AP Calculus BCBest courses
Summary: Best AP Calculus BC prep resources (2025 - 2026)
AP Calculus BC is an advanced placement mathematics course designed for high school students with strong mathematical abilities who have completed previous calculus-based coursework. As the second course in the AP Calculus sequence, BC builds upon AP Calculus AB and closely aligns with the curriculum of a second-semester college calculus class. AP Calc BC provides comprehensive instruction that significantly exceeds standard high school math requirements, thoroughly preparing students for the College Board's AP Calculus BC exam, as well as for future undergraduate coursework.
The official AP Calculus BC curriculum covers fundamental and advanced calculus concepts, including derivatives, integrals, differential equations, parametric equations, vector-valued functions, and infinite series. Students engage deeply with these foundational calculus topics, acquiring skills needed for success on the AP Calculus BC exam and beyond. This course not only reinforces basic concepts but also introduces more challenging areas of calculus, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher-level mathematics.
Excelling on the AP Calculus BC exam requires students to move beyond baseline understanding and apply complex mathematical theories in various contexts. While earning a score of 3 demonstrates proficiency, many students strive for a 4 or 5 to maximize their chances of receiving college credit. Students may supplement classroom learning with review resources such as official College Board materials or trusted third-party options.
If you are enrolled in AP Calculus BC and seeking to boost your performance with additional practice exams or review resources, or if you plan to take Calculus BC in the future and want to get ahead, our roundup highlights today's best AP Calc BC prep solutions. We feature offerings from respected sources, including Kaplan, UWorld AP Calculus, Barron's AP Calculus, Princeton Review, and Khan Academy. Each provider brings distinct strengths and amenities to AP Calculus BC review, from robust question banks to comprehensive textbooks and interactive online platforms. By showcasing each provider's features alongside real user feedback, we make it easier for you to compare AP Calculus BC prep materials on the market today and select the most effective option for your exam preparation.
Some user reviews have been slightly edited for length and clarity.
How we evaluated these resources
Our top picks for AP Calc BC preparation include options that cater to every study schedule and content competency level, ranging from self-guided textbooks to programs with one-on-one tutoring support. We chose our selections based on:
- Cost
- Are the materials reasonably priced based on what's offered?
- Variety
- Does the study manual or other core study material come with other features that add value, like flashcards, live instruction, etc.?
- Coverage
- Does the material include all major sections on the exam? Which resources are designed for holistic preparation, and which are better suited for quick reviews on specific topics?
- Accessibility
- Does the vendor prioritize breaking down concepts in an approachable way for maximum retention? Do their products cater to specific learners or a range of different learning styles?
- Community feedback
- Do students tend to recommend this vendor for AP Calc preparation? What do learners like about their instructional materials, practice tests, and other resources?
- Score boosters
- Is the program enough to pass the exam, or is it rigorous enough to get you to a 4 or a 5 within your timeframe?
For each AP Calculus BC prep vendor, we list the key features, pros, and cons of their study aids and tools, highlighting provider strengths and potential limitations of their programs. Our guide below can help you make an informed decision about how you or your student can best prepare for this challenging exam.
Best for live instruction: Kaplan AP Calculus
- Kaplan employs top instructors to teach college preparation courses live online, offering module-by-module instruction for students who thrive in digital learning environments.
- Recorded lectures are also available for maximum flexibility, allowing students to stream lessons at their convenience.
- Live instruction supplemented by a top-rated textbook and other tools
- No shortage of practice resources and assessments for thorough AP review
- Course covers content taught in both AP Calculus AB and BC, allowing students to combine their preparation in one course
- No cheaper, self-study option available
- Barron's test manual, which is used in the course, can be purchased separately for a lower price
- Material might be repetitive for students who have already taken Calc AB
- Access to self-paced modules, videos, flashcards, and more
- Multiple AP-style practice questions and quizzes for each core topic
Kaplan is one of the most recognizable names in college readiness and exam preparation, standing out as a top AP prep provider with fully online, live-instruction courses. The AP Calculus Kaplan program is specifically developed to comprehensively cover every topic tested on both the AP Calculus AB and BC exams. This makes AP Calc Kaplan an ideal and convenient solution for students preparing for either or both AP Calculus classes.
With the structured AP Calc Kaplan review course, students receive eight live, instructor-led sessions, each designed to cover approximately a month of AP Calculus content. These sessions are supplemented by guided, self-paced modules, digital flashcards, quizzes, and full-length practice exams. This combination ensures that students gain mastery over both the subject matter and the unique format and pacing of the official AP Calc exam.
