Barron's AP Statistics

 (16 customer reviews)

This book isn't all that great. I bought it in hopes of refreshing my memory, and since AP Statistics has some intricate details to it, this book doesn't really go into them. The chapters contain A LOT of examples which helps the student see the different types of problems he/she can encounter, but there is little explanation of general ideas. The author relies a lot on defining terms through examples and through few words. The chapter questions in the end are also flawed because the answers turn out to be those that AREN'T covered by the author in the chapter reviews. In addition, the way the chapters are broken up are incoherent and inconsistent to follow, and you end up running to (again) examples of ideas than the actual definition. I thought that this was fine because in the end, I could grasp the concept, but it turns out I'll just be memorizing the different questions the AP test could ask than actually understand the concept.

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Barron's books tend to have a more cramped style than Princeton review and are unpleasing to the eye, but the content in this book is just plain better. I am writing this review after receiving a 5 on the AP Statistics exam after using this book. Its explanations of key concepts are better than Princeton Review's, which tend to be confusing at times, which is enough for me to dislike it. Princeton review also assumes that you are stupid and give formulas that are unintuitive but get you the answer. Due to the cramped style, I'd recommend you give yourself a bit of time to get used to it and slowly look through it; it will serve you well.

I found this book great review for the topics covered on the AP exam. After going through the textbook chapter, i would usually read the Barrons to reinforce it. But I must admit that the Barrons summary of the topics are a little brief, and might be confusing if you do not know what they are talking about. I would not recommend solely reading Barrons, but rather reading your textbook (or possibly 5 Steps to a 5) to understand the topic first before going to Barrons. Barrons always adds more in depth explanations and key points that may have not been included in the textbook.

As for the practice questions, they are really well written. Though they seem hard, and are actually harder than the ones on the official exam, they prepare you well. If you can answer these questions, you are going to ace the real ones.

I would highly recommend this book (along with your textbook) to prepare for the exam.