<p>
</p>
<p>That’s not entirely accurate. From CB:</p>
<p>
For each AP Exam, there is a formula for combining the scores for the multiple-choice and free-response sections or subsections into a maximum weighted score (composite score). Once the weights have been decided and the free-response section scored, computing each student’s composite score is a purely mechanical process and is done by computer.</p>
<p>Deciding on the cut-off point between each of the five scores is not a simple process. The statistical processes of equating and scaling are used to make adjustments to the cut-off scores each year. These adjusted cut-off scores are presented to the Chief Readers along with other information about the students’ performance on the exam. The Chief Reader then makes the final decision about the four cut-off scores which determine the five AP Exam scores.
</p>
<p>Src: [AP</a> Exam Scores](<a href=“http://professionals.collegeboard.com/higher-ed/placement/ap/exam/grades]AP ”>Higher Education Professionals | College Board ), [AP</a> Central - Statistical Information Based on Common Items](<a href=“Supporting Students from Day One to Exam Day – AP Central | College Board ”>Supporting Students from Day One to Exam Day – AP Central | College Board )</p>
<p>Wikipedia supplement:</p>
<p>
When the AP Reading is over for a particular exam, the free response scores are combined with the results of computer-scored multiple-choice questions based upon a previously announced weighting. The Chief Reader (a college or university faculty member selected by the Educational Testing Service and The College Board) then meets with members of ETS and sets the cutoff scores for each AP Grade. The Chief Reader’s decision is based upon what percentage of students earned each AP Grade over the previous three years, how students did on multiple-choice questions that are used on the test from year to year, how he or she viewed the overall quality of the answers to the free response questions, how university students who took the exam as PART A experimental studies did, and how students performed on different parts of the exam.
</p>
<p>Although they don’t go “we will have exactly 10.86% 5’s this year,” there is definitely a decision made on how to do the cutoffs. Bio from 2007 to 2008 nearly doubled in the # of 1’s because they adjusted the cutoffs for the exam, not because the people got dumber.</p>