How to self-study AP Calculus BC?

Test Preparation AP Mathematics & Computer Science
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<p>What goin' on my fellow CC'ers? </p>

<p>I am a Junior and I haven't taken any previous calculus classes. I actually haven't taken a math class since 8th grade. I self-studied Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Precalc. I'm pretty good at Math and I love to self-study. I really want to know the optimal way to self-study for the AP Calc BC exam. I haven't started any preparation yet. What materials should I get? Do I have to get a Calculus textbook or are there other alternatives? I don't really like textbooks very much to be honest. What suggestions do you have for me to help me self-study BC calc? I really appreciate your help. Thank you!</p>

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<p>bump 10char</p>

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<p>You should definitely look into MIT’s OCW resources for 18.01 (Single Variable Calculus):</p>

<p>[Single</a> Variable Calculus | Mathematics | MIT OpenCourseWare](<a href=“http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/mathematics/18-01sc-single-variable-calculus-fall-2010/index.htm]Single”>Single Variable Calculus | Mathematics | MIT OpenCourseWare)</p>

<p>Those lectures cover all of BC as well as a few topics that aren’t on the BC exam, but things you should know anyway.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the advice, WiseGuy. Do I need to use any other resources besides the videos on the MIT OCW website to get a 5 on the exam?</p>

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<p>^ I’d reccomend looking up other notes online and loads of practice problems and BE SURE to buy a prep book and go through it and take practice exam</p>

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<p>I have the Princeton Review. I also have many other online resources for notes and practice tests/questions. Do I need a textbook? I really don’t want to use a textbook, but if it is necessary to get a 5 on the exam, I will definitely use the Stewarts 5th Edition book that I have.</p>

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<p>Bump10char</p>

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<p>Hey, I’m also self-studying for the BC! :slight_smile:
I think it helps to have a textbook if only for the practice problems. My textbook’s examples suck, but its homework problems are GREAT!
In terms of review books, I’ve heard that Barron’s is good (like it pretty much always is), and like WiseGuy said, MIT’s open courseware is really in-depth, and I think that Sparknotes’ guide is actually pretty good! I think their AP review section is down for maintenance right now, and I can’t remember when I last looked at the Calculus section, but I’ve heard positive things about them. :smiley:
Good luck! Let’s ace the exam in May!</p>

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<p>@ElvenRanger I’m getting Calculus by AoPS because I heard it’s really good. I have Stewarts Calculus to do practice problems from. As for prep books, I’m probably going to go with PR because I’ve used them many times before and I just like PR. I will use MIT OCW and Sparknotes for sure. Thanks for the advice! Good Luck to you as well!</p>