AP Statistics
Course Information
AP Statistics is equivalent to a one-semester, introductory, non-calculus-based college statistics course. Students learn how data are collected, represented, analyzed, and interpreted while exploring probability, statistical inference, and relationships between variables.
Subject Area: Mathematics
UC A-G Area: C – Mathematics
Course Level: Advanced Placement
Open Terms: Summer & Fall
Enrollment Information
Course Start: 9/10/2026
Course End: 4/29/2027
Class Mode: Onsite/Online
Enrollment Period: 5/1/2026-8/30/2026
Related College Majors
This course provides useful preparation for many quantitative, scientific, business, and social science college pathways, including:
Data Science / Statistics / Psychology / Economics / Business / Sociology / Medicine / Engineering / Political Science / Geography
Prerequisites
Students should have completed:
- Algebra 2 or equivalent
Students should also be comfortable working with algebraic expressions, graphs, percentages, and quantitative information. AP Statistics places a strong emphasis on interpreting data, explaining reasoning, and communicating conclusions in context.
Course Units
- Exploring One-Variable Data and Collecting Data
- Probability, Random Variables, and Probability Distributions
- Inference for Categorical Data: Proportions and Chi-Square
- Inference for Quantitative Data: Means
- Regression Analysis
Comparison Table
2027 AP Exam Information
Exam Date: May 11, 2027 | Exam Duration: 3 Hours
Section I
Multiple Choice
- 42 questions
- 1 Hour 30 Minutes
- 50% of Score
Students answer individual and stimulus-based questions that assess concepts from all five course units and require them to apply statistical reasoning to real-world situations.
Questions may involve:
- Data collection
- Graphical and numerical summaries
- Probability
- Statistical inference
- Regression analysis
A graphing calculator with statistical capabilities is permitted.
Section II
Free Response
- 4 questions
- 1 Hour 30 Minutes
- 50% of Score
The section includes:
- Question 1: Multi-part question focused primarily on formulating questions and collecting data
- Question 2: Multi-part question focused primarily on data analysis and statistical reasoning
- Question 3: Statistical inference using a hypothesis test or confidence interval
- Question 4: Multi-part question connecting multiple areas of the course
Students are expected to explain statistical reasoning, interpret results in context, justify conclusions, and use appropriate statistical methods.
A graphing calculator with statistical capabilities is permitted.
Both multiple-choice and free-response answers are completed digitally in Bluebook.
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 Precalculus
Build a foundation in functions, mathematical modeling, algebra, and trigonometry for college-level mathematics and science courses.
AP Computer Science A
Develop computational thinking and programming skills while solving problems using Java.
AP Psychology
Study human behavior and mental processes while learning how psychological research and data are used to evaluate scientific questions.
AP Macroeconomics
Analyze national and global economic systems using graphs, models, quantitative data, and economic reasoning.
Questions About AP Statistics
Where can I find official AP Statistics resources and exam details?
For the official course framework, exam information, calculator policies, and student resources, visit the College Board AP Statistics page.
Do I need to be very advanced in math to take AP Statistics?
AP Statistics does not require calculus. Franklin Academy requires Algebra 2 or equivalent preparation. The course places significant emphasis on logical reasoning, data interpretation, reading comprehension, and explaining statistical conclusions rather than advanced algebraic computation.
What kind of calculator do I need for AP Statistics?
Students should use an approved graphing calculator with statistical capabilities. The 2027 exam also provides access to the built-in Desmos graphing calculator in Bluebook.
Is AP Statistics useful for students who are not majoring in math?
Yes. Statistics is widely used in fields such as psychology, medicine, economics, business, sociology, political science, biology, data science, and public health. Students in many non-mathematics majors are required to complete an introductory statistics course in college.
Is the 2027 AP Statistics Exam different from previous years?
Yes. Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, AP Statistics has an updated course and exam structure. The course now contains five units, and the exam includes 42 multiple-choice questions and four free-response questions. The exam is also fully digital in Bluebook.
Interested in Enrolling in AP Classes?
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