<p>Hey everyone... I go to a fairly non-competitive high school that only offers AP Calculus AB, but our calc teacher gives us the opportunity to self-study for Calc BC outside of class on top of the normal AB material. I just started reading and doing problems from a calc text book this week to learn the Calc BC material, but I'm really having trouble with most of it and would like to know which prep books/CDs are out there that will help me...</p>
<p>I'm having a lot of trouble understanding the whole parametric equations thing based on the readings I've done, and my teacher has emphasized that this is "self" study, meaning he won't really help me too much...</p>
<p>I think that maybe like PR would be good for you. Also I think there are some CD's to help you. Also I think some websites have Calc BC tutoring for a price. PR is like $50. </p>
<p>Would it be good to self-study BC if you are in a precalc class. My class is like half precalc and then like half of Calc AB. So then do you think someone could self-study for BC? Would they get confused and stuff? Also would a class at the community college help?</p>
<p>Princeton Review AP Calculus and Michael Kelly's AP Calc prep book(formerly published by ARCO, i think its with someone else now) are also good.</p>
<p>I used a book called Vector calculus, linear algebra and differential forms. It helped me a lot on physics and parametric/polar curves. I used PR and didnt have clue what they were talking about. They just start doing sin/cos double angle identities and I had no idea where it came from.</p>
<p>jmarsh2006, I recommend that you go on <a href="http://www.apcentral.collegeboard.com%5B/url%5D">www.apcentral.collegeboard.com</a> and make an AP Central ID for yourself. AP Central is meant for teachers, but w/e - tons of students make IDs anyway. I would next recommend that you read the course description for AP Calculus. Get a feel for all the topics covered both in AB and BC. If you decide that AB covers enough, then stick w/ AB. If you would like to challenge yourself with BC, then read on. You should click on "Teachers' Resources" and the type select "Calculus BC." Then, a list of TONS of resources will show up. They have all been rated by the College Board. It will let you know which AP texts and review books are best for students and teachers. It also warns you about which to watch out for. Get an idea about what books are good and then go on <a href="http://www.amazon.com%5B/url%5D">www.amazon.com</a> and try to read some reviewers' comments on the review books. Also, many books on Amazon have a "Look Inside" feature that lets you <em>surprise, surprise</em> LOOK INSIDE THE BOOK!! L:DL Check out the content samples. After a little while of surfing, you'll have an idea about which books would best prepare you for the BC test. You can do the same for the AB test, should you decide not to challenge the BC test. Good luck! I hope I've helped you! If you have any more AP-related questions, please PM me!</p>