Additonal Resources

This version of the AP Calculus FAQ is NOT maintained. It is preserved for historical purposes and made available to assist students and teachers at other schools. Current course information is available on Blackboard.

1. What is the class curriculum?
2. What materials do I need?
3. Do I need a calculator?
4. Does this class have a final exam?
5. What is the Grading policy?
6. Do I have to take the AP exam?
7. When is the AP exam?
8. How are tests graded?

Students explore and investigate limits, derivatives, and integration techniques. We will also apply these techniques to application problems. Preparation for the AP Exam takes place throughout the school year. A detailed syllabus and course description are available at:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/subjects.html

Yes.  You should have a TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus, or TI-89 calculator. I will use a TI-84.  

The TI-92 is NOT recommended because it is not allowed on most standardized tests.

If you purchase a TI calculator, please bring in the proof-of-purchase. These can be used by the school to get free equipment.

Tests count 70% of your quarter grade.

Quizzes count 20% of your quarter grade.

Homework/classwork and other assignments count 10% of your quarter grade.

The final exam will count 20% of the final course grade.

Do I have to take the AP exam?

You do not have to take the AP exam, although it is strongly encouraged. You may take the AB or the BC exam, but not both. The BC exam will include material from the AB course and you will recieve an AB sub-score..

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When is the AP exam?

Both the AB and BC exams are in May.

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How are tests graded ?

Tests will be challenging, to prepare you for the AP test. To compensate for the difficulty, tests will be scored on an "AP scale." The scale was created to give an A to a student that would likely receive a 5 on the AP test, a B to a student who would receive a 4, a C for a 3 and so on. Tests will be scored out of 36 points, 18 multiple choice and 18 free response. 1/4 points are deducted for each incorrect multiple-choice answer. Based on the points you earn, you will receive a grade from the following scale. When the same point total is assigned to two different grades, you will receive the higher grade if you performed better on the non-calculator portion of the test.

Example: You get 14 multiple choice right, 3 wrong, and leave 1 blank. You have 13.25 points thus far. (14 points minus 3/4 points for the incorrect answers.) On the free response you get 12 out of 18 points. Your total points are 25.25. You would receive a 93 for your grade.

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