What's a good AP Calc score for top colleges?

Hey everyone! I've been grinding through my AP Calc course and I was wondering, what score do I need to aim for on the AP exam to impress top colleges? Also, is there a significant difference in expectations for AP Calculus AB vs. BC?

A good AP Calculus score for top colleges is typically a 4 or 5, as these are considered the highest possible scores on the AP exam. While a 3 is considered passing, it's always better to aim for a higher score to increase your chances of impressing admissions committees. Colleges may not heavily weigh AP scores in their admission process, but strong AP scores can help demonstrate that you are well-prepared for college-level coursework.

When it comes to AP Calculus AB vs. BC, both exams cover similar concepts but with different levels of complexity. AP Calculus AB is equivalent to a one-semester college course, while AP Calculus BC covers the same material and an additional semester's worth of concepts. Scoring well on either exam can give you a leg up in admissions; however, excelling in AP Calculus BC might be seen as more impressive, given its more extensive curriculum and higher difficulty level.

Keep in mind, the courses you take and the grades you receive in them have a greater impact on college admissions than your AP exam scores. A strong grade in a rigorous AP course, such as Calculus AB or BC, can carry more weight in your application than the exam score alone. However, high exam scores can still showcase your mastery of the subject and potentially earn you college credit or placement.

Focus on achieving a solid understanding of the material and strong performance in the course and aim for the highest score you can achieve on the exam. By doing this, you will be in the best position to impress top colleges with your mathematical abilities and potential.