The AP Calculus AB exam is widely considered to be one of the most challenging exams to study for. Not only is calculus in general a difficult subject to understand, the questions given in the tests can really test the depth of your comprehension and knowledge.
The good news is that there are some resources that you can take advantage of prior to test, which will help put you in the best position to get a high grade on the AP Calculus exam. These resources can include free online practice tests, as well as textbooks that can be purchased via bookstores and Amazon.
Below we will have compiled the most relevant, and up to date information about the AP Calculus exam for you to view.
AP Calculus AB Exam information
The AP Calculus AB exam contains both a multiple choice section, as well as some free response questions. The multiple choice part contains 45 questions that you need to answer, and should take you around two hours to complete. The questions account for 50% of your overall grade, and for the initial 30 question you are not permitted to use a graphing calculator, although for the last 15 you are required to use a calculator in order to answer the questions.
In the free response section, you are required to answer six questions, and should last you ninety minutes. This section contributes to the last 50% of your final grade. You will need to use a graphing calculator for the free response part, as you will be required to answer two questions using a calculator.
It should be noted that the AP Calculus AB Exam was last changed in the 2016-2017 year. What this means for a student is that you should carefully examine the source of your information, as to make sure you are not covering outdated material. The main changes to the AP Calculus test were slight revisions in the material covered, as well as the spread of multiple choice questions that require a graphing calculator.
Review Materials for the AP Calculus AB Exam
Below you will find some of the best resource available that can help you get a high mark in the AP Calculus AB Exam. These study guides were chosen due to their positive reviews on shopping sites such as Amazon, as well as for their succinct, and up to date information.
Barron’s AP Calculus AB And BC New Review Book
The best book to date for studying for the AP Calculus AB exam is Barron’s AP Calculus workbook. As an added benefit to buying this book, it also covers the material of the BC exam also, which can save you the time and money of buying two books at once.
Barron’s AP Calculus review book contains four practice tests for both formats, as well as a series of detailed explanations to the questions so you are never in the dark about a particular problem. Critically, the book also goes over how you can best use your graphing calculator during the exam, which includes some tips and advice on how they can make your life easier.
A CD-ROM comes included with the book that contains two practice tests, and you also get a bonus online test. The total course contains 11 tests in total, which could be seen as significant advantage over other material that only provides three or four tests.
Self-study tips
Although it is possible to get a good mark on the AP Calculus AB exam if you cram a few weeks before hand, it may prove to be a stressful and frustrating experience.
A better way to prepare for the AP Calculus AB exam is through the purchase of the guide above, and begin to go over each section that you are not 100% familiar with. It’s important to keep mind that repetition of key concepts and ideas is what will lead to high grades. The included practice tests are what will solidify your understandings into memories that you can take into the exam.
It’s not unheard of to spend at least 50 to 80 hours in total studying for the exam, which means you will realistically be studying for at least two to three months beforehand to get the most out of your performance.
The above study guide and its price can be viewed on Amazon. There also could be additional benefits to buying through Amazon, such as discounted and free shipping for selected members in the United States.
Also Read: Our Top Picks For Calculus BC Books