Alexandria City High School Student Earns Perfect AP Exam Score

ALEXANDRIA, VA — An Alexandria City High School student earned a rare perfect score on an AP exam, a college-level test that earns undergraduate credit.

Mohommed Abir Rhaman, a senior, got the perfect score on the AP U.S. History exam. He was only one of 13 students to earn a perfect score among test takers in the U.S.

"During my 28-year career, with 22 years as an Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History teacher and six as an assistant principal, I have never seen or heard of a student who earned a perfect score on the AP U.S. History test," said Maggie Tran, an assistant principal at Alexandria City High School.

Data shows the course is challenging to pass, let alone get every answer right. In the last school year, the College Board reported 48 percent of students taking the AP U.S. History exam passed with a score of 3 or more. There were 13 percent who earned the highest score, a 5.

The AP U.S. History, dating back to the 1950s, was one of the first AP exams the College Board offered. The test includes 55 multiple choice questions, three short answer questions, a long essay and a document-based essay. Students have three hours to complete the exam.

AP exams can result in college credit, but the score requirements may vary by college. Some colleges will accept scores of 3 and above, while others may require a 4 or 5.

Not only was Rhaman excited to earn the perfect score. He also made the wall of stars his teacher Erin Hudson made for students who scored a 5 on the AP exam.