AP Calculus AB or BC

<p>I know there is probably a million threads about this, but I just want personal oppinions of what you guys think I should or would be successful taking.</p>

<p>So to help you here's an idea of my math profile: last year I got an A in the first half of precalculus (mainly college algebra) and an A- in the second half (Mainly Trig.). I had a B average on my Precalculus tests. At my school you take either AB or BC not AB than BC.</p>

<p>I'm really torn, I'd like AB because I'd have more time to absorb material, but I'd like BC because than I wouldn't have to take calc in college (I'm going to be a bio major so I'd have to take calc 2 if I took AB) and I know math courses in a university setting are much more self driven and I'd prefer the help...</p>

<p>I'd love to hear any and all oppinions, so AB or BC?</p>

<p>First off, how comfortable are you with your math skills? Do you still understand what you learned in precalc? Because your success in AB and BC (moreso BC) depends on how well you understood precalc. If you struggled to get that A in precalc, I'd recommend taking AB because not taking a math in college when your course of study needs it will come back to haunt you later on.
Do you know how your BC class at school operates? Usually BC assumes you know AB material, but your case seems to be different. If they do indeed go over AB material before going to the BC stuff, then it shouldn't be that much of a problem.
The choice really depends on your math skills and how well you understand the material thought in previous courses. The BC exclusive stuff seems to have a heavier emphasis on precalc knowledge (series, vectors, and such). In the end, it's your call.</p>

<p>I sat for the AB exam but I knew all of the material from BC and I could have taken that exam. I will be taking Multivariable Calculus next year. If you feel up to it, try to self-study. You can take AB and self-study the extra stuff, going over it with your teacher if necessary. However, if you don't feel comfortable, take AB.</p>

<p>What is the difference between AB and BC</p>

<p>BC contains a few more topics such as parametric equations, vectors, polar curves, series, and sequences. Also, some of the questions might be a little trickier.</p>

<p>The question difficulty of the two exams, for the same type of question, is supposed to be comparable. I know this wasn't always true, though.</p>

<p>i was in the same situation last year...i had trouble deciding whether to do AB or BC. thankfully, I took BC--it is definitely, definitely a choice you will be glad you made. I think BC was essentially the same as AB, but we just tossed in a couple other things. I put in the same effort into my BC class as my friends did with the AB class...and now i'll probably get two semesters of credit instead of one. it's worth it!</p>

<p>Doesn't the BC exam come with an AB subscore? Which in that case, it is better to take the BC exam, considering all the benefits which comes with it.</p>

<p>Yes, BC exam gets graded with an AB subscore.</p>

<p>nj113, thanks. Just making sure, which in that case I know i'll be taking the BC exam for sure.</p>

<p>
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The question difficulty of the two exams, for the same type of question, is supposed to be comparable. I know this wasn't always true, though.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>The difficulty level for the multiple choice IS somewhat comparable for the two tests. It's just that you have been exposed and tested on the more elementary topics in AB that you would think they are easier. The AB questions do have some tricky questions as well.</p>