AP Calculus BC Score Calculator
Calculate your estimated AP score with precision. Our free AP Calculus calculator helps you predict your exam score and identify areas for improvement.
Multiple Choice Questions
50% of total score • 45 questions
Free Response Questions
50% of total score • 54 points
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The Complete Guide to AP Calculus BC Scoring
AP Calculus BC is widely considered one of the most rigorous courses in the high school curriculum, covering the equivalent of two full semesters of college calculus (Calculus I & II). In addition to everything in AP Calculus AB (Limits, Derivatives, Integrals), BC students must master Infinite Series, Parametric & Polar Equations, and Vector-Valued Functions. Our AP Calculus BC Score Calculator calculates both your overall BC score (1-5) and your "AB Subscore," giving you a complete picture of your performance.
The AB Subscore Explanation
One unique feature of the BC exam is the "AB Subscore." Even if you score a 3 or lower on the BC exam overall, you might still earn a 5 on the AB Subscore.
- How it works: The College Board isolates the questions that cover AB materials (approx. 60% of the exam) and grades them separately.
- Why it matters: Many colleges will grant you credit for Calculus I (via the AB Subscore) even if you don't pass the full BC exam to get credit for Calculus II.
Scoring & The Curve
AP Calculus BC traditionally has the highest percentage of scores of 5 among all AP exams (often ~40%). Do not be fooled—this does not mean the test is "easy."
It means the students who take BC are self-selected, high-achieving math students. The curve is similar to AB:
- Score 5: ~65-100% of total points.
- Score 4: ~55-64% of total points.
- Score 3: ~40-54% of total points.
3 Strategies to Ace the BC Exam
1. Memorize Maclaurin Series
You strictly need to memorize the Taylor/Maclaurin series expansions for $e^x$, $\sin(x)$, $\cos(x)$, and $\frac{1}{1-x}$. You will not have time to derive them from scratch using the formula $f^{(n)}(0)/n!$.
2. Polar Area is Key
A classic FRQ topic is finding the area inside a polar curve $r(\theta)$. Remember the formula $A = \frac{1}{2} \int r^2 d\theta$. Forgetting the $\frac{1}{2}$ or squaring $r$ is the most common mistake.
3. Integration by Parts
For BC, you must know advanced integration techniques like Parts and Partial Fractions. Use the "LIATE" rule (Log, Inverse Trig, Algebraic, Trig, Exponential) to decide which function to let equal $u$.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I get a 1 on BC but a 5 on AB Subscore?
You report the scores you want. You can send the 5 on the AB Subscore to colleges to get placement out of Calculus I, while withholding the BC score if you choose (depending on the college's policy).
Are vectors on the exam?
Yes, specifically two-dimensional vector-valued functions describing motion. You need to know that the velocity vector is the derivative of the position vector, and speed is the magnitude of velocity.
Is the Lagrange Error Bound tested?
Yes, it appears frequently on the Series FRQ (usually Question 6). It is intimidating but formulaic. If you memorize the formula $|R_n(x)| \le \frac{M}{(n+1)!}|x-a|^{n+1}$, it is free points.
Is there a penalty for wrong answers?
No. Like all AP exams, there is no guessing penalty. Answer every single multiple-choice question.
Can I use my calculator on the whole test?
No. The calculator is only allowed on Part B of the MCQ and Part A of the FRQ. Approximately two-thirds of the exam is non-calculator. Your algebra skills must be sharp.
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