Generally speaking, both AP Calculus courses and exams are designed to be college-level calculus courses, with Pre-Calculus prerequisite. Both courses will give you opportunities for college credit. Both courses require students to profoundly understand and master calculus concepts, but BC will conduct an in-depth investigation on the calculation and application of calculus. Furthermore, BC Calculus introduces two new concepts: Parametric Equations, Polar Coordinates, and Vector-Valued Functions; as well as Infinite Sequences and Series
AP Class Details
AP Calculus AB
- Limits and Continuity
- Differentiation: Definition and Fundamental Properties
- Differentiation: Composite, Implicit, and Inverse Functions
- Contextual Applications of Differentiation
- Analytical Applications of Differentiation
- Integration and Accumulation of Change
- Differential Equations
- Applications of Integration
AP Calculus BC
- Limits and Continuity
- Differentiation: Definition and Fundamental Properties
- Differentiation: Composite, Implicit, and Inverse Functions
- Contextual Applications of Differentiation
- Analytical Applications of Differentiation
- Integration and Accumulation of Change
- Differential Equations
- Applications of Integration
- Parametric Equations, Polar Coordinates, and Vector-Valued Functions
- Infinite Sequences and Series
Differences between the two exams
The difficulty of the AP Exam
In high school, the BC exam is more difficult than the AB exam because there is more content covered in the exam. Calculus AB covers about two-thirds of the first two semesters of calculus course content at American universities. Generally, Calculus AB test-takers will begin with the second-semester Calculus II class when they enter university. Calculus BC is equivalent to the first and second semesters of calculus at an American university. Calculus BC test-takers will usually begin with the third-semester Calculus III / Multivariable Calculus math class when they enter university.
The difficulty of the tests also reflects the credit transfer of universities. For example, MIT recognizes AP Calculus BC scores, and students accepted to MIT normally receive 5 points on the BC test.
Course Pace
The content for Calculus AB takes up a full year of study. In the meantime, Calculus BC usually covers everything in Calculus AB in the first semester, then additional topics during the second semester. The examination times of Calculus AB and Calculus BC overlap, so within one year, students can only choose either AB or BC.
Student preferences and needs
For students who’re planning to major in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering in college, AP Calculus BC is a good choice. Students with a strong mathematical foundation and are looking to major in STEM fields should considering taking AP Calculus BC. If you don’t have a strong mathematical foundation or are planning to major in liberal arts, take AP Calculus AB. If you take AP Calculus AB, you will still gain a calculus background that will help set you up for college math.
Comparison of the AP score ratio between AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC
Below is a table showing the score distribution of the two exams in 2020. According to the data, the 5-point rate of AP Calculus BC is as high as 44.2%, while AB is only 19%.
Subject | 5 points | 4 points | 3 points | 2 minutes | 1 point |
AP Calculus AB | 19% | 20.4% | 20.5% | 24.1% | 16% |
AP Calculus BC | 44.2% | 17.4% | 19.2% | 14.4% | 4.8% |
How to choose between AP Calculus BC and AP Calculus AB?
In the following situations, you should choose AP Calculus BC:
- You are confident about your math.
- You have studied and got good grades in math courses such as Pre-Calculus.
- You plan to major in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering, or other related subjects in the future.
In the following situations, you should choose Calculus AB Exam:
- You are less confident about your math level.
- You want a more flexible schedule and save enough homework time for other AP subjects.
- You want to major in liberal arts subjects in the future that don’t require a high level of understanding of mathematics.
Receiving AP Calculus AB & BC tutoring
AP CALCULUS BC TEST PREP
Description:Improve your AP score with this AP Calculus BC course. Taught by an experienced AP Calculus teacher from Hotchkiss School, the course will review the important knowledge in the exam. In addition, the teacher will cover multiple-choice questions and free-response questions.
Project time: Rolling enrollment throughout the year, one class every weekend, 1.5 hours per class
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
- Practice multiple choices and free-response questions
- Study the breadth and depth of AP Calculus BC's topics, from Euler's method, power series, growth model to alternating series
- Understand and master all the concepts introduced during the online sessions
- Be fully prepared for the AP Calculus BC exam in 2021
