A Comprehensive guide to AP Statistics Exam

If you are reading this AP Statistics exam guide, you are already on the right track for your upcoming AP Stats exam. This step-by-step guide is here to help you learn the problem-solving strategies and analytical and writing skills to make your preparation hassle-free. By the end of this blog, you will be able to prepare a study schedule tailored to your requirements that lets you prepare smarter and faster for your upcoming AP Statistics exam.

We know that studying for your AP exams can be stressful, but TYCHR has your back! The AP Statistics Exam is a college-level exam administered every year in May upon the completion of an Advanced Placement Statistics course taken at your high school. If you score high enough, your AP Stats score could earn you college credit ! The AP Statistics Exam will test your understanding of the mathematical concepts covered in the course units, including your ability to use statistical methods and calculate the probability of an outcome. The exam is 3 hours long and includes 40 multiple-choice questions and 6 free-response questions. 

The details of the exam, including exam weighting and timing, can be found below 

Section	Question Type	Number of Questions	Exam Weighting	Duration
I	Multiple-choice Questions	40	50%	90 minutes
II	Free-response Questions	6
	Part A Questions 1 – 5 Part B Question 6 Investigation Task		37.5%	65 minutes
			12.5%	25 minutes

The multiple-choice section of the AP Exam assesses the 9 units of the course with the following exam weighting 

Units	Exam Weighting
1 – Exploring One-Variable Data	15 – 23 %
2 – Exploring Two-Variable Data	5 – 7 %
3 – Collecting Data	12 – 15 %
4 – Probability, Random Variables, and Probability Distributions	10 – 20 %
5 – Sampling Distributions	7 – 12 %
6 – Inference for Categorical Data Proportions	12 – 15 %
7 – Inference for Quantitative Data Means	10 – 18 %
8 – Inference for Categorical Data Chi-Square	2 – 5 %
9 – Inference for Quantitative Data Slopes	2 – 5 %

What’s covered in the exam?

The AP Course and Exam cover around 9 units with specific topics students should focus on. 

Unit 1 Exploring One-Variable Data 

• Variation in categorical and quantitative variables
• Representing data using tables or graphs
• Calculating and interpreting statistics
• Describing and comparing distributions of data
• The normal distribution 

Unit 2 Exploring Two-Variable Data

• Comparing representations of 2 categorical variables
• Calculating statistics for 2 categorical variables
• Representing bivariate quantitative data using scatter plots
• Describing associations in bivariate data and interpreting correlation
• Linear regression models
• Residuals and residual plots
• Departures from linearity 

Unit 3 Collecting Data 

• Planning a study
• Sampling methods
• Sources of bias in sampling methods
• Designing an experiment
• Interpreting the results of an experiment 

Unit 4 Probability, Random Variables, and Probability Distributions

• Using simulation to estimate probabilities
• Calculating the probability of a random event
• Random variables and probability distributions
• The binomial distribution
• The geometric distribution 

Unit 5 Sampling Distributions

• Variation in statistics for samples collected from the same population
• The central limit theorem
• Biased and unbiased point estimates
• Sampling distributions for sample proportions
• Sampling distributions for sample means

Unit 6 Inference for Categorical Data Proportions

• Constructing and interpreting a confidence interval for a population proportion
• Setting up and carrying out a test for a population proportion
• Interpreting a p-value and justifying a claim about a population proportion
• Type I and Type II errors in significance testing
• Confidence intervals and tests for the difference of 2 proportions 

Unit 7 Inference for Quantitative Data Means

• Constructing and interpreting a confidence interval for a population mean
• Setting up and carrying out a test for a population mean
• Interpreting a p-value and justifying a claim about a population mean
• Confidence intervals and tests for the difference of 2 population means

Unit 8 Inference for Categorical Data Chi-Square

• The chi-square test for goodness of fit
• The chi-square test for homogeneity
• The chi-square test for independence
• Selecting an appropriate inference procedure for categorical data 

Unit 9 Inference for Quantitative Data Slopes

• Confidence intervals for the slope of a regression model
• Setting up and carrying out a test for the slope of a regression model
• Selecting an appropriate inference procedure 

How Student Learning is Assessed on the AP Exam 

The four AP Statistics skill categories are assessed on the AP Exam as detailed below

Skill 1 – Selecting Statistical Methods

Skill 2 – Data Analysis

Skill 3 – Using Probability and Simulation

Skill 4 – Statistical Argumentation

The exams assess content from the three big ideas of the course 

Big Idea 1 – Variation and Distribution 

Big Idea 2 – Patterns and Uncertainty 

Big Idea 3 – Data-Based Predictions, Decisions and Conclusions 

Exam Format

The AP Statistics Exam has consistent question types, weighting, and scoring guidelines every year, so you and your students know what to expect on exam day.

