How to Get a 5 on AP Psychology
- sarah88492
- May 13
- 2 min read
Updated: May 16
We’ve got your back with study tips, strategies, and free resources to help you feel confident and prepared. With the right mindset and the right tools, scoring a 5 on the AP Psychology exam is totally within reach.
Free AP Psychology Resources
Before we jump into tips and tricks, let’s take a look at what makes AP Psychology unique. This course is all about understanding how people think, feel, and behave—and being able to apply that knowledge through real-world scenarios, experimental data, and psychological concepts.
Short on time? We’ve got you covered:
AP Psychology Study Kit – Thea’s all-in-one resource for AP Psych prep. Get personalized flashcards, practice questions, review quizzes, and more. College Board – Your go-to for official course content, past exams, and scoring guidelines.
What You’ll Learn in AP Psychology
AP Psychology covers everything from the biology of the brain to the dynamics of social influence. Here’s a quick breakdown of the major units:
Neurons and neurotransmitters
Brain structures and functions
Endocrine system
Sensory processes
Visual and auditory systems
Perceptual organization
Classical and operant conditioning
Observational learning
Reinforcement and punishment
Stages of physical and cognitive development
Social development across the lifespan
Attachment and parenting styles
Memory systems
Problem-solving and decision-making
Language development
Psychological disorders
Diagnostic categories (DSM-5)
Treatment and therapies
AP Psychology Exam Format
Here’s what you’re up against on test day:
Section I: Multiple Choice
100 questions
70 minutes
66.7% of your score
Section II: Free Response
2 questions (Concept Application + Research Design)
50 minutes
33.3% of your score
The key is knowing how to apply concepts clearly and concisely, not just memorize them.
Study Tips and Strategies
Use Thea Every Day
Upload class notes, create flashcards, and quiz yourself with Thea’s Smart Study feature. Our adaptive practice questions adjust to your learning pace and reinforce concepts where you need the most help.
Focus on Terms and Theories
Make sure you’ve mastered all the vocab—this exam is packed with terminology. Use flashcards to drill the major psychologists, experiments, and theories.
Practice Free Response
FRQs are about applying knowledge, not reciting it. Practice writing responses using real prompts and get comfortable explaining terms in context.
Study the Experiments
Know the famous studies—Milgram, Bandura, Pavlov, Harlow, Zimbardo. These come up often and are core to the curriculum.
Time Yourself
Try full-length timed practice exams in Thea’s Test Mode to build endurance and time management skills.
Review with Purpose
After each practice session, go back and review what you missed. Identify which units you need to revisit and spend more time there.
How Hard Is the AP Psychology Exam?
Compared to other AP exams, AP Psych has a reputation for being approachable, especially if you’re consistent with studying. It’s heavy on vocabulary and application, but manageable with the right strategy.
Final Thoughts
With the right resources and consistent practice, you can absolutely earn a 5 on the AP Psychology exam. Thea helps you break it down, build confidence, and study smarter—not harder.
You’ve got this. Let’s get that 5.
Comments