{"id":9618,"date":"2017-04-25T14:57:40","date_gmt":"2017-04-25T21:57:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/hs\/?p=9618"},"modified":"2018-10-26T06:31:31","modified_gmt":"2018-10-26T13:31:31","slug":"ap-calculus-bc-exam-study-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/hs\/ap\/ap-calculus-bc-exam-study-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"AP Calculus BC Exam Study Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

So you’ve decided to take the AP Calculus BC exam in May. Or maybe you have to take the test because your AP Calculus teacher requires it in place of a final exam. Either way, you’re going to need these five AP calculus BC exam study tips!<\/p>\n

\"AP<\/p>\n

AP Calculus BC Exam Study Tips<\/h2>\n

It takes a lot of time and effort to prepare yourself for any AP exam. The following tips represent a few general test-taking strategies as well as specific info about the Calculus BC exam.<\/p>\n

1. Know What’s on the Exam<\/h3>\n

Obviously, if you don’t know what you’re getting into, then you probably won’t do well.<\/p>\n

The AP Calculus BC exam is the more comprehensive of the two AP Calculus exams. As such, the test covers everything that the AB exam does and then some.<\/p>\n

The are four Big Ideas<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Limits<\/li>\n
  2. Derivatives<\/li>\n
  3. Integrals<\/li>\n
  4. Sequences and Series<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The first three Big Ideas are also covered on the AB exam. However, the BC exams goes further in depth.<\/p>\n

    For example, you will find vector functions, parametric equations, and polar functions on the AP Calculus BC exam.<\/p>\n

    \"Polar
    This is an example of a polar graph called the four-leaf rose. You can expect to see polar functions on the AP Calculus BC exam.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    For a detailed list of topics, check out: What Topics are on the AP Calculus BC Exam?<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    2. Know the Format of the Exam<\/h3>\n

    Like the AP Calculus AB exam, the BC exam lasts 3 hours and 15 minutes, with a short break in the middle.<\/p>\n

    The test is divided into two sections, multiple choice<\/strong> and free response<\/strong>. Furthermore, each section consists of two parts: calculator and no-calculator.<\/p>\n

    For more information about the format, including the number of problems and timing, see
    \n    What is the Format of the AP Calculus BC Test?<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    3. Familiarize Yourself with your Calculator<\/h3>\n

    You should find a good graphing calculator early in the Fall and spend time getting to know how to use it.<\/p>\n

    The most expensive calculator in the world will do you no good if you can only figure out how to add and multiply on it.<\/p>\n

    Here is a partial list of some useful features common to many of the graphing calculators that are recommended for the AP calculus exams.<\/p>\n