Section I Multiple Choice

40 Questions | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | 50% of Exam Score

Individual questions or sets of questions based on a shared prompt

Section II Free Response

6 Questions | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | 50% of Exam Score

Part A

• 1 multipart question with a primary focus on collecting data
• 1 multipart question with a primary focus on exploring data
• 1 multipart question with a primary focus on probability and sampling distributions
• 1 question with a primary focus on inference
• 1 question that combines 2 or more skill categories

Part B

• 1 investigative task that assesses multiple skill categories and content areas, focusing on the application of skills and content in new contexts or in non-routine ways.

AP Calculator Policy

A four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator with statistical computation capability is expected on both sections of the exam.

AP Statistics Exam Tips 

The following strategies for answering the free-response questions will help for the exam. 

• Before beginning work on the free-response section, read all 6 questions to determine which ones you feel most prepared to answer. Do them first.
• The 6th free-response question (called the “investigative task”) is worth 25% of that section and usually takes 25-30 minutes to complete. Do not save this question until the end, as you may be too tired and rushed to think creatively. A good strategy is to complete question 1, then question 6, then the remaining 4 questions.
• Show all your work; partial credit is given for partial solutions. If your answer is incorrect, you can still receive credit for correct thinking if the person scoring the exam sees evidence of it on paper.
• If you make a mistake, just cross it out—don’t waste time erasing it.
• Organize your work as clearly and neatly as possible, showing the steps you took to reach your solution. If the person scoring the exam cannot easily follow your reasoning, you are less likely to receive credit for it.
• Don’t write a bunch of equations hoping that the correct one will be among them so that you can get partial credit. You can lose points for the extraneous or incorrect information.
• Explain your reasoning. When asked to choose between several options, give reasons for your choice and why you did not choose the others.
• Do not use statistical vocabulary unless you are sure you are using it correctly. Define all symbols, draw pictures, etc. Never just give a numerical answer without showing how you found it and why.
• Do not rely on calculator syntax. If you write down calculator syntax, clearly label each number.
• When you are asked to compare 2 distributions, use explicit comparison phrases such as “higher than” or “approximately the same as.” Lists of characteristics do not count as a comparison.
• Do not give 2 different solutions to a problem. Your score will drop because of the incorrect work in the lower-scoring solution.
• Answer all questions in the context of the problem.
• If the question asks you to use results from previous parts of the question, be sure to explicitly refer to them in your answer.
• If you cannot get an answer for an early part of a question but need it for a later part, make up a value or carefully explain what you would do if you knew the answer.
• Space on the exam is not suggestive of the desired length of an answer. The best answers are usually quite succinct. There is no need for “extra fluff” on an AP Statistics Exam.
• Use words like “approximately” liberally, especially with the word “normal.”

Task Verbs

Pay close attention to the task verbs used in the free-response questions. Each one directs you to complete a specific type of response. Here are the task verbs you’ll see on the exam

• Calculate Perform mathematical steps to arrive at a final answer (e.g., algebraic expressions or diagrams with properly substituted numbers and correct labeling). Calculate tasks are also phrased with “Find” or interrogatory questions such as “How many?” or “What is?” or “What values?” or “How likely?” or “How often?”
• Compare Provide a description or explanation of similarities and/or differences.
• Construct/Complete Represent data in graphical or numerical form.
• Describe Provide the relevant characteristics of representations, distributions, or methods.
• Determine Apply an appropriate definition or perform calculations to identify values, intervals, or solutions. Determine tasks are also phrased with interrogatory questions such as “Do the data support?” or “Do the data provide?” or “Is there evidence?” or “Which is better?” or “Does your answer match?” or “Can it be assumed?”
• Estimate Use models or representations to find approximate values for functions.
• Explain Provide information about how or why a relationship, process, pattern, position, situation, or outcome occurs, using evidence and/or reasoning to support or qualify a claim. “Explain” tasks may also be phrased as “Give a reason for…”
• Give a point estimate or interval estimate Use models or representations to find approximate values for uncertain figures.
• Give examples Provide a specific example that meets given criteria.
• Identify/Indicate/Circle Indicate or provide information about a specified topic in words or by circling, shading, or marking given information, without elaboration or explanation. Also phrased as “What is?” or “Which?”
• Interpret Describe the connection between a mathematical expression, representation, or solution and its meaning within the realistic context of a problem, sometimes including consideration of units.
• Justify Provide evidence to support, qualify, or defend a claim and/or provide statistical reasoning to explain how that evidence supports or qualifies the claim.
• Verify Confirm that the conditions of a particular definition, distribution, or inference method are met in order to verify that it is applicable in a given situation. Verify tasks may also be phrased as “Have the conditions been met” or “Can it be assumed.”

