By Gio Arteaga
From the moment of eighth-grade registration, signing up for advanced math, many students who come from Rolling Hills or other schools with these programs have the intention of beginning Calculus AB in Junior year, or even sophomore year. Therefore, I’m writing this article to give an insight into the content and exams of this class, as well as how the class went for me, someone who isn’t a genius but enjoys math.
The Exam Breakdown:
The AP Calculus AB curriculum is divided into eight units, each contributing a specific percentage to the multiple-choice section of the exam: 
- Limits and Continuity – 10–12%
- Differentiation: Definition and Fundamental Properties – 10–12%
- Differentiation: Composite, Implicit, and Inverse Functions – 9–13%
- Contextual Applications of Differentiation – 10–15%
- Analytical Applications of Differentiation – 15–18%
- Integration and Accumulation of Change – 17–20%
- Differential Equations – 6–12%
- Applications of Integration – 10–15%
The free response consists of six questions, two of which are to be completed in 30 minutes with a calculator, while the other four are to be completed in one hour with no calculator. The FRQs on the exam can test almost anything in the course, with a variety of topics tested in one FRQ. Last year, the 2025 school year, was the first year the exam went digital, and it was a struggle. You’ll see the free response questions on the screen, and you’ll have to write your answers in the booklet they provide you on the day of the exam. For me, this was challenging because reading off the screen and having to look up and down was a strain, but doable.
Insights:
While some people may not think of Calculus as super rigorous, preparing for the exam wasn’t just about understanding complex mathematical concepts; it’s also about discipline and routine. My peer Emi Grunder and I found our rhythm in the early mornings, meeting at Starbucks at 5 AM to study for simple but challenging integral quizzes, unit exams, or even going to her house the night before the AP exam to cram (and question) everything at the last minute.
Something important to note is that while this class requires you to know more advanced concepts like trigonometry, the class also has a very heavy emphasis on algebra; you must know how to factor, understand exponential rules, understand fractions, and how to manipulate equations. Speaking as a student for Valerie Tu, she puts a lot of time into getting her students to understand the algebra behind calculus and provides lots of practice and online resources to prepare for the exam and her unit tests. Speaking personally, I struggled with integral calculus, and Ms. Tu was able to catch me up to speed on why we were doing the operations we were doing and helped me with the foundational skills for integrals.
AP Calculus AB is undoubtedly challenging, but with a structured approach and good study habits, it’s plausible and doable to take Calculus. Whether you’re a math prodigy or someone seeking to push yourself, this course offers valuable insights into the world of calculus. Remember, it’s not about being a genius; it’s about persistence, practice, and the willingness to seek help when needed. So, find your study buddy, set your alarms early, and embrace the journey of learning calculus because while it’s difficult, it’s a valuable skill to know.
If you’re interested in the course, feel free to take a look at the AP Calculus AB course homepage for more information about what they’re testing, the unit breakdowns, and past FRQs.