How to Study for the AP Calculus Exam

AP & IB Exams

Jan 4

The exams for AP Calculus AB and BC will take place this year on May 9th. While this date may feel like eons away for those still in their first semester, AP exams will test you on everything that you’ve learned throughout the year and potentially earn you college credit – so it’s never too early to start preparing!

Solidify your understanding. Check in with yourself: how has your calculus course been going so far? Are there topics that you struggled with or felt were particularly challenging? It’s a good idea to start reviewing these topics now, as time allows. This will make studying for the comprehensive AP test more manageable later on. Approach your teacher to resolve any unanswered questions, revisit graded tests and quizzes for clues around what didn’t stick, and start reviewing material on your own. For example, Khan Academy has an excellent set of videos and practice modules that can help ensure you are fully caught up!
Familiarize yourself with the exam format. Both AP Calculus exams are split into equally weighted multiple-choice and free-response sections, along with calculator and no-calculator problems in each. The College Board’s AP Central website releases detailed information on each AP course’s test content and structure. A good first step in preparing for AP exams will be to visit your course’s web page and examine exactly how the test will appear.
Determine a baseline score. When the test is 4-6 weeks away, you should get an idea of your baseline score. This will give you an idea of how much time you’ll need to spend studying and which topics you should focus your studying on. Do this by analyzing the released official FRPs and grading rubrics, purchasing a third-party AP Calculus prep book, or by signing up for a proctored practice test.
Study smart. Start studying at least a month prior to your AP exam – or earlier, depending on your baseline score. Create a realistic schedule to review the entire year’s material, planning extra time for topics you struggled with on your practice exam or on your teacher’s tests and quizzes. Take time to memorize key formulas and revisit conceptual underpinnings before completing practice problems. Notes from class, old assignments, graded tests and quizzes, and especially past AP exam questions are all excellent resources!
Practice with your calculator. 16.7% of AP Calculus test questions allow you to use your graphing calculator. The majority will be difficult or nearly impossible to solve without your calculator. That means you need to become proficient in using the calculus-oriented functions pre-programmed on your calculator.

While it may feel overwhelming to study for a big AP exam, starting early is a great way to mitigate stress! For help planning a study schedule, accessing official prep materials, or reviewing test topics, contact our team. We’d love to help connect you with an expert AP Calculus tutor to devise customized review sessions for you.

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