AP Calc BC vs AP Calc AB

Hey everyone, I'm considering taking AP Calculus next year, but I'm not sure whether to take AB or BC. Can someone explain the difference between the two and which one is more beneficial for college admissions?

The main difference between AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC lies in the scope and pace of the course material. AP Calculus AB is equivalent to a one-semester college calculus course, covering topics like limits, differentiation, integration, and the fundamental theorem of calculus. AP Calculus BC, on the other hand, is equivalent to a full academic year of college calculus. It covers all topics in AB, but also adds more advanced material such as parametric equations, polar coordinates, and series/sequences. As a result, BC is a faster-paced course and generally considered more challenging than AB.

In terms of college admissions, taking the more rigorous AP Calculus BC course can demonstrate to colleges that you're capable of handling more advanced math coursework. For STEM-oriented majors or colleges with competitive admissions processes, this can be an advantage. However, this doesn't mean you should necessarily take BC if you're unsure about your ability to succeed in the course. It's important to factor in your own skills, comfort with math, and overall course load when making this decision. Excelling in AP Calculus AB is typically better than struggling in AP Calculus BC.

Colleges also have different policies regarding AP credit. Some schools will grant credit for a strong performance in either AP Calc AB or BC, while others may only grant credit for BC. If you plan on majoring in a field where calculus is a core requirement, having credit from BC might save you from taking a college-level calculus course. It's helpful to research the AP credit policies of the colleges you're interested in to see how they handle both AP Calculus AB and BC.

Ultimately, the best choice between AP Calculus AB and BC depends on your mathematical aptitude, interest in pursuing advanced coursework, and intended college or major. If you feel confident in your math skills and want to challenge yourself, AP Calculus BC might be a suitable choice. However, if you're not as strong in math or you're worried about balancing a heavy course load, AP Calculus AB can still demonstrate that you're serious about pursuing a rigorous high school curriculum.