5 AP Subjects with the Highest Scoring FRQs (and Why)
Not all AP Free Response Questions (FRQs) are created equal.
Some subjects consistently yield higher average scores on FRQs — not because they’re easier, but because students understand the structure, master the patterns, and apply their knowledge more effectively.
If you’re revising for AP exams and wondering where to focus your FRQ practice, this list will help.
Here are 5 AP subjects with the highest-scoring FRQs — and what makes them more predictable (and winnable).
1. AP Psychology
Why it performs well:
- The FRQs follow clear structures — especially the Concept Application and Research Design formats.
- Points are awarded per precise term application, not essay flair.
- Most students can train themselves to write short, correct, point-based sentences.
Smart Practice Tip:
Use scenario-based drills. Practice using psychological terms in context, not just defining them.
2. AP Environmental Science
Why it performs well:
- The subject blends science and policy — many FRQs revolve around case studies, data interpretation, or real-world consequences.
- Questions reward applied knowledge, not memorization.
Smart Practice Tip:
Prepare examples in advance (e.g., renewable energy, climate impact, biodiversity), and practice answering with specific data references.
3. AP US Government & Politics
Why it performs well:
- FRQs are formulaic: argument essays, SCOTUS case comparisons, data analysis, and concept application.
- Rubrics are transparent and follow consistent patterns year after year.
Smart Practice Tip:
Use the rubric to reverse-engineer your own answers.
Learn to write thesis-driven, evidence-based mini-essays with exact vocabulary (e.g., "federalism," "checks and balances").
4. AP Microeconomics
Why it performs well:
- Microeconomics is highly diagram-based — and once students master them (e.g., supply and demand, tax incidence, market failure), points are relatively objective.
- FRQs often reward setups and graph explanations even if numbers are imperfect.
Smart Practice Tip:
Practice drawing and labeling graphs from memory. Master shifts, surpluses, price floors, elasticity diagrams — and annotate clearly in your responses.
5. AP Calculus AB
Why it performs well:
- Once core skills are learned, question types repeat: motion, volume, area, optimization.
- Partial credit is abundant — method marks for correct setup are common.
Smart Practice Tip:
Focus on setting up the correct integrals and derivatives. Even if you make a small arithmetic mistake, structure earns points.
Why This Matters for You
Knowing which subjects tend to yield higher-scoring FRQs can help you:
- Prioritize practice time
- Build exam confidence in high-return areas
- Target predictable structures over memorization
Scoring well isn’t about “luck” — it’s about structure, strategy, and repetition.
Predictive Practice: The Secret Weapon
Predict Exam’s AP Predictive Papers simulate real FRQ expectations, including:
- Topic distribution trends
- Structural match to scoring rubrics
- Examiner-level difficulty
Smart practice gets results — and the subjects above offer serious return on focused effort.
Conclusion: Play the FRQ Game Smart
If you're looking to maximize FRQ marks:
- Target the subjects with transparent rubrics and predictable structure
- Practice using past questions and predictive scenarios
- Think like a scorer — not just a student
Explore Predict Exam’s AP Predictive Papers and sharpen your FRQ strategy where it counts most.