Principles of Statistics, Calculators, and why this test might be much harder

[kamdad]

So I spent about a week studying IC, StatTrek, and Khan Academy, and barely passed with a 440. I guess maybe I spent about 30 study hours total.

The biggest reason why my score was so low is also the biggest gotcha for anyone looking to take this test in the future, and one that differs from experiences of most other people here - calculator. Basically, the only calculator I was allowed to take into the testing center was a basic 4 function calculator. If you call Prometric, they will confirm that you are only allowed to take a basic 4 function calculator into the testing center - not all of these TIs that everyone recommends.

This changed the dynamic of the test completely, and I had to spend a lot of time doing manual calculations for even simple problems. Bottom line, if you do not have a TI calculator, there is not nearly enough time to finish the 97 or so questions on the test. I had to wildly guess on about 30 questions, and intelligently guess on about 30 more. For the intelligent guesses - I just did the work maybe half way, to figure out at least what the right answer might end up being, which would narrow it down to about 2, and then just pick one that looked most appropriate.

So beware, despite all of the posts here, you may end up without a calculator on a test, and then knowing all of the formulas will come in very very handy. That and some skill at wild guesses.

[NAP]

So I spent about a week studying IC, StatTrek, and Khan Academy, and barely passed with a 440. I guess maybe I spent about 30 study hours total.

The biggest reason why my score was so low is also the biggest gotcha for anyone looking to take this test in the future, and one that differs from experiences of most other people here - calculator. .......

I just want to congratulate you on earning a solid score and 3 more credits! You did not just barely pass this exam, even if that is the way it felt during the test. That is a very good score! 100 or 200 is the lowest score; 400 is passing; 500 is a perfect score. I don't think I have seen anything above 480 on any test in any subject, yet.

Great job on handling the calculator confusion, too. I am sure that was very distracting. Be proud of yourself for being so well prepared and able to deal with that successfully!

[jackbanta]

I agree with 440 being a very solid score. I think you're being hard on yourself if you think you barely passed! I know it doesn't work that way, since the scoring methods are different, but a 440 is like the equivalent of a 63 on the 20 to 80 scale, according to my gorilla math anyway.