Along with thorough content coverage, AP Calc Kaplan courses place strong emphasis on effective test-taking strategies for the AP Calculus BC exam. The program provides detailed summary notes, on-demand video recordings of each live session for flexible review, and targeted practice quizzes to reinforce skills. If a student misses any live instruction, AP Calc Kaplan makes it easy to catch up, supporting continuous progress and comprehensive review of critical topics, such as implicit differentiation, applications of integration, and time management techniques for the test. Each enrollment also includes a Barron's test prep book, a respected resource in college readiness.
For highly motivated students aiming to maximize their AP exam performance, Kaplan offers unlimited prep subscription programs. These subscriptions provide access to resources across multiple AP subjects and major college entrance exams (the SAT and ACT). Although priced between $500 and over $2,000, these unlimited passes may be a worthwhile investment for students who plan to use Kaplan for all their college admissions and AP preparation needs.
“I used a couple of Kaplan Test Prep courses to prepare for ACT and AP exams a couple of years back, and they were very helpful. I felt that they were comprehensive and helped me gain a better understanding not only of the subject material, but of the way that the tests worked.”
“Kaplan's Unlimited Prep option provides students with access to all of the platform's AP review courses, plus SAT and ACT prep, in a single package. This option is ideal for preparing for multiple AP exams or tackling college entrance exams.”
Bottom line: AP Calc Kaplan provides a comprehensive online instruction package for students committed to excelling in their AP Calculus BC preparation. Those seeking broader support can upgrade to an unlimited prep pass for access to multiple classes, though it represents a significant financial commitment.
Best variety of online tools: UWorld AP Calculus BC
- UWorld offers a mid-support option between direct instruction and self-studying with its dynamic online tools.
- They offer a tech-forward approach to test preparation, with many of their resources, like their question bank and practice exams, accessible online.
- Over 1,400 unique practice questions
- Adaptive study planner and performance dashboard make following along with the course simple and straightforward
- Limited access periods (Introductory Plan only available for one month)
- Focused videos for each subject
- End-of-topic check for understanding questions
- Smart flash cards that use spaced repetition
- Vocabulary bank with contextual definitions
UWorld AP Calculus BC is an all-inclusive, fully online test prep platform built around the official College Board AP Calculus BC curriculum. The UWorld AP Calculus course features expertly produced video lessons, a flexible digital and print study guide, and the renowned UWorld question bank, which includes a wide range of exam-style multiple-choice and free-response questions. Students can purchase the AP Calculus BC study guide and UWorld question bank separately or together, allowing for a customized preparation experience tailored to individual needs. Every resource is precisely aligned with the eight units of the AP Calculus BC syllabus, ensuring focused and efficient study.
What distinguishes UWorld AP Calculus is its commitment to rigorous practice and thorough assessment. Learners benefit from thousands of realistic practice questions, full-length timed test simulations, interactive progress tracking dashboards, and comprehensive explanations for each answer in the UWorld question bank. These tools are designed to help students build both speed and accuracy, closely mirroring the conditions of a real AP Calculus BC exam.
UWorld AP Calculus is particularly well-suited for students who want to reinforce core concepts while developing strategic test-taking skills within a single, integrated, self-paced package. The complete course is available for $149 with a 180-day access plan, UWorld's most popular option. While the investment is higher than that of many other self-study resources, students consistently praise the expertly crafted UWorld question bank and learning materials for their ability to significantly improve AP Calculus BC scores.
“I was a fan of UWorld's question bank, Khan Academy, and College Board's released FRQs when I self-studied and got a 5.”
“Literally just do UWorld and you will get a 5 on the AP exam”
Bottom line: For students seeking a balanced approach that combines quick self-guided review with comprehensive course coverage, UWorld AP Calculus offers a good solution among AP Calculus BC preparation options. Their cheaper, introductory course only allows for one month of access, so students are likely to spend more if choosing this provider.
Best for in-depth, self-paced review sessions: Barron's AP Calculus
- For students seeking an exhaustive review, Barron's study manuals (available in both regular and premium versions) are renowned for their in-depth examination of each topic.
- Along with the study guide and practice test, Barron's AP books come with flashcards for reinforcement and study tips. These materials are used in Kaplan's courses, which students can study independently.
