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AP Psychology is a college-level introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The course has five units: Biological Bases of Behavior, Cognition, Development and Learning, Social Psychology and Personality, and Mental and Physical Health. The exam is fully digital, with 75 multiple-choice questions (two-thirds of the score) and 2 free-response questions that ask students to analyze psychological research.
Growing Stars provides personalized, one-on-one online AP Psychology tutoring that builds content knowledge, research-methods skills, and the evidence-based writing the free-response section requires.
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AP Psychology is an introductory college-level course covering the science of behavior and mental processes, organized around five equally weighted thematic units. The course was substantially redesigned in recent years, and the free-response section now looks very different from older prep material, rather than general essay questions, students have to analyze a real peer-reviewed research source and build an evidence-based argument from multiple sources, a research and writing skill that goes well beyond memorizing theories and terminology. Our tutors at Growing Stars build both the content knowledge and the evidence-based reasoning skills clearly, step by step, using the student’s own course material.
Our expert tutors focus on core concepts, research methods, and clear evidence-based writing, helping students build the skills they need for the AP exam and for college-level psychology beyond it.
AP Psychology is organized into five units, each weighted equally on the multiple-choice section.
| Unit | Exam Weighting | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1: Biological Bases of Behavior | 15% to 25% | The nervous system, the brain, neurotransmitters, sleep, and sensation |
| Unit 2: Cognition | 15% to 25% | Perception, memory, thinking, problem-solving, and intelligence |
| Unit 3: Development and Learning | 15% to 25% | Lifespan development and classical, operant, and social learning |
| Unit 4: Social Psychology and Personality | 15% to 25% | Attribution, attitudes, group behavior, personality theories, and motivation |
| Unit 5: Mental and Physical Health | 15% to 25% | Stress, psychological disorders, and treatment |
| Question | What Students Receive | What They Do |
|---|---|---|
| Article Analysis Question (AAQ) | 1 summarized peer-reviewed study | Identify the research method and variables, interpret a statistic, name an ethical guideline, evaluate generalizability, and apply the findings (up to 7 points) |
| Evidence-Based Question (EBQ) | 3 summarized peer-reviewed sources on one topic | Make a claim, support it with 2 pieces of evidence from the sources, and explain the reasoning using course concepts (up to 7 points) |
Researchers randomly assign students to sleep either 5 or 8 hours, then measure their scores on a memory test. What are the independent and dependent variables, and what research method is used?
The researchers controlled the amount of sleep, so hours of sleep is the independent variable.
Memory test scores are the outcome, so they are the dependent variable.
Because participants were randomly assigned to conditions, this is an experiment, which allows researchers to draw conclusions about cause and effect.
A common mistake is calling any study an experiment. Without random assignment, a study is correlational and cannot show causation. Tutors practice this distinction because it appears on both free-response questions.
Students taking psychology at other levels can work with us on High School Psychology and College Psychology.
Whether your student is memorizing key terms, struggling with research methods, or preparing for the Article Analysis and Evidence-Based questions, one-on-one tutoring builds the knowledge and skills the exam rewards.
AP course content and exam formats may be updated from time to time. Refer to the College Board website for the most up-to-date information.
Skills Learned and Tested in AP Psychology
The Subtopic List includes all the topics covered in the College Board’s AP Psychology curriculum.
Tutoring sessions follow and align with the school’s instructional pace and learning materials, ensuring that tutoring supports and reinforces classroom learning.
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See our AP Psychology tutoring gives students a faster and more supported path to better placement scores.
Personalized instruction based on the student's course progress and learning needs
Clear explanations of key theories, terms, and research methods
Guided practice applying concepts to real-world scenarios
Immediate feedback on free-response answers and use of evidence
Practice with AP-style multiple-choice and free-response questions
Structured review, targeted assignments, and ongoing progress monitoring
Independent learning using textbooks, videos, and online resources
Students may memorize terms without learning how to apply them
Limited feedback on free-response answers
Research methods and data questions may require additional explanation
Students plan their own revision and AP exam practice
Progress depends on consistent practice and independent self-assessment Explore other tutoring subjects that complement AP Psychology preparation and help students strengthen the skills needed for college placement success.
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Find quick answers to common questions about our AP Psychology tutoring, session format, and student support.
Sessions are conducted live on our interactive platform, using audio/video, a digital whiteboard, screen sharing, chat, homework tools, progress monitoring, and a parent portal. These features support interactive learning, personalized instruction, communication, and convenient progress tracking.
Yes. Sessions are aligned with your child's AP course, school curriculum, textbooks, class notes, assignments, and other learning materials. Tutors adapt instruction to the resources your child uses while also supporting preparation for upcoming assessments and AP exams.
Yes. We pair each student with a dedicated tutor for consistency, allowing sessions to build on previous learning and provide continuous support throughout the course.
Progress is monitored through homework, practice, quizzes, assessments, mock exams, and ongoing tutor feedback. Parents can receive progress updates and reports through the Parent Portal, email, and GS App, helping them stay informed about their child's learning, strengths, areas for improvement, and overall progress.
Not necessarily. Tutoring is aligned with your child's course materials, textbooks, class notes, assignments, and other learning resources, with additional practice questions and study materials provided as needed.
Yes. Sessions can be tailored to specific topics and skills where your child needs additional support, while also addressing broader course content as needed. Tutors can adjust the pace, level of practice, and instructional support based on the student's learning needs.
Yes. Live online AP tutoring provides real-time interaction, an interactive digital whiteboard, audio/video, screen sharing, collaborative learning, and immediate feedback. Tutors can explain concepts, work through questions and tasks, and provide personalized instruction throughout each session.
AP Exams are scored on a 1–5 scale. A score of 5 indicates "extremely well qualified," while a score of 3 indicates "qualified."
No. Incorrect or unanswered questions do not result in a penalty.
No. College Board lists no recommended prerequisites for AP Psychology.
AP Psychology is equivalent to a one-semester, introductory college psychology course.
AP Psychology has five units: Biological Bases of Behavior, Cognition, Development and Learning, Social Psychology and Personality, and Mental and Physical Health. Each is weighted 15 to 25 percent of the multiple-choice section.
The free-response section has two questions in 70 minutes. The Article Analysis Question asks students to evaluate one research study, and the Evidence-Based Question asks them to build an argument from three research sources. Each is worth up to 7 points, and together they make up one-third of the score.
AP Psychology is a popular first AP course because it does not require advanced math or prior coursework. It does involve a lot of vocabulary and research-methods reasoning, so steady review throughout the year makes a big difference.
