena; design experiments and procedures to test a prediction or theory; solve problems using mathematical relationships; and make or justify a scientific claim with evidence and reasoning. Lastly, students should keep in mind that Section I of the AP Chemistry examination rewards test-takers’ scientific thinking and data interpretation, not rote recall.
How to Pace Yourself for AP Chem MCQs
With 60 questions to complete in 90 minutes, AP Chemistry candidates must move quickly through the MCQ section. It is also important that time is left aside for a review of the paper at the end. Consequently, it is recommended that students give roughly 80 seconds per question. This adds up to 80 minutes, leaving 10 minutes to look over their working.
As previously noted, some questions may be particular time drainers. When dealing with this kind of MCQ, it is best to flag it using the Bluebook flagging tool and circle back later on rather than using up time that could be better spent elsewhere.
Calculator Policy for AP Chem MCQs
It’s important to be aware that for the AP Chemistry exam, both Section I and Section II allow candidates to use calculators. The College Board offers clear guidelines on their calculator policy across subjects, noting that AP Chemistry students may use scientific or graphing calculators, Bluebook’s in-built Desmos scientific or graphing calculator.
While the opportunity to use a calculator is a boon for students, many MCQ questions are designed such that estimation and chemical reasoning are faster than full calculation. Moreover, before sitting down for the exam, it is vital that students make sure they are familiar with the workings of these kinds of calculators. Yes, they can be useful tools but only if you know how to use them correctly.
Where to Find Official Practice Materials for AP Chem MCQs
There are a number of resources available to AP Chemistry candidates in preparation for the exam. For example, the Bluebook app is a useful tool. Here, students can access test previews and full-length practice tests.
Additionally, candidates may look to the AP Chemistry Course and Exam Description. This is the College Board guide to the AP Chemistry syllabus and contains sample MCQs and is the authoritative source on what is and is not tested.
Whatever students use in their revision, it is crucial to work under exam conditions. Always make use of a timer and try to work through the full 60 questions in Section I rather than questions in isolation. This will help to develop the test skills needed to flourish in the real exam.
Contact BartyED's AP Chem Tutors to Get Started
At BartyED, our team of experienced AP Chemistry tutors have worked with countless students in preparation for the Section I and the AP Chemistry exam more broadly. Our approach is to assess each individual learner’s unique strengths and weaknesses and target these in each session, while also offering key insights into exam technique and best practices. So, if you think that you or your child could benefit from the expert guidance of a BartyED AP tutor, contact us today by phone, email, WhatsApp, or via the form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
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There are 60 questions in the AP Chemistry MCQ section.
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Yes, both scientific and graphing calculators are permitted.
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Candidates have 90 minutes to complete the MCQ section.
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Discrete questions are stand-alone; question sets are a group of two to five questions based on a stimulus, like a table or graph.
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The best way to prepare is to review course content and engage with as many practice papers as possible, always working under exam conditions.
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