- Perfect for self-studiers or students who need step-by-step overviews of key concepts
- Both AP Calculus AB and BC materials are included
- Though Barron's is known for its detail, their language is more approachable than standard textbooks
- Both the Premium and standard versions of the book provide access to online practice tests closely matching the format of the test
- Limited online features
- Some students reported occasional spelling or mathematical errors in Barron's printed materials
- Barron's AP Calculus Premium is more up-to-date than the standard version
- 5 - 12 practice exams plus diagnostic exams
- Instructive diagrams, illustrations, and real-life examples throughout the book
For students searching for the rigorous standards of a Kaplan review at a lower price point, the Barron's AP Calculus study guide stands out as an outstanding choice. Barron's AP Calculus and Barron's AP Calculus Premium provide a thorough, college-level introduction to both differential and integral calculus, closely aligning with the official AP Calculus curriculum structure. The Barron's AP Calculus BC book is renowned for its comprehensive detail, guiding students step-by-step through foundational concepts, key theorems, and multiple representations essential for the AP exam.
Barron's AP Calculus is meticulously designed to cover both Calculus AB and BC topics in depth. The guide includes ten full-length practice exams, extensive practice questions, and lucid explanations that enhance understanding of challenging calculus problems. Emphasizing procedural mastery, such as finding derivatives and solving integrals, Barron's AP Calculus also develops deep conceptual understanding and analytical reasoning skills. Students are encouraged to justify each step of their solution, connect different representations such as graphs, tables, equations, and written responses, and use precise mathematical notation throughout their work.
What sets Barron's AP Calculus apart is its reputation for offering more challenging practice questions than the actual AP Calculus exam, consistently praised by students for boosting confidence and exam readiness. While other self-study tools like Princeton Review's AP Calculus BC book or Khan Academy are great for quick concept refreshers, Barron's AP Calculus delivers a structured, tutor-like review experience. The Barron's AP Calculus BC guide fosters strong problem-solving skills with a comprehensive review framework, realistic exam practice, and proven test-taking strategies tailored to help you achieve success on the AP exam.
“Barron's problems will definitely prepare you for the AP exam, as they are quite a bit harder.”
“In my experience, the Barron review books are great for practice questions (less so for actually reviewing content, which I found Princeton Review to be better).”
Bottom line: Regularly recommended as a top supplement to classroom learning, the Barron's AP Calculus book is a leading resource for focused unit review and comprehensive AP Calculus exam preparation, making it a go-to choice for students aiming for high scores.
Best general study guide: Princeton Review AP Calculus BC
- Princeton Review's books have become a staple for students preparing for AP exams, and are best suited for concept reinforcement rather than learning topics from scratch.
- Their BC-focused study manuals are filled with practice questions and come with plenty of full-length mock exams, including one digital version that closely mirrors the online format of the actual test.
- Many students found Princeton's array of practice questions and explanations helpful to their preparation
- Though the book is very long, students shared online that their materials are well-suited for rapid, targeted reviews on specific topics
- Students describe Princeton Review's books as "providing what you need to know," excluding a lot of extra detail found in other resources
- Princeton Review only offers booklets for AP Calculus BC, not its full suite of AP preparation services (tutoring, courses, etc.)
- Like Barron's, occasional typos and mistakes have been reported in their printed materials
- While the book walks learners through elaborate computations, students will need to learn how to use a graphing calculator on their own
- Full-length practice exams
- Test-taking tips
- The premium tier comes with online extras, such as a list of key terms and concepts, study plans, and exam updates
Princeton Review's AP Calculus BC review books provide comprehensive coverage of all major AP Calculus BC exam topics, making it an ideal choice for students seeking a structured and effective review for the AP Calculus BC exam. Designed to align fully with the College Board's AP Calculus BC curriculum, the Princeton Review AP Calculus BC book moves beyond standalone chapters, offering a connected, in-depth approach that builds true conceptual mastery. Students benefit from multiple representations of calculus concepts (graphical, numerical, algebraic, and verbal) and real-world application examples. This integrated learning strategy ensures that students do more than memorize facts; it cultivates the problem-solving skills vital for excelling on the AP Calculus BC exam.
Renowned as a leader in AP test preparation, the Princeton Review is especially respected for its AP Calculus BC review materials. Both standard and premium editions of the Princeton Review AP Calculus BC book are highly regarded for their quality content and effective AP Calc BC practice test preparation. The premium version includes five full-length practice tests and access to an online AP Calculus BC practice test, while the standard edition provides four printed practice exams. Each edition features strategic test-taking tips, targeted drills, pacing guidance, and detailed answer explanations that clarify challenging concepts. Diagnostic assessments further help students identify strengths and address weaker areas during their AP Calculus BC review.
