<p>I'm taking Advanced Algebra this semester, but Calculus seems to be very important for my major, so I'm trying to self-study Pre-Calculus on my own. I'm trying to finish the material by the middle of the summer, and then start on some immersion into some basic Calc.</p>
<p>What are my chances of doing well in AP Calc BC: in the class and on the exam?
From what I hear a lot of people have trouble with Calculus in HS, and often take BC after taking a year of AB.</p>
<p>I'm assuming Advanced Algebra is equivalent of Algebra II/College Algebra/Trig...I can't say for sure, but if you're motivated enough, you can definitely learn a good amount of calculus over summer. If you find yourself confused, you can always ask someone who took calculus...I say go for it. Just make sure you have good resources. If you're going for "basic calc," I suggest learned differential and integral calculus. That would be the AB material. You can develop a deeper understanding throughout the year and then learn Calc C material. </p>
<p>If you're consistent in your studies, I'm sure calculus will be a breeze.</p>
<p>I also have a quick question:</p>
<p>Out of all the 2nd semester material for Precalculus, which is the most important for Calc? Obviously 1st semester covers Trig, but 2nd sem seems like a mash of general math stuff (conic geo, exponential/log, polars, vectors).</p>
<p>I've heard that BC covers additional material including Polar and Parametrics, but I was also told that learning vectors was not really necessary.</p>
<p>Uhm, just learn the material...It won't hurt you. You'll need some vectors, but not very much. Polar and parametrics = very easy. It's mostly algebraic manipulation. I'm not going to say you can skip this topic and that topic, but I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just master it to the best of your ability. When you're learning calc, you can always review topics you're a little fuzzy on.</p>
<p>Exponential and log are pretty important (at least for differential calc, in my experience) so make sure you cover it thoroughly. On the other hand, only the basic log identities are needed.</p>
<p>u don't actually need to remember anything about logs/conics/ matrices/ any of that other useless garbage you do in calculus. while both the AB and BC exams cover that stuff, you should be able to pick it back up pretty quickly where necessary where necessary. don't worry about BC. BC is a combination of aptitude and calculus knowledge. there are kids in my school who work their asses off for BC and never do well, whereas i don't do **** for BC and own the class. if you're actually smart, then i can say with confidence that you can learn the ENTIRE BC curriculum in one focused weekend. then all you need to do it is apply it. if you're not very good at math and aren't all that bright, regardless of how hard you try, you won't get a 5.</p>
<p>I am encouraged to do precal self study now too.</p>
<p>That makes sense. I actually did a thorough overview of the curriculum for Pre-Calculus Honors as opposed to regular, and they cover some advanced topics not present in non-Honors, namely extra elective stuff including a lot more Analytic Geometry, but not stuff you can't learn later on in Calc. </p>
<p>I've realized a lot of the material is a broader, more intensive look at all the basic concepts in Algebra and Geo. Learning the material isn't hard, just difficult to correct my own work and find my trouble spots.</p>
<p>I've just finished Polynomials/Rationals and Log/Exponential Functions. Most of the chapter was Algebra II review with some extra stuff with Calc application (asymptotes, base e and ln). It was really easy to study. Now I just need to study the new coordinate/graphing stuff with Polars and Parametrics.</p>
<p>I would actually recommend self-studying Math by yourself if you're up to it, especially if you have a really bad teacher (like I did).</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone for your help, and wish me luck in Calculus =).</p>