***AP Biology Thread 2015-2016***

Pretty sure they curve it once only, it’s like the equating method on the SAT’s

Pretty sure it’s just one curve. That’s one of the issues with how college board designs these exams, because how can you compare two sets of problems of varying levels of difficulty to one curve? It’s illogical.

both nutrients eventually ran out, which explains why the bacteria stopped growing. the bacteria preferred nutrient I over II, evident in that when both were available, the concentration of 2 stayed constant while I was used up. as for the rest, i talked about how the bacteria might be able to evolve to prioritize that food source and have some adaptation that allows them to outcompete other species, not exactly sure what they were looking for there. i talked about how nutrient i acted as an inducer for the genes that metabolised itself, and as a repressor for the genes for nutrient 2. can anyone confirm?

What confuses me is that 80% get one test and the other 20% get the other options, not even balancing out for statistical reasons

Yes there are 8. I didn’t have enough time to finish all the FRQs either, so you’re not alone. (a lot of people seem to have the same time issue, the test just doesn’t give ample time) But I heard from last year that someone didn’t finish the last 2 FRQs and still managed a 5, so not all hope is lost I guess. :((

@brixtonshifty86 that matches my response almost exactly.

I think CB just wants to test out a wider variety of questions; regardless if all the forms are under one single curve would it still be a generous one or a harsh one? Do you guys think the 79% curve is true for this administration too?

@briztonshifty86
I must have interpreted that graph incorrectly, then. I thought that those were all separate groups and it showed the amount of bacteria over time for each plate:
Plate containing nutrient A sustained bacteria for a shorter period of time than nutrient B

When both were available, the weird double S shape curve showed the bacteria growth over time.

How was I supposed to interpret that “when both were available, the concentration of 2 stayed constant while 1 was used up.”

The dots…

I for one thought the exam was incredibly difficult. I took APUSH on Friday, and I believe I at least got a 4, however, I am gauging my chances of whether I even passed the AP Bio exam.

How does the scaling work on this test. For example, if I got 60% of the possible points on section 1 and say 40% of the possible points on section 2, what would this equate to for a score?

I am a junior and these are the first AP tests I have taken

Probably a 3, 50% is usually 3

My main concern is how colleges will view this. If I get a 2 or 3 on Biology, but a 5 on APUSH and a great SAT score, will I still be apply to competitive schools? How much does a bad score on one AP exam affect your college admissions?

Was the bacteria nutrient I and II question for frq 2 or 3?

mclaughlinm34 its not rly percentages … What you do is take MC score out total questions than multiply it by .725… Than total FRQ points multiply by 1.25… Add those numbers. Final score depends on curve but usually 60+ will get you a 5

I am a prospective finance major btw

Wait, 60% and up is a 5???

@mclaughlinm34 pretty sure you don’t have to report all your scores, so just don’t report it if it’s bad.

mclaughlinm34 the AP scores don’t actually matter unless you want to use them for course credit in college (once you’re already accepted) and you don’t have to show any of your scores when you apply unless you choose to

I am sure that if you don’t report, the college will just assume the score is not a passing grade.