In addition to textbooks, The Princeton Review offers a range of course-style prep options for AP exams, including the AP Self-Paced study hub ($299) and AP Comprehensive Tutoring with experienced instructors ($192/hour). While these programs do not currently offer a dedicated AP Calculus BC online course, students preparing for AP Calculus BC can supplement their review with Princeton Review's academic support for AP Calculus AB. Ultimately, however, the Princeton Review AP Calculus BC book remains the standout resource, praised by students for its clear explanations and easy-to-follow content overviews. Although some reviewers may prefer practice materials from other publishers, the Princeton Review's balanced approach and well-structured study guide consistently make it one of the best choices for a thorough AP Calculus BC review.
“After failing tests left and right through my BC calc class, I had no confidence in scoring well on the exam, so I bought this book to help me study...This is definitely a study tool that anyone taking the exam should use...I received a 4 with a 5 AB subscore.”
“My recommendation for the AP exam is the Princeton Review AP Calculus BC book. It helps you pass the test.”
Bottom line: With decades of experience helping students achieve high AP scores, the Princeton Review is widely trusted for its AP Calculus BC review materials. For those aiming for a top score, the expertly designed Princeton Review AP Calculus BC book represents one of the most valuable resources for exam readiness. If you're not studying completely on your own, you'll likely be fine without the expensive packages: the book is really all you need.
Best free resource: Khan Academy AP Calculus BC
- Khan Academy offers engaging review videos and other resources created by expert teachers, fully accessible online at no cost.
- Khan breaks down even the most complicated AP Calculus BC units into digestible pieces, helping students get "unstuck" when faced with challenging problems.
- Free videos and practice questions that follow the units of the actual exam
- Additional units featured on test-taking tips and strategies
- A "Gamified" platform that rewards your accomplishments makes studying feel more fun
- Can be used to cover specific topics or as a general overview of the course ahead of the test
- More of an overview of concepts rather than a detailed study resource
- No full-length practice exams
- Interactive practice problems
- Review quizzes after every video and unit to develop mastery
- Easy-to-follow online tracking analytics
Khan Academy's AP Calculus BC course is a top-rated, completely free online resource for students preparing for the AP Calculus BC exam. This flexible, self-paced program provides comprehensive coverage of all major Calculus BC topics, closely aligning with the official AP Calculus BC curriculum and exam outline. The Khan Academy AP Calculus BC content is organized into a clear, unit-by-unit structure, beginning with foundational concepts like "Limits and Continuity" and progressing through advanced subjects, including differentiation, integration techniques, and infinite sequences and series. The course also features practice units based on past AP Calculus BC free-response questions, ensuring thorough alignment with College Board standards.
In addition to the core content, Khan Academy AP Calculus BC emphasizes mastery through active learning and targeted practice. Each unit includes a mix of instructional videos, interactive practice problems, quizzes, and a comprehensive "Course Challenge" to gauge exam readiness. Every lesson is directly aligned with the AP Calculus BC framework, helping students connect each concept to the essential exam objectives. While Khan Academy's free calculus resources excel for extra practice, reinforcing challenging calculus concepts, and reviewing difficult areas, they serve best as a supplement to official AP Calculus BC course materials or teacher-guided instruction.
“It's a great way to learn the material and it's explained really well...Khan Academy is what taught me Calc BC and helped me get a 5 on AB.”
“Khan Academy is good to use to learn and practice, but the problems [are] too repetitive and don't go as in depth. I would suggest using it as practice when you first learn a topic and then going to a textbook.”
Bottom line: Khan Academy is an invaluable, no-cost platform for students seeking high-quality AP Calculus BC prep or clear explanations of difficult calculus topics. It's highly recommended as a supplementary tool for mastering tricky areas and should be used to complement, not replace, structured studying with official course materials.
Why it matters
There is a wide range of AP Calculus BC exam prep providers, with each vendor providing its own selection of study resources and dedicated support to help you excel on the final exam. Taking an Advanced Placement math course, such as Calculus BC, is an excellent way for students to:
- Showcase their advanced mathematical skills to future universities
- Prepare for quantitatively rigorous college courses in mathematics, economics, computer science, statistics, and more
- Potentially earn college credit or advanced placement
Choosing an AP Calculus BC review or exam prep program that features high-quality instructional materials, comprehensive practice questions or test opportunities, and strong candidate support is crucial for achieving your academic goals.
Wrapping up
As you compare leading AP Calc BC courses and AP Calculus BC review programs, be sure to evaluate their curriculum features, quality of study materials, access to assessment materials, cost, and track record of success to find the program that best fits your unique learning style and objectives. When you finally make your decision on how to study, always ensure that you are using the most recent book editions or up-to-date materials, as the exam can change from year to year. Wishing you the best of luck!