AP Microeconomics
Course Information
AP Microeconomics is equivalent to a one-semester introductory college course in microeconomics.
Subject Area: Social Science / Economics
UC A-G Area: G – College-Preparatory Elective
Course Level: Advanced Placement
Open Terms: Summer & Fall
Enrollment Information
Course Start: 9/10/2026
Course End: 12/17/2027
Class Mode: Onsite/Online
Enrollment Period: 5/1/2026-8/30/2026
Related College Majors
This course provides useful preparation for many quantitative, business, and social science college pathways, including:
Economics / Business Administration / Finance / Accounting / Public Policy / Actuarial Science / Statistics / Applied Mathematics / Marketing
Prerequisites
Students should have:
- A 3.5 GPA or higher
- Pre-AP English preparation is recommended
Students should also be able to read a college-level textbook and possess basic mathematics and graphing skills.
Course Units
- Basic Economic Concepts
- Supply and Demand
- Production, Cost, and the Perfect Competition Model
- Imperfect Competition
- Factor Markets
- Market Failure and the Role of Government
Comparison Table
2027 AP Exam Information
Exam Date: May 4, 2027 | Exam Duration: 2 Hours 10 Minutes
Section I
Multiple Choice
- 60 questions
- 1 Hour 10 Minutes
- 66% of Score
Students answer questions that require them to define economic principles and models, explain economic outcomes, determine the effects of changes in economic conditions, and interpret graphs and other economic representations.
Calculators are permitted on the exam.
Section II
Free Responses
- 3 questions
- 1 Hour
- 33% of Score
- Includes a 10-minute reading period
The section includes:
- 1 long free-response question
- 2 short free-response questions
Students may be asked to make and explain economic claims, perform numerical analysis, create graphs, and analyze changes in market conditions.
Free-response questions are viewed in Bluebook, while answers are handwritten in the provided exam booklet.
Related AP Courses
Explore other AP courses that complement this course and can help you build a broader academic pathway based on your interests, strengths, and future college goals.
AP Statistics
Develop skills in collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and drawing conclusions from real-world data.
AP Macroeconomics
Study national income, economic growth, inflation, unemployment, monetary policy, fiscal policy, and international economics.
AP U.S. Government and Politics
Explore political institutions, public policy, constitutional principles, and political participation in the United States.
AP Calculus AB
Build a foundation in differential and integral calculus and strengthen quantitative problem-solving skills.
Questions About AP Microeconomics
Where can I find official AP Microeconomics resources and exam details?
For the official course framework, exam information, calculator policies, and student resources, visit the College Board AP Microeconomics page.
Is AP Microeconomics heavily math-based?
AP Microeconomics does not require advanced calculus, but students should be comfortable with basic mathematics, percentages, graph interpretation, and quantitative reasoning. Students frequently use graphs to analyze supply and demand, production costs, market structures, and other economic relationships.
Should I take AP Microeconomics or AP Macroeconomics first?
Either course can be taken first. AP Microeconomics focuses on consumers, businesses, and individual markets, while AP Macroeconomics examines national and global economic systems. Students interested in both areas may choose to take the courses back-to-back or during the same academic year.
What is the main objective of AP Microeconomics?
The course helps students understand how individuals and firms make economic decisions, how markets allocate resources, and how government policies can affect market outcomes. Students also strengthen graph analysis, critical thinking, and economic reasoning skills.
Will I receive high school credit for taking this course?
Yes. Franklin Academy is a WASC-accredited private school. Upon completion of the course, Franklin Academy issues an official transcript with the WASC seal. Students may choose to transfer credits to their school of record or submit the Franklin Academy transcript as part of their college application materials.
Interested in Enrolling in AP Classes?
Franklin Academy offers a range of AP courses designed to help students strengthen their academic foundation, explore advanced subjects, and prepare for college-level coursework. Complete the form below and let us know which AP courses you’re interested in.