<p>From August 2004 to February 2005 I studied limits (aka I told people i was studying and i wasn't). Then I signed for the test. So I studied from end of february to the exam. I just did all the barrons problems, all the CB FR problems online, and as much general calculus as possible.</p>
<p>PurpoisePal </p>
<p>I leave you with this thought...</p>
<p>I am a grown lady who pops in the high school threads on occasion because it helps me learn more of my high achieving niece who is doing dual enrollment. </p>
<p>If I, a grown lady, can do self study in New Testament Greek, then you can totally do self study for your AP test! </p>
<p>Do not give up hope. And, please think of speaking to your Principal. You are very smart if you want to do Calc and all. Someone should be letting you do that already. </p>
<p>Work things hard and do not give up hope!</p>
<p>peaceout.</p>
<p>You definitely, definitely need a textbook. I'd suggest Calculus by Stewart or Calculus and Analytic Geometry by Thomas (Thomas is more famous/old-school but I like Stewart better) Definitely not Larson, which is what my school uses but which is almost as bad as a test-prep book.</p>
<p>There's a kid at our school who is taking BC Calculus online. He has it as a class, but he goes to the library and does the work on the computer there. Not sure who runs the online class or if its too late to sign up.</p>
<p>I can easily see someone getting a 5 on the exam with self-study, but single-variable calculus is a pretty essential precedent -- I'd recommend taking a course in it regardless, especially if you want to try for high end math/science elite colleges like Caltech. If you just want the credit and a 5 on the exam, using a prep book is actually enough, since the exam is not conceptually difficult. But the prep books give you what you need for the exam -- not a strong grounding in single-variable calculus, which is necessary for success later. Calculus by Prof. Swokowski is nice, but it's old and out of print probably. Try Howard Anton's Calculus. But I still think a course gives you a more in-depth discussion of some of the theory of calculus than would a text, so consider this, depending on whether you want to major in mathematics, engineering, or such.</p>
<p>don't do it....</p>
<p>YOWCH.</p>
<p>Really, isn't anyone thinking about long-term ramifications?</p>
<p>I mean, sure, I guess you might get a five, but unless you excel at this kind of reasoning and whatnot, you won't have a solid enough foundation for further studies.</p>
<p>Just wanted to clarify: I also did physics ap that year, and I used a lot of calculus in that. I also have to argue that after my AP course I believe I had a very strong grounding in Calculus, enough so to carry me through multivariable and partial diffy q's while in HS. So yes, it is doable out of the textbook. Just remember to keep an open mind. Textbooks are excellent at times, I usually studied Arcos and then would read the chapter (kinda like reading sparknotes and then the book to get a good idea of what's happening).</p>
<p>you can do it, but if you need help you should probably go and ask the calc teacher at your school to help you</p>
<p>
[quote]
I'm a junior and my school doesn't let you take calc till senior year, so I'm taking AP Stat this year, but I'd really like to continue with regular math. Thanks!
[/quote]
</p>
<p>See, I read that ^ and think that you should try your best to make sure your guidance counselor or someone knows that you really would like to study regular math. </p>
<p>That makes me think that you could get very nice help from your school. And, that no one here should hate on you. Because, you desire to learn Calc, but are being told to take stats. That is different, you know? And, I hope you so well and keep on trying your best.</p>
<p>You can learn calculus through an online class. I know that Florida Virtual School offers AP Calculus as an online class. You might want to check and see if your state has an online virtual school.</p>
<p>I think they are actually really good if you're an independent learner and you're self-motivated. I've already taken two: Personal Fitness and Algebra 2 Honors. I got an A in both of them.</p>