Introduction
The College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program has grown in popularity among high school students seeking to earn college credit while still in high school. In 2019, over 2.8 million AP exams were administered worldwide across 38 different subject areas, with Calculus AB, English Language and Composition, and United States History being the most popular exams taken. AP Economics is another popular subject area with the Microeconomics and Macroeconomics exams ranking among the top 20 most-taken AP exams.
The AP Microeconomics and Macroeconomics exams are both three-hour exams consisting of 60 multiple-choice questions and three free-response questions. Students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of economic concepts and their ability to apply economic reasoning to real-world problems.
One question many students have is whether or not they can use a calculator on the AP Econ test. The answer is yes, calculators are allowed on the AP Econ test. In fact, the College Board specifically recommends that students bring a calculator to the exam.
Why Use a Calculator on the AP Econ Test?
There are several reasons why you should use a calculator on the AP Econ test. First, a calculator can help you save time on calculations. This is especially important on the multiple-choice section of the exam, where you will need to answer 60 questions in 75 minutes.
Second, a calculator can help you avoid making errors. When you are performing calculations by hand, it is easy to make mistakes. A calculator can help you avoid these mistakes and ensure that your answers are accurate.
Third, a calculator can help you solve more complex problems. Some of the problems on the AP Econ test require you to solve complex equations or perform other calculations that would be difficult to do by hand. A calculator can help you solve these problems more quickly and easily.
What Type of Calculator Should I Use?
The College Board allows students to use any four-function calculator on the AP Econ test. This includes basic calculators, scientific calculators, and graphing calculators. However, graphing calculators are not necessary for the AP Econ test. In fact, some students may find that a basic calculator is more efficient for the types of calculations required on the exam.
Tips for Using a Calculator on the AP Econ Test
Here are a few tips for using a calculator on the AP Econ test:
- Make sure your calculator is working properly before the exam.
- Bring extra batteries for your calculator.
- Use your calculator to check your answers on the multiple-choice section.
- Use your calculator to solve complex problems on the free-response section.
- Don’t rely too heavily on your calculator. You should still be able to perform basic calculations by hand.
Conclusion
Calculators are a valuable tool that can help you succeed on the AP Econ test. By using a calculator, you can save time, avoid mistakes, and solve more complex problems. However, it is important to remember that calculators are not a substitute for understanding the material. You should still focus on learning the economic concepts and developing your problem-solving skills.