5 Tips to Conquer the AP Calculus Exam

It's nearly time for the AP Calculus exam! There are only a few weeks left before you'll be taking this test, which is great news for you. Here are some tips to help you conquer the AP Calculus Exam:

1) Review the free response questions. This means understanding the question, knowing what information is being asked for, identifying the type of problem, and locating what information is given in the problem

2) Make sure you know how to interpret the AP Calculus standards so you can prepare and practice multiple choice questions appropriately.

3) Get an accountability partner to make sure you stay on track

4) Have a growth mindset. Take any setbacks as a chance to learn and grow instead of give up.

5) Commit to study Calculus. Make sure you have a plan and that you stick with it

Review the free response questions

The first tip for conquering the AP Calculus Exam is to review the free response questions. Free response questions can be broken down into different types. In order to tackle these difficult questions, you will need to dissect each problem type and recognize patterns. Within each problem you will have to use the systematic process of analyzing a problem, determining what information to look for, and finding where that information can be found. This includes understanding mathematical problems and extracting the required information in order to solve them. It also involves identifying unknown quantities in word or number form as well as using calculus or algebraic formulas with appropriate values from given tables or graphs.

Additionally, make sure you utilize the rubrics set by CollegeBoard. Once you analyze a free response rubric, you can determine how points are awarded. The exam has 6 free response questions, each with a point range of 0-9. The scores are determined by how well you set up the problem, use calculus, and explain your work. It is vital that you practice writing mathematical sentences because it's a significant part of your free response score.

Know how to interpret the AP Calculus standards

It's important to know how to interpret the AP Calculus standards so you can prepare and practice multiple choice questions appropriately. When it comes to interpreting exam questions, there are a few things you should know:

1) The goal of these AP Calculus questions is to test your understanding of the concepts from the course.

2) These questions may require you to apply your knowledge of calculus in a new way, or recall concepts that may have been introduced in other courses.

3) These questions will not ask for definitions or formulas. They will ask for more background knowledge about topics and what happens when certain rules are applied.

4) You'll get four multiple-choice answers to choose from, but only one answer is correct. Make sure you read each question carefully before selecting an answer and make sure you understand the answer choices before choosing an answer

I highly recommend that you get a list of the AP Calculus standards so you can see what knowledge you will need to know in order to prepare for the multiple choice questions. Then, track how you are mastering each of those standards so you know where your focus should be.

Get an accountability partner

One of the best ways to conquer the AP Calculus exam is with an accountability partner. An accountability partner will help keep you on track with your goals. The accountability partner checks up on the progress of a person's work. For example, if you are trying to lose weight but find it difficult to stick with your diet plan for long periods of time, then an accountability friend could be someone who would check in with you daily about your food intake. Accountability partners can really help motivate one another when challenges arise and provide support along the way. This person could be someone who has the same goals as you and therefore you can push each other to new limits (See what I did there?), and they should be someone who knows what it's like to take calculus. They can serve as a reminder that this is just one test and will not define your future, someone to ask for help if you're stuck on a problem, or just need a break from all the equations will also be there for you when you need them.

Have a growth mindset

Having a growth mindset is all about believing that you can improve and that there are steps to take. When you have a growth mindset, you are more likely to persevere and work through difficult problems. In Calculus, as in many other subjects, what sets students apart is perseverance. Those who have a growth mindset will be more likely to stay engaged with the coursework, stay on track with their goals, and seek out new opportunities for improvement. This is because these students believe that intelligence can change as you learn new concepts and skills. They interpret failure as an opportunity to grow. If you believe that intelligence is something that is developed then failing a math exam will signal to you that you need to persevere (and perhaps do things a little differently before you can master the material). If one does not possess this type of mindset about learning calculus or any other subject in school for that matter then they are less likely to put effort into it which eventually leads them down an inevitable path towards failure. Those who do have a growth-mindset know how valuable time spent working hard at calculus is so even if there are bumps along the way they don't give up hope but instead use those challenges as motivation to work harder than before.

Commit to study Calculus

One of the most important things to do is to commit to study Calculus. You need to set a goal on how you are going to conquer the AP Calculus exam and stick with it. If you are doing this on your own, make sure you have a plan.

Think about the most committed student or coworker you

know. What qualities do they possess? Here are ones I've seen first hand: goal-oriented, perseverance, growth mindset, responsible, never misses class, completes all the work, dedicated, committed. These qualities are the most important traits that a focused individual needs to have. If someone's goal-oriented, they will never miss out on an opportunity and be stuck in one place for too long. They'll always push themselves forward towards their goals and persevere through anything in their way. Growth mindset is necessary because everyone has room to improve - if you're not trying new things or learning something new then how can you grow? It takes responsibility when it comes down to getting the work done; nothing should stop them from completing all of what they need do, even if it means staying up late at night sometimes or skipping other activities like hanging out with friends after school so as not let deadlines slip away due to procrastination . Lastly, committed individuals don't ever back down when faced with challenges such as doing long hours of homework without complaining about it just because others aren't willing enough put forth some effort for once (I know this sounds harsh but I'm being realistic here).Do you want to be like that person? Do you want to commit to do what it takes to get the score you deserve? If so, make a promise to yourself that you will not quit even when things get hard. Make a plan to ace the AP Calculus exam and commit yourself to sticking with it.

If you are unsure of what your plan should look like, I've created a proven framework that incorporates all of these 5 tips and gets students making a 3+ on the AP Calculus Exam. If you are interested in seeing what this plan would look like for you personally, let's connect! Click HERE for more information (Space is limited. If the link isn't provided, it means that all of my spots are filled up and I can no longer accept new students into my program.)