Anachronisms: One of the students, while talking with Mr. Escalante outside, is holding a can of Diet Pepsi bearing the logo introduced in 1985, three years later then the movie takes place.
Factual errors: The seals the students are shown breaking to begin the test are those placed on the multiple-choice booklets after the test to ensure they are not viewed again. AP tests are given to test takers sealed only in plastic wrap.
Factual errors: According to Jamie Escalante, he suffered a gall bladder attack, not a heart attack as was implied in the movie.