#AP Art & Design: Your Ultimate Study Guide

Hey there, future art star! ✨ Let's get you prepped and confident for your AP Art & Design exam. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the big day. We'll break down the rubric, highlight key areas, and give you some last-minute tips to ace it!

#Understanding the AP Art & Design Portfolio

Your AP Art & Design portfolio has two main parts:

1. Sustained Investigation (60% of your score): This is your in-depth exploration of a concept or idea.
2. Selected Works (40% of your score): These are your best pieces showcasing your skills and range.

The Sustained Investigation is worth more than the Selected Works, so it's crucial to nail it!

#General Scoring Principles

• Each section of the rubric is scored independently. Don't worry if you're stronger in one area than another; each row is evaluated on its own merits.
• Your work is evaluated holistically for each row. This means they look at your overall body of work, not just individual pieces.
• The score for each row is based on the preponderance of evidence, meaning the overall impression of your work.

#Breaking Down the Sustained Investigation Rubric

The Sustained Investigation is divided into four rows, each contributing to your overall score:

• Row A (12%): Inquiry and Investigation
• Row B (18%): Practice, Experimentation, and Revision
• Row C (18%): Materials, Processes, and Ideas
• Row D (12%): Synthesis of Materials, Processes, and Ideas

#Visual Guide to Scoring

Here's a handy formula to help you estimate your score:

This formula is a rough estimate and not a guarantee of your final score. Use it to identify areas for improvement.

#The Rubric in Detail

Here's a visual of the rubric itself:

Let's dive into each row:

#Row A: Inquiry and Investigation (12%)

• Focus: How well you define and explore your chosen topic.
• Key Elements:
  • Clear focus of inquiry.
  • Demonstrated investigation of your topic.
  • Exploration of ideas through visual and written elements.

#Row B: Practice, Experimentation, and Revision (18%)

• Focus: Your growth and evolution as an artist.
• Key Elements:
  • Demonstration of practice and experimentation with different techniques.
  • Evidence of revisions based on your experimentation.
  • Development of your skills and ideas over time.

#Row C: Materials, Processes, and Ideas (18%)

• Focus: How you use materials and processes to express your ideas.
• Key Elements:
  • Effective and thoughtful use of materials and processes.
  • Clear connection between your ideas and your chosen media.
  • Exploration of different materials and techniques.

#Row D: Synthesis of Materials, Processes, and Ideas (12%)

• Focus: How well you bring everything together to create a cohesive body of work.
• Key Elements:
  • Clear synthesis of your materials, processes, and ideas.
  • Development of a unique and personal artistic voice.
  • Demonstration of a clear and unified vision.

Row D is where your entire investigation comes together. Make sure your final pieces reflect your journey and growth.

#Final Exam Focus

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's what to focus on the night before the exam:

• Review your Sustained Investigation: Make sure your work shows a clear progression of ideas and techniques.
• Understand the Rubric: Know what the College Board is looking for in each row.
• Selected Works: Ensure your selected works are your strongest pieces and showcase your range.
• Time Management: Plan how you'll allocate time for each section to avoid rushing.
• Stay Calm: Take deep breaths and trust the work you've put in. You've got this! 💪

#Practice Questions

Here are some practice questions to get you in the exam mindset:

Practice Question

#Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which row of the Sustained Investigation rubric focuses most on the artist's growth and evolution? a) Row A b) Row B c) Row C d) Row D

2. What percentage of your total AP Art & Design score comes from the Sustained Investigation? a) 20% b) 40% c) 60% d) 80%

3. According to the rubric, how should each row be scored? a) Holistically, based on the overall impression of the work b) Based on the best individual work within the row c) Based on the weakest work within the row d) Based on the average score of all works in the row

#Free Response Question

Prompt: A student is creating a Sustained Investigation focusing on the theme of "Identity." Describe how they could demonstrate proficiency in each row of the rubric. Provide specific examples for each.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Row A (Inquiry and Investigation) - 3 points
  • 1 point: Clearly stated focus of inquiry related to identity. (e.g., "How does cultural background influence personal identity?")
  • 1 point: Demonstrated investigation of the topic through research and sketches. (e.g., Exploring different cultural symbols and their meanings).
  • 1 point: Exploration of ideas through both visual and written elements. (e.g., Artist statements explaining their choices).
• Row B (Practice, Experimentation, and Revision) - 3 points
  • 1 point: Evidence of practice and experimentation with various techniques. (e.g., Trying different painting styles or sculpting methods).
  • 1 point: Revisions based on experimentation. (e.g., Adjusting color palettes or compositions based on initial trials).
  • 1 point: Development of skills and ideas over time, documented in a sketchbook or process journal. (e.g., Showing how their understanding of identity evolved).
• Row C (Materials, Processes, and Ideas) - 3 points
  • 1 point: Effective and thoughtful use of materials and processes. (e.g., Using specific materials that symbolize their cultural background).
  • 1 point: Clear connection between the artist's ideas about identity and their chosen media. (e.g., Using portraiture to explore personal identity).
  • 1 point: Exploration of different materials and techniques to express the theme. (e.g., Combining collage with painting).
• Row D (Synthesis of Materials, Processes, and Ideas) - 3 points
  • 1 point: Clear synthesis of materials, processes, and ideas. (e.g., Creating a series of works that explore different facets of their identity).
  • 1 point: Development of a unique and personal artistic voice. (e.g., Using a particular style or color palette that is unique to them).
  • 1 point: Demonstration of a clear and unified vision. (e.g., The entire body of work reflects a cohesive understanding of the theme of identity).

Remember, you've got the skills and the knowledge. Now, go out there and show the AP graders what you're made of! You've got this! 🎉