Why a student may not pass the AP Calculus Test

• Doesn’t do the entire assignment.   Homework assignments provide practice for understanding the concepts and building connections between concepts.  If assignments are not done completely, there is an increased risk of missing a concept or not understanding the connection.  Also, more practice means a better likelihood of remembering come AP test time.

• Doesn’t do the assignment independently.  There is nothing wrong with asking for help, however, students who rely on other students or other resources to help them through every assignment are not building their own understanding of the concepts.

• Doesn’t show enough work to clearly explain the solutions. On FRQs on the AP test, a correct answer without supporting work will get no credit. 

• Doesn't memorize formulas.  Formulas are not given on the AP test.

• Relies too much on their graphing calculators.  For example, students are taught integration long-hand and with the calculator.  It is much easier with the calculator, however, two-thirds of the AP test is Calculator Not Allowed.  The other half, however, is Calculator Required.  Students need to know both ways!  When I do an assignment, I try to do every problem long-hand first even if it is a calculator allowed problem.

• Doesn’t practice enough for the AP test.  Find more practice tests than what we do in class the 3-4 weeks before the test.  Start early.  Students who put very little effort into reviewing outside of class will most likely not  get a 3 or higher on the AP test. 

• Misses a lot of class.  If a student is not in class to learn the material, they will have to learn on their own.  This is a lot more difficult. 

• Not remembering “You will get out what you put in”.