<p>A little background info. I just got done with taking IB Math SL, and did pretty well. (6) The only option at my school for math beyond that is AP Calc AB. I'd like to take calculus in high school, and found the topics we covered about calculus to be pretty easy to understand.</p>
<p>However, I'm pretty worried about the course. I guess the teacher is really bad and doesn't really teach or prepare the students well. Every year the majority of the people taking the test at my school get a 1, with the highest score ever received being a 3. How hard would you say self-studying for the test would be? I have a feeling I'm going to have to teach myself concepts throughout the year.</p>
<p>Also, what review books do you recommend? I'd like to buy one at the beginning of the year to use to help me be better prepared.</p>
<p>Thanks for any advice in advance. This is my first AP class; I'm used to IB so I'm a little (a lot?) lost.</p>
<p>Don’t judge the teacher through the exam results of the student… it just shows the minimal effort shown by students or their lack of knowledge about the topics covered.</p>
<p>Self-studying for AP Calc AB is very doable if you have done well in Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus and a decent background in Geometry.</p>
<p>The best review book would probably be Barron’s or Princeton Review. I’d recommend Princeton Review as the some problems in Barron’s and examples are just ridiculously hard or just plain worthless problems…</p>
<p>For best results, get the Barron’s, Princeton Review, and practice past FRQs and MC from past tests.</p>
<p>Check the Collegeboard AP Calc website for specific details, but it shouldn’t be an issue to self-study. I self-studied this year and got a 5, with the highest score of anyone at my school who actually took the class being a 4. I agree completely with the above post about review books. Also, either check out a textbook from your school or find one at Half-Price Books. Also, there are a few college texts online if you search a bit for them. MIT has a good edition, along with some helpful iTunes U videos. MIT OpenCourseWare would also be a good idea. Good luck!</p>