The single most-asked AP math question: should I take AB or BC? Here's the honest answer based on content scope, difficulty, college credit value, and your major.
Content Difference
- AP Calc AB covers limits, derivatives, integrals, and the fundamental theorem of calculus. Roughly the first semester of college Calc.
- AP Calc BC covers all of AB plus parametric equations, polar coordinates, vector functions, sequences, and series (Taylor series, convergence tests). Roughly the first two semesters of college Calc.
Difficulty
- AB: 64% pass rate, 22% 5-rate. Manageable for strong precalc students.
- BC: 79% pass rate, 45% 5-rate. Higher rates because of self-selection — only confident students take it.
Don't be fooled by pass rates: BC content is genuinely harder. The high rates reflect strong students, not easy material.
College Credit
- AB: One semester of college calculus credit at most schools.
- BC: Two semesters of credit at most schools (often Calc I + II). BC also reports an "AB subscore" so you can earn AB credit if you don't score high enough for BC credit.
Who Should Take Each
- Take AB if: You're a STEM major who needs Calc credit but doesn't need to rush through college calc. Or you struggled in precalc and want to build confidence.
- Take BC if: You're strong in math, planning engineering / CS / physics / pure math, and want to skip Calc II in college. The series content matters for these majors.
- Take BC instead of AB if your school offers both: The AB subscore protects your downside. Take the harder one and earn AB credit even if BC doesn't quite work out.
AP Calculus AB Practice · AP Calculus BC Practice · How to Get a 5 on Calc BC
AP and Advanced Placement are trademarks of College Board. AimFive is not affiliated with or endorsed by College Board.