How AP Statistics Scoring Works
The AP Statistics exam consists of two equally-weighted sections that assess your understanding of statistical concepts, data analysis, and probability. Understanding how scoring works can help you strategize your preparation and maximize your score.
Exam Structure Overview
Section I: Multiple Choice
- 40 questions in 90 minutes
- 50% of total exam score
- No penalty for wrong answers
- Calculator permitted
Section II: Free Response
- 6 questions in 90 minutes
- 50% of total exam score
- 5 short-answer + 1 investigative task
- Calculator required
How Raw Scores Become AP Scores
Your raw scores from both sections are converted to a composite score (out of 100), which is then translated to your final AP score of 1-5:
- Multiple Choice: Each correct answer is worth 1.25 points (40 questions x 1.25 = 50 points max)
- Free Response 1-5: Each scored 0-4, contributing 7.5 points each (37.5 points max)
- Investigative Task: Scored 0-4, worth 12.5 points (higher weight than other FRQs)
- Total Composite: MC points + FRQ points = Composite score out of 100
Important Note: The exact cutoffs for each AP score vary slightly each year based on overall student performance. The ranges shown are approximate based on historical data. College Board uses a process called "equating" to ensure scores are comparable across years.
FRQ Section Breakdown
The Free Response section tests your ability to apply statistical concepts, show your reasoning, and communicate results clearly. Each question is scored on a 0-4 scale using detailed rubrics.
FRQ 1-5: Short-Answer Questions
These five questions typically focus on specific statistical concepts and take about 13 minutes each. Common topics include:
- Exploratory Data Analysis: Describing distributions, comparing data sets, interpreting graphs
- Probability: Computing probabilities, expected values, and probability distributions
- Inference: Confidence intervals, hypothesis tests, interpretation of results
- Regression: Analyzing linear relationships, residuals, and predictions
- Experimental Design: Random sampling, bias, study design principles
FRQ 6: Investigative Task
The Investigative Task is a longer, multi-part question that integrates multiple statistical concepts. You should allocate about 25 minutes for this question. It typically requires you to:
- Analyze a complex real-world scenario with data
- Apply multiple statistical techniques
- Draw conclusions and communicate findings
- Consider limitations and alternative interpretations
FRQ Scoring Rubric (0-4 Scale)
| Score | Description | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Complete | Fully correct response with clear explanation |
| 3 | Substantial | Mostly correct with minor errors or omissions |
| 2 | Partial | Some correct elements but significant gaps |
| 1 | Minimal | Limited understanding demonstrated |
| 0 | No Credit | Incorrect, irrelevant, or blank response |
Scoring Tip: Communication matters! Always provide context in your interpretations. Instead of just writing "p-value = 0.03," explain "The p-value of 0.03 indicates that if there were no difference in mean study times between the two groups, there would be only a 3% probability of observing a difference as extreme as or more extreme than what we found."
Score Ranges & Cutoffs
Understanding the score cutoffs helps you set realistic goals and track your progress. These ranges are based on historical AP Statistics score distributions.
Composite Score to AP Score Conversion
| AP Score | Composite Range | Qualification | % of Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 70-100 | Extremely Well Qualified | ~14-16% |
| 4 | 57-69 | Well Qualified | ~20% |
| 3 | 44-56 | Qualified | ~25% |
| 2 | 33-43 | Possibly Qualified | ~18% |
| 1 | 0-32 | No Recommendation | ~22% |
What Score Do You Need?
For Most Colleges
A score of 3 typically earns college credit at most institutions. This is equivalent to a C in a college statistics course and demonstrates sufficient competency.
For Selective Institutions
Top universities often require a 4 or 5 for credit or advanced placement. Some STEM programs may want a 5 for their intro statistics sequence.
College Credit Tip: Always check your target college's AP credit policy. Policies vary significantly, with some schools offering no credit for any AP score, while others grant credit for scores of 3 or higher. Use the College Board's AP Credit Policy Search tool to find specific policies.
Study Tips for AP Statistics
Success on the AP Statistics exam requires understanding concepts, not just memorizing formulas. Here are strategies to maximize your score.
Master the Four Big Ideas
1. Exploring Data (~15-23%)
- Describing distributions (shape, center, spread)
- Comparing distributions and identifying outliers
- Summarizing and representing data
2. Sampling and Experimentation (~12-18%)
- Planning and conducting surveys/studies
- Random sampling methods
- Experimental design and bias
3. Probability (~30-40%)
- Probability rules and distributions
- Normal distribution calculations
- Sampling distributions
4. Statistical Inference (~30-40%)
- Confidence intervals
- Hypothesis testing
- Chi-square and regression inference
FRQ Success Strategies
- Always show your work: Partial credit is awarded for correct reasoning even if the final answer is wrong
- Use context: Mention the actual variables and units from the problem (not just "x" and "y")
- State conditions: When doing inference, explicitly check and state conditions are met
- Interpret results: Don't just calculate - explain what the result means in context
- Practice timing: Aim for 12-13 minutes per FRQ 1-5, and 25 minutes for FRQ 6
Calculator Mastery
Know how to use your calculator efficiently for these common operations:
- Finding 1-variable stats (mean, standard deviation, 5-number summary)
- Creating and analyzing scatterplots and regression
- Calculating normalcdf and invNorm for probability
- Running hypothesis tests (z-test, t-test, chi-square)
- Computing confidence intervals
Practice Resource: College Board releases past FRQs with scoring guidelines at apcentral.collegeboard.org. Work through at least 3-5 years of past exams to familiarize yourself with question styles and expectations.