Getting ready for the AP Calculus exam is all about strategic pacing and focused review over several months. Here’s a week-by-week framework starting in October for solid preparation. As you review, always adjust if you find some topics especially difficult or easy.
Weeks 1–4: Foundation & Basics
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Limits & Continuity: Definitions, calculating limits algebraically and graphically, one-sided limits, continuity.
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Start building your formula sheet and glossary.
Weeks 5–8: Derivatives
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Rules: Power, product, quotient, chain rules. Differentiate polynomials, trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic functions.
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Practice graphing derivatives and understanding their meaning (slope, rate of change).
Weeks 9–12: Advanced Derivatives & Applications
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Implicit differentiation, related rates, and optimization problems.
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Applications: First and second derivative tests, concavity, inflection points, curve sketching.
Weeks 13–16: Integration Fundamentals
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Understanding integrals: Area under a curve, antiderivatives, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
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Techniques: U-substitution, integration by parts (for BC), Riemann sums, trapezoidal rule.
Weeks 17–20: Application of Integrals
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Area between curves, volumes of solids (disk/washer, shell method), differential equations (for BC), and accumulation problems.
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Begin reviewing calculator skills for graphing and computation.
Weeks 21–24: AP-Specific Topics
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Parametric, polar, and vector-valued functions (for BC students).
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Series, sequence convergence, Taylor and Maclaurin series (BC only).
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Review FRQ structure and common task verbs.
Weeks 25–28: Mixed Practice/Target Weaknesses
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Rotating practice sets: Multiple-choice, free-response, calculator/non-calculator sections.
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Simulate real test sections (timed). Identify areas needing further review.
Weeks 29–30: Final Prep & Exam Simulation
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Take full-length practice exams and review every mistake in detail.
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Memorize formulas, review tricky concepts, focus on showing clear steps and justifications in FRQs.
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Rest, eat well, and keep stress in check—don’t neglect sleep or exercise!
Tips for Success:
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Practice daily, even if briefly. Mix calculator and hand-written work.
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Show all work for FRQs: Write out reasoning and underline final answers.
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Don’t round answers until the last step.
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Identify and review missed concepts after each practice test.
For students seeking additional personalized support to track progress, target weak areas, and get clear step-by-step explanations, AI-powered platforms like Aristo AI can make studying more effective and efficient throughout your prep journey.
