AP* Statistics Examination: Evaluation of Study Guides

Many books provide test-preparation help for the AP Statistics exam. To identify the best study guide, Stat Trek evaluated the various alternatives.

How We Evaluated AP Study Guides

We evaluated the major study guides published since 2003 on the following criteria.

• Content: Coverage of test topics.
• User rating: From 1 (unacceptable) to 5 (excellent).
• Advice for test-taking success.
• Number of practice tests.
• Price: The price of a new or used book on Amazon.com, as of November 20, 2009.

We have only reported results for study guides that were highly rated by students (i.e., study guides that received a satisfaction rating of at least 4.0 on a 5-point scale).

Evaluation Findings

All of the highly-rated study guides covered the test content fairly well. With respect to other criteria, however, some books were better than others. Strengths and weaknesses of the various study guides are summarized below.

User ratings and prices are current, as of November 20, 2009.

Recommendations

The best study guide for Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics depends on your personal needs. Here are some things to consider.

• Cost. If you want a new study guide at a low price, choose 5 Steps to a 5 on the AP: Statistics. If you want a used study guide at a low price, choose CliffsAP Statistics.
  
  
• User satisfaction. The highest rated study guides were AP Statistics (REA) - New 3rd Edition (Test Preps) and the Barron's AP Statistics with CD-ROM, both with a satisfaction rating of 5.0.
  

We like How to Prepare for the AP Statistics, 2007 3rd Edition, (Barron's How to Prepare for the Ap Statistics Advanced Placement Examination) It has more user ratings than any other study guide; and nearly everyone who reviewed the book said that it was excellent. The book provides test taking advice as well as six practice exams. And it is not expensive. For these reasons, we think that it is a good choice to help you prepare for the AP Statistics Exam.