Introduction
As a future college student, considering taking AP Calculus AB is a significant decision. It can provide a critical advantage in college admissions and prepare you for advanced mathematics courses in college. However, the decision depends on various factors, such as your grade level, academic interests, and future career goals.
To make a well-informed decision, this article will discuss the benefits and challenges of taking AP Calculus AB. It will also provide guidance on preparing for the AP Calculus exams and valuable insights into the topics covered in each course.
Why Take AP Calculus?
AP Calculus AB is an excellent choice for students interested in STEM fields, as it offers a solid foundation in calculus, a critical subject in many scientific and engineering disciplines. Calculus helps you understand the world around you and solves complex problems in a logical and systematic manner. Additionally, taking calculus in high school can provide you with a significant advantage in college applications, as many universities value these advanced math credits.
What Is AP Calculus?
AP Calculus is a set of courses and exams offered by the College Board. AP Calculus AB focuses on basic concepts such as limits, derivatives, and integrals. The AB curriculum is well-aligned with the first semester of college calculus and gives students the skills they need to excel in college-level math courses.
AP Calculus AB vs. BC
The AP Calculus BC course covers all of the AB topics in more depth and additional topics such as advanced integration techniques, parametric equations, polar coordinates, and vector-valued functions. Both courses share similar big ideas: changes, limits, and analysis of functions. While BC is more comprehensive, both courses provide a solid foundation in calculus and prepare students for college-level math.
Preparing for the Exams
Choosing the Right Exam
Whether you choose AP Calculus AB or BC depends on your academic goals and interests. If you aim for a STEM major, BC is the better choice as it covers the university-level Calculus II curriculum. For students who want to skip AB and go directly to BC, you can still receive an AB subscore, which is treated equally with the AB exam.
Taking Practice Tests
To gauge your skills and identify knowledge gaps, start by taking a practice test. Focus your studying efforts on areas that need improvement. Use the College Board's AP past tests from 1998 to 2020 to prepare for the exam. You can also take AP Classroom resources to stay updated with any changes or updates to the exams.
Online Classes and Study Plans
Consider taking online classes from platforms like Khan Academy or Aralia Education. These classes provide a structured course content and review materials for each unit. Additionally, a study plan can help you stay on track with your learning objectives. Follow the 4 Steps to Study For The 2021 AP Exam to ensure you cover all necessary topics and formats.
Conclusion
Is taking AP Calculus AB a good idea for college? Focusing on high school studies can significantly enhance your college application and prepare you for advanced math courses in college. By preparing effectively and choosing the right course, you can set yourself up for success in both your academic and professional pursuits.