Should I take BC or AB?

If you're planning to go to a STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) program, then BC could give you a good head start on your required math. However, if you are planning a career that doesn't require heavy math, you might be better off taking AB.

Is BC better than AB?

While both courses cover calculus topics, AP Calculus BC is more advanced and challenging than AP Calculus AB. Therefore, students who aim to pursue more rigorous college degrees and programs may find Calculus BC to be a better fit.

Do colleges care if you take AB or BC?

But it does matter for the college program you are applying to, whether you are planning to take Calculus AB or Calculus BC. If you are planning to major in a STEM field, like math, science, Engineering, you should ideally take Calculus BC.

Should I take Calc BC without AB?

Unlike courses like Algebra I and Algebra II, Calculus AB (Advanced Placement Calculus) and Calculus BC do not have to be taken in a specific sequence. Meaning, you could take Calculus BC without having ever taken Calculus AB. Many students do. A common myth is that Calculus BC is a lot harder than Calculus AB.

Should I take Calc AB and BC in the same year?

Can I take both Calculus AB and Calculus BC courses in the same school year? You can, but we don't recommend it. AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC each correspond to year-long university courses, and you need to understand the AP Calculus AB content before you can understand AP Calculus BC content.

AP Calculus AB vs BC: Which Class is Best For You (in 10 minutes)?

Is BC harder than AB?

AP Calculus BC is more difficult than AP Calculus AB. Not only does it include additional topics, which requires an accelerated pace, but the additional units, especially Unit 10, tend to be more difficult than the Calc AB units.

Can you skip Calculus AB and go to BC?

For AP Calculus classes, you have three options— taking AB and BC Calculus as a sequence, taking only AB Calculus, or skipping AB Calculus altogether and directly taking BC Calculus. You can take either of these classes because they aren't entirely different.

Why is Calc BC better than AB?

AP Calculus BC is similar to AP Calculus AB. It explores the same concepts and applications, only it adds a few new topics. In other words, AP Calculus BC covers more content than AP Calculus AB, though both courses require you to apply the same skills.

Why take calc BC over AB?

The main difference between the two courses is that Calculus BC covers the fundamentals of Calculus AB at a faster pace and includes additional topics such as parametric functions, polar functions, vector functions, and analysis of series.

What does Calc BC teach that AB does not?

AP Calculus AB covers basic introductions to limits, derivatives, and integrals. AP Calculus BC covers all AP Calculus AB topics plus additional topics (including integration by parts, Taylor series, parametric equations, vector calculus, and polar coordinate functions).

Is it worth taking Calc BC?

The more challenging of the courses, AP Calc BC covers everything students learn in AP Calc AB, along with additional material. These courses aren't generally required by high schools, but taking them can raise students' weighted GPAs and improve their standing in the eyes of colleges and universities.

Will I get into college if I have AB?

Though high grades provide an advantage in the college admissions process, earning Bs will not prevent you from getting into a top college. Just as you are more than your academics, your application is more than your GPA.

Will I get into college with AB?

We have good news for you! Having a “B” average will not prevent you from attending a solid school that fits your unique self.

Is BC a top tier school?

Boston College ranked 39th among best national universities

That change, which received an increased weight as part of this year's methodology, resulted in 37 of the top 100-ranked private universities falling in the 2024 rankings, while 43 public universities improved.

What is BC ranked academic?

Is BC a prestigious school?

Awarded one of America's Best Colleges

Boston College is a prestigious Jesuit university founded in 1863. Widely respected for its academics, it enrolls about 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 65 countries.

Is getting AB in Calc bad?

AP Calculus is a very rigorous course and if it is your only B in your high school career, it will not be very alarming. Taking AB Calc shows admissions officers that you challenge yourself academically, and as long as you keep the rest of your grades us and show strong interest in an academic field you should be good.

How hard is BC calculus?

AP Calculus BC is considered moderate level difficult AP classes by class alumnae. Covers additional topics such as series, parametric equations, and polar coordinates.

Is Calculus AB hard?

AP® Calculus AB is considered to be more difficult than non-AP® Calculus. This higher level of difficulty is because AP® courses are meant to teach at an introductory college level while high school courses teach at the high school level.

Why is AP Calc BC easier than AB?

Why? The AP Calculus BC test is significantly easier than the AB because of the thin layout of the BC test. There is so much content in the BC Test, having to cover both AB contents, parametric equations, Taylor Series, etc, that the test becomes sparsely distributed, leaving the problems to not be as difficult.

Is Calc AB harder than stats?

While AP Statistics is not the easiest AP class, it is also not the most difficult. In fact, when compared to other AP math classes, like Calculus AB and BC, AP Statistics is often considered the easier option.

Is Calc AB easier?

This suggests that AP Calculus AB is generally considered harder, based on the pass rates. However, it's important to note that individual experiences may vary, and personal strengths and weaknesses should also be considered when choosing between the two courses.

Is skipping pre calc worth it?

Keep in mind, if you're planning on applying to competitive colleges, they'll want to see that you've excelled in the most rigorous math courses available, rather than just advancing quickly. It's usually better to have a solid foundation and an 'A' in precalculus than a 'B' or 'C' in calculus.

Is calculus math hard?

Calculus is expected to be difficult; it should not be impossible. But, too often, this course becomes a gatekeeper that pushes students out of careers in science, technology, engineering and math — or STEM — fields, especially women and marginalized students.

What majors require Calculus BC?

Calculus 1 is required for several majors, including Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Geology, Kinesiology, Mathematics, and Physics.