<p>I'm in precalc honors right now and since I screwed up my grades first semester by not doing a single homework assignment or paying attention in class, I won't be allowed in BC calc (you have to have a high B or above) next year and I'll be taking AB (and AP Stats senior year). I really want to apply to some technical schools, like Caltech (duh, that's why I'm in this forum) and MIT, but I know they'll think I'm a joke if I don't take BC calc. </p>
<p>So anyway...what's the best book to buy to self-study BC while taking AB? I learn through practice, so one with a LOT of practice problems and explanations would be good...then I can take the BC exam senior year when I take AP Stats (the college board won't let you take BC and AB in one year...which I find demented...but that's another post). </p>
<p>oh, they let you take ab and bc in the same sitting however. when you get yous scores for bc, you also get an ab subscore...this can be used at schools which take an ab score.</p>
<p>why sit for two exams when one gives you the same results? :)</p>
<p>in terms of books..barrons tends to be good!</p>
<p>Oh, my school's demented in the fact that if you enroll in an AP course, you're required to take the exam. So I'll be required to take the AB exam --- not the BC exam with a subscore. >.<</p>
<p>no exceptions? i'd try convince them that you WILL be taking the ab test (for which you're enrolled in a class)...as part of the bc exam. it'll be a hard sell though. good luck!</p>
<p>i know at my school, you're allowed to attempt any exam you wish, and its not frowned upon either. more money for CB after all!</p>
<p>Among textbooks, the Larson book is used quite often in AP classes. Other than, the AP Course Description ("Acorn Book") has a list of recommended textbooks.</p>
<p>In terms of preparing for the test, the book that texas137 wrote about is extremely useful. Also, since you will be taking AB Calculus, your Calculus teacher will most likely be able to help you with whatever you need and be able to provide you with practice tests. </p>
<p>If you're a sophomoe right now, why are you planning on studying the BC material your junior year when you wont take the BC exam till your senior year? It might be best to hold off on the BC material till senior year (unless you have another calculus class that you are planning to take senior year)</p>
<p>OK, to answer your question, Barron's. By far the best. If you just glance at the pages you will learn enough to do well on the BC. Save up about a couple weeks time to get through it all and have time to make sure you know it. Trust me, BC isn't as hard as people think.</p>
<p>Yeah - you only need to get a certain percentage of questions to get a 5, which 40% of students taking the BC get. And if you aren't among that 40%, then maybe Caltech isn't for you.</p>
<p>BTW - what would you say about Thomas' and Stewart's books? I have both - although I'm using Thomas right now... I've heard Thomas' used to be better but now is toned down for the mass audience.</p>
<p>I'd say use the Cliff's notes for calculus BC.</p>
<p>My current Calc BC teacher wrote it, and her methods get at least 80% of her class 5's on the AP test each year. thats about 90 people with 5's each year.</p>
<p>Thomas' is good. It'll probably be easier than most other college calculus textbooks, though I'm not sure because I've never used any other. I started it in the ninth grade without any trouble.</p>