AP Statistics: Frequently-Asked Questions
From time to time, we get questions from site visitors about the Advanced
Placement Statistics exam. Below, we've listed the questions we hear most
frequently. To see the answer to a frequently-asked question, simply
click on the question.
If you need more (or different) information, contact the
College Board directly. They can be reached at:
AP Services
P.O. Box 6671
Princeton, NJ 08541-6671
Phone: (609) 771-7300 or (888) 225-5427 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada)
Email: apexams@info.collegeboard.org
Web: AP Testing
at the College Board
Questions and Answers
What is the best study guide to help
me prepare for the exam?
Stat Trek evaluated study guides for the AP Statistics exam on
five criteria, including user ratings, price, and content. Based on those criteria,
there are many good choices. To see all of the recommended
study guides, visit our
Review of AP Statistics Study Guides.
The review is updated daily, so prices are always current.
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Can I use a calculator? If so, what
kind of calculator do I need?
Yes, you can use a calculator. Each student is expected to bring
a graphing calculator with statistical capability to the exam. Computational
capabilities should include standard statistical univariate and bivariate
summaries, through linear regression. Graphical capabilities should include
common univariate and bivariate displays, such as histograms, boxplots, and
scatterplots.
The College Board has supplied a list of approved calculators.
You cannot use minicomputers, pocket organizers, electronic writing pads, or
calculators with QWERTY (i.e., typewriter) keyboards. Proctors are required to
check calculators berfore the exam. Therefore, it is important to have an
approved calculator.
Stat Trek has evaluated approved calculators on price and user
satisfaction. Based on these criteria, there are several good choices.
> Learn more
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I have a disability. Can I make
arrangements to accommodate my disability?
To their credit, the College Board makes an effort to accommodate
students with disabilities. To find out if you are eligible for accommodations
on AP Exams, visit services
for students with disabilities or contact the AP Coordinator at your
school. Top
When is the exam given?
In 2012, the AP Statistics exam will be administered one time for
most students on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 16. For some students, in extreme
circumstances, the exam may be administered late.
Only students affected by
extreme circumstances may test late. Check with your local coordinator
about late testing. Try to take the exam at its normal time, since you may
not be eligible to take the late test. Top
Which colleges provide credit or
advanced standing for the AP Statistics Test?
Most of the nation's colleges provide course credit or advanced
standing for a good score on the Advanced Placement Statistics Exam. To check
the policy at your college, visit
AP Credit Policy Info. Top
Can I take the AP exam if I haven't taken
an AP course?
Yes. The College Board does not require students to complete a
formal course before taking the AP Statistics exam. This means that students
who have been homeschooled can take the exam. And students who have developed
proficiency through self-study can take the exam.
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How do I register for the exam?
If your school offers AP courses, talk to the AP Coordinator. He
or she will help you register. If you are homeschooled or attend a school that
does not offer AP, you can still take the AP Statistics Exam.
-
Call AP
Services no later than March 1
to identify local AP Coordinator for the statistics exam.
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Call the local AP Coordinator no later than March 15.
WARNING: Some schools require students to register
earlier, occasionally as early as December. To avoid problems, check with your own school
about registration deadlines.
To learn more about AP examinations, visit the
College Board's web site for students.
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