AP Statistics Study Guide: Key Concepts for the 2026 Exam

AP Statistics covers data analysis, probability, and statistical inference. Here’s how to prepare effectively for the 2026 exam.

Exploring Data

Know how to describe distributions using center, spread, and shape. Be comfortable with dotplots, histograms, boxplots, and scatterplots. Understand the difference between categorical and quantitative variables and appropriate summaries for each.

Sampling and Experimental Design

Understand the difference between observational studies and experiments. Know the principles of random sampling, stratification, blocking, and why random assignment matters for establishing causation.

Probability and Distributions

Master the normal distribution, binomial distribution, and sampling distributions. Know how to use the empirical rule and z-scores, and understand the Central Limit Theorem and its conditions.

Statistical Inference

Confidence intervals and hypothesis tests are the backbone of the exam. For every procedure, know the conditions, formula, and how to interpret results in context. Always state conclusions in the context of the problem.