AP Calculus AB Exam: What to Know and How to Prepare
The AP Calculus AB Exam is a crucial test for students aiming to excel in calculus. Understanding what’s covered on the test, its structure, and how it’s scored is essential for success.
Exam Structure
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration | Calculator? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) — Part A | 30 | 60 Minutes | No Calculator Allowed |
| Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) — Part B | 15 | 45 Minutes | Graphing Calculator Required |
| Free-Response Section (FRQ) — Part A | 2 | 30 Minutes | Graphing Calculator Required |
| Free-Response Section (FRQ) — Part B | 4 | 60 Minutes | No Calculator Allowed |
The AP Calculus AB Exam takes 3 hours and 15 minutes. Be prepared to spend more time sitting for the exam than the exam itself. Factor in time for scheduled administration and scheduled breaks. Don’t forget to bring water and a snack!
Scoring
The AP Calculus AB Exam is scored based on the weight assigned to different mathematical concepts.
| Mathematical Practices Tested on the AP Calculus AB Exam | The Corresponding Scoring Weight (AP Calculus AB) |
|---|---|
| Practice 1: Implementing Mathematical Processes | 53–66% |
| Practice 2: Connecting Representations | 18–28% |
| Practice 3: Justification | 11–18% |
| Practice 4: Communication and Notation | 13–24% |
All four Mathematical Practices are assessed in the multiple-choice section and weighted as shown below.
| Mathematical Practices Tested on the AP Calculus AB Exam | The Corresponding Scoring Weight (AP Calculus AB) |
|---|---|
| Practice 1: Implementing Mathematical Processes | 53–66% |
| Practice 2: Connecting Representations | 18–28% |
| Practice 3: Justification | 11–18% |
| Practice 4: Communication and Notation | 13–24% |
Remember: The total number of points you score for each section contributes to 50% of your total score—so both sections are equally important!
Preparation Tips
Students sitting for the AP Statistics Exam are expected to bring a graphing calculator. Be sure you know how to perform tests on your calculator, interpret data, and use graphing functionalities. Getting practice using your calculator is one important way to prepare, since calculator mastery will help you answer questions much more quickly, especially the MCQs.
Remember to write your work in standard notation (not calculator syntax). Learn more about showing your work and check out additional testing day reminders and tips here.
When packing your exam essentials, think like an organized physicist. As mentioned above, you’ll need the right calculator, but you’ll need to pack a few other things too: maybe a lucky charm too?? If it brings you comfort, toss it in!
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