Since AP Calculus BC covers advanced level math courses that are somehow equivalent to college calculus, it's safe to say that this class may be one of the toughest you'll have to take as a high school student. Math requires practice, and with several concepts and theorems to learn, it's not something you can just course through.
It's a good thing we've got quite an impressive list of the best AP Calculus BC review books here to get you started. My team of academic experts and I spent more than 50 hours going through each book and came up with the highly-rated review materials for you.
5 Best AP Calculus BC Prep Books in 2022:
1 - Barron's 14th Edition – AP Calculus BC Books (Editor's Choice)
Barron’s AP Calculus is the market's best-seller for the best AP calculus BC review books. Most students that we've talked to like how the content is easy to understand and follow.
AP Calculus AB and Calculus BC are covered in this comprehensive AP Calculus BC review preparation manual. Barron's AP Calculus is designed to cover the new curriculum and exam format.
It includes four practice tests, which you can use to gauge your progress while preparing for the AP exams.
Barron's AP Calculus book also provides proven tips on how to use the graphing calculator effectively.
While the tests offered in Barron's AP Calculus are a bit harder than the actual AP test, this can help boost your confidence in preparation for the test day.
- Clear and helpful explanation
- Includes 4 practice tests
- Easy-to-understand math concepts
- Durable and sleek book design
- Difficult practice questions
2 - Multiple Choice Questions to Prepare for the AP Calculus BC Exam: Calculus BC Exam Preparation workbook
The Multiple Choice Questions to Prepare for the AP Calculus BC Exam prep book is written by Rita Korsunsky, an award-winning AP Calculus teacher.
Based on our research, it is claimed that at least ninety-four percent of her students will score a 5 on the Advanced Placement Calculus BC exam.
As one of the best AP Calculus BC review books, this study companion contains 6 multiple-choice practice questions and references for the subject formula. You will also find several test-taking tips and strategies to help you avoid common mistakes and misconceptions during your Advanced Placement Calculus BC exam.
If you want step-by-step solutions for this Calculus BC review book, you may also download it in PowerPoint format.
The AP review book mimics the format and difficulty of the actual AP exam with its practice tests. It also contains carefully chosen formulas and theorems that are well-organized and easy to view.
- Follows new AP test pattern
- Contains handy explanations
- Easy-to-understand format
- Includes a PowerPoint format
- Need to buy additional CD for solutions
3 - Cracking the AP Calculus BC Exam, 2020 Edition: Practice Tests & Proven Techniques to Help You Score a 5
Cracking the AP Calculus BC Exam prep book was conceptualized and prepared by the Princeton review team. These experts have helped both students and professors with the AP Calculus BC exam preparation since 1981.
Based on our research, this is considered one of the best AP Calculus BC books as it includes a comprehensive discussion of all topics. It also contains 5 full-length practice tests with answer explanations and practice exams, which you can use to monitor your progress.
You'll also find a cheat sheet for all the essential formulas. Step-by-step strategies and complete solutions likewise cover each section of the test.
- Clear and concise answer section
- Ideal for self-study
- Well-organized content
- Provides samples for every question
- Lacks the free response section
- Not for last-minute studying
4 - AP Calculus BC Lecture Notes - AP Calculus BC Book
The AP Calculus BC Lecture Notes is another AP Calculus BC book from Rita Korsunsky. Based on our research, the book is a compilation of Rita's lecture notes to make it easy to review and learn.
The study notes contain the printouts of PowerPoint slides of the Calculus BC examination.
The AP Calculus BC lecture notes are suitable for every student, no matter what stage you are in during the awareness and knowledge cycle. These lecture notes also target specific skills and content.
You will have every concept available with comprehensive explanations of theorems and step-by-step methods in this review book.
The multiple-choice type questions are in the same format as the actual AP test. As per our research, even the problems have the same difficulty level as the AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC exam.
- Explains the challenging concepts
- User-friendly book
- Comprehensive lecture notes
- May be a bit pricey
5 - 5 Steps to a 5 AP Calculus BC - Calculus BC Book 2020
The 5 Steps to a 5 AP Calculus BC is written by William Ma. It features practical, skilled knowledge and test-taking strategies to build a better understanding of the AP tests, in general.
Based on our in-depth research, the latest features of this Calculus BC book include an application that offers extra practice questions and provides a daily assignment notification to check your test preparation readiness.
There are three complete AP practice tests which you can use for mastery of the key concepts.
We are also impressed with the three study plans you may choose from, depending on your needs and learning style.
- Affordable prep book option
- Includes full-length practice tests
- Provides online app features
- Not for last-minute studying
AP Calculus BC Exam Information
The College Board Calculus BC course exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long and has two sections: free response and multiple-choice type questions. A graphing calculator is required for some parts of the exam.
Note: You do not need to take the AP Calculus AB and Calculus BC exam within the same year.
Section 1: Total of 45 questions in this section, and you have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete them. This section is divided into two parts.
- Part A - Total of 30 questions and you have 60 minutes to complete them. (Graphical calculators are not allowed.)
- Part B - Total of 15 items and 45 minutes to complete the test. (Graphical calculator required.)
Section 2: You have six questions and 1 hour 30 minutes for complete the paper.
- Part A - You have 2 problems and 30 minutes to complete the paper.
- Part B - You have 4 problems problems and 60 minutes to complete the paper.
Our Verdict : AP Calculus BC Book
After going through every single study material for AP Calculus BC, we think that each prep book can contribute to your exam preparation based on your learning style, pace, and readiness.
If you want to review calculus concepts with explanations, Barron's 14th Edition – AP Calculus BC Book may be your ideal guide.
However, if you are after a more comprehensive coverage, you may also check out Calculus BC Book - Exam Preparation workbook and AP Calculus BC Lecture Notes - AP Calculus BC Book.
Both books provide numerous practice tests to gauge your progress and help test-taking strategies boost your confidence while taking the AP exam for both Calculus AB and BC.
Our #1 Recommendation
Barron's 14th Edition – AP Calculus BC Books
- Clear and helpful explanation
- Includes 4 practice tests
- Easy-to-understand math concepts
- Durable and sleek book design
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