How To Study for the AP Statistics

The AP Statistics course is comparable to a one-semester, non-calculus-based college course in introductory statistics. From the moment you sign up for an AP Statistics course to exam day, you can take the following steps to prepare and improve your chances of getting the score you want.

How to prepare for the AP Statistics course

As the saying goes, “well begun is half done”. If you prepare beforehand, each course unit will be easier and quicker to learn. Moreover, you will have some progress to make if you ever fall behind. But once you have signed up to take an AP Statistics class, it can be challenging to figure out how to prepare. What now? Here are some things you can do before the school year starts.

• Make sure you can meet the prerequisites for the course
• Completion of a second-year course in algebra

Bonus points for geometry and precalculus, although calculus is not required for the exam.

How to pass a Statistics class

AP Statistics is focused on four main concepts

1. Exploring data (Units 1-2 )
2. Sampling and experimentation (Unit 3 )
3. Probability and Simulation (Units 4-5 )
4. Statistical Inference (Units 6-9 )

Here are some tips for passing an AP Statistics

• Practice and review every day. At least 30 minutes a day is recommended. Plan your study hours with an efficient and structured schedule.
• Flashcards are an efficient tool to learn and memorize AP Statistics basic terms and concepts.
• Practicing multiple-choice questions is perhaps the most efficient way to study AP Statistics. Get that practice with UWorld multiple-choice questions.
• Practice free-response questions from tests from past years because they can be repetitive from year to year. Analyze the scoring guidelines to understand expectations.
• Always set aside some time to revisit previous units. Occasional review of materials effectively prevents your knowledge from becoming rusty.
• Ask the teacher for help and suggestions on how to improve; they will be happy to assist you and may be able to identify specific growth areas.

How Is the AP Statistics Test Graded?

For the multiple-choice part of the exam, you earn one point for each question you answer correctly. There are no point deductions for incorrect answers or questions you leave blank. Official AP graders will grade your free-response questions. Each of the six free-response questions is scored on a scale of 0 to 4 points, so the total section is out of 24 points.

The free-response questions are graded holistically, which means, instead of getting a point or half a point for each bit of correct information you include, graders look at your answer to each question as a “complete package,” and your grade is awarded on the overall quality of your answer. The grading rubric for each free-response question is

4 Complete Response Shows complete understanding of the problem’s statistical components

3 Substantial Response May include arithmetic errors, but answers are still reasonable and show substantial understanding of the problem’s statistical components

2 Developing Response May include errors that result in some unreasonable answers, but shows some understanding of the problem’s statistical components

1 Minimal Response Misuses or fails to use appropriate statistical techniques and shows only a limited understanding of statistical components by failing to identify important components

0 No Response Shows little or no understanding of statistical components

How to Score a 5 on the AP Statistics Exam

A key thing to understand if you want a 5 on the AP Statistics exam is that you do not need to get every single point on the exam. Only two of the 183,181 students who took the 2021 exam answered every multiple-choice question correctly and received perfect scores on all six free-response questions. Do not try to be perfect; maximize your points on the things you know well, and on anything else, try to eliminate answer choices and make an educated guess if it is taking too long.

Knowing where to spend your study time is vital. For example, understanding that the formulas on the exam are mostly derived from one of several general formulas (e.g. general test statistic formula). One MCQ is not worth a lot, so if you are struggling to remember the formula, practice a few UWorld questions and make a flashcard with the formula to quiz yourself occasionally, but do not spend too much time on it. You will get more out of focusing on more critical concepts.

Here are some AP Statistics study tips to help you earn that coveted 5, in addition to the steps to earn a minimum of 3

• Be prepared to practice for 45 to 60 minutes every day.
• Further, increase the number of UWorld AP Statistics multiple-choice questions you practice every day. UWorld develops questions to track well with the overall themes in the multiple choices that are used.
• Practice more FRQs emphasizing frequently tested questions.
• Keep track of concepts you have trouble with. Consider asking your teacher for extra clarification on those topics, and practice more problems in those areas.

The AP statistics of 2023 will be held in May in person, on Thursday, May 4, 2023 12PM Local.