Ap calculus how long

There are two reasons for this. Firstly, each question has parts that must be addressed. Secondly, you must show your work. The graders are looking for specific steps in each part of a free response question. Of course, it takes time for you to brainstorm a correct approach and then write down the work involved.

Notice that the number of problems is vastly smaller in this section as well. You only have to work on 6 problems total! In contrast to the multiple choice questions, I recommend working out a free response question from beginning to end, even if it takes you more than 15 minutes.

A complete solution to one question looks much better and may be worth more points than partial work in multiple problems. Now that you know what to expect on test day, how will you prepare? I recommend getting a stopwatch and practicing problems from a real AP Calculus exam. Carefully keep track of your timing, taking note how much time was spent on each problem.

Then you can look back and see which problems took you the longest and take steps to catch up on that material. Shaun earned his Ph. In addition, Shaun earned a B. The first part is easy, because the majority of colleges accept AP scores in some form or another. The second part requires a little more effort. The next step is familiarizing yourself with the test. Most students opt to take the AB exam because they find it somewhat easier, but the BC exam is worth more credit at many universities.

Instead, they take a fairly basic calculus concept and ask you a bunch of questions about it. When your three-plus hours of testing are up, your exam is sent away for grading. While each year was tough, for me, sophomore year was the hardest.

I was taking three undisputedly difficult exams—Biology, English Language, and World History—in just one week. Plus, these were my first-ever AP tests. While I had done tons of studying and prep over the year, it was hard to prepare for the nerves I felt sitting down for my first-ever high-pressure exam—let alone doing that three times in a week!

Luckily, I spent lots of time preparing over the school year so, while I was nervous for those first three exams, I wasn't overwhelmed.

So how do you prepare enough to feel confident, even if this is your first year of AP tests? The schedule for tests comes out early in the school year, so look it up as soon as it's available so you know what's coming for you in May.

For example, sophomore year, I realized early on I would have three tests during the first week of testing, so I treated April as my last month to study. I also had plenty of time to mentally brace myself for an exhausting week. On that note, it's key to feel confident and prepared for every exam you're taking going into May, since those two weeks are so busy. Don't plan on doing major studying—like learning a World History unit, reading a book for AP Literature, or doing multiple full-length practice exams—during May.

Instead, focus on staying well-rested, getting exercise to let off steam, and doing consistent but not overly-intense studying to keep you feeling confident and prepared. Looking for AP exam resources? Check out our guide to finding AP practice tests. Which AP Tests are more difficult? That can depend on your strengths as a student, but there are certain tests that are notorious for being especially challenging.

Read more about the hardest AP Tests here. One of the single most important parts of your college application is what classes you choose to take in high school in conjunction with how well you do in those classes. Our team of PrepScholar admissions experts have compiled their knowledge into this single guide to planning out your high school course schedule.

Halle Edwards graduated from Stanford University with honors. She also took nine AP classes, earning a perfect score of 5 on seven AP tests. As a graduate of a large public high school who tackled the college admission process largely on her own, she is passionate about helping high school students from different backgrounds get the knowledge they need to be successful in the college admissions process.

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers. How to Get a Perfect , by a Perfect Scorer. Score on SAT Math. Score on SAT Reading. Score on SAT Writing. What ACT target score should you be aiming for? How to Get a Perfect 4. How to Write an Amazing College Essay. A Comprehensive Guide.

Choose Your Test. AP Test Experts. Looking for help studying for your AP exam? Halle Edwards. About the Author. Search the Blog Search. Find Out How.