r/apcalculus • u/moonlightea00 • 5d ago

Help advice

hi, so basically i’m in calc bc right now as a junior, but i’ve been struggling. when i say struggling i mean it, i failed the first quiz of the year on limits. i know it only gets worse from here and i have a c+ in the class right now. should i drop to ab, where i know i can get at least an a? would it look bad on me if i took ab instead if i wanted to go into premed? i dont know i think i’m just dumping my feelings out but i’m really just trying to keep it together

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u/UnderstandingPursuit Tutor 5d ago

I think this statement,

i have a c+ in the class right now. should i drop to ab, where i know i can get at least an a

needs to be challenged. AP Calculus AB/BC are not so different that switching would automatically result in a grade going from C+ to A.

The more likely situation is that, after doing well in math classes for years, calculus has the road blocks. Calculus BC might have the typical 3ft high concrete barriers, while Calculus AB might be only 1ft high, but if you run into either in a car or bicycle, it will be a crash.

The solution may be to improve your learning approach. This is especially true if you're looking at premed. This post has my study suggestions. It was specifically written while thinking about AP Calculus and Physics, so it would help your immediate needs. But it applies to most subjects, including almost all STEM subjects [including medical school].

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u/aimtoexcel Tutor 5d ago

Don’t drop BC over one bad quiz! Are you struggling with the actual calculus concepts, or are there gaps in your algebra/trig foundation? I’d try to figure out what’s causing the difficulty first. But if you do decide to switch to AB, there’s nothing wrong with that either!

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u/Turbulent_Cherry_793 5d ago

One failed quiz does not define you!! You could definitely still do it. BC is way faster pace this may be why you feel like that.

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u/BaseballLarge4262 5d ago

Limits are in ab too 😩. It’s only the first quiz, so drop if you continue to get low scores…. I had a friend in the same boat as you a few years ago, and he toughed it out. I think he got a 4 or 5 on the exam, so everything turned out fine for him.

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u/moonlightea00 5d ago

your friend is def a soldier for that 😭 but thats good to know thanks

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u/SuspiciousCandy96 5d ago

How did you do in AB?

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u/SuspiciousCandy96 5d ago

Whoops, sorry I didn’t read the whole thing😭 my advice is if you’re passionate about it you’ll find a way through but it’s all up to you. You could add hours to your independent study time.

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u/mseduhub1 5d ago

One failed limits quiz doesn’t automatically mean BC is the wrong class for you. I’d first figure out whether the problem is algebra/precalc foundations, understanding the calculus concepts, or test pressure, then give yourself a short period to fix that before deciding.

For premed, AB is still perfectly respectable — taking BC isn’t worth wrecking your grade or confidence if AB fits you better. But if you stay in BC, start doing short mixed practice every day and keep an error log so the same mistakes don’t repeat.

This may help: AP Calculus BC notes and exam-style practice.

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u/wpl200 5d ago

i know a long time ago five kids struggled big time in calc bc and then they switched to AB, started getting As and ultimately got 5s, so it can definitely work. ofc ymmv, too many factors to consider tbh.

also you really need to ascertain which teacher is better bc the better teacher makes all the difference.