To complete my Intellectual Engagement pillar, I decided to continue studying AP Calculus AB in preparation for the AP Exam. I came into school three times a week, usually from 8–10 a.m., and participated in a math class that was very similar to our classes during the regular school year. The course was organized so that we completed all of the content during the fall and winter, giving us plenty of time throughout the spring to review. Each week, we took a practice exam and spent our class periods reviewing and discussing the problems.
AP Calculus AB
Homework and Workload
As we only met three times a week, we usually had a maximum of three assignments each week. Most of the time, we were assigned one practice free-response exam to complete over multiple days and then review together in class. I tried to dedicate part of my weekend evenings to working on these FRQs so I would not be cramming the night before. This also gave me enough time to independently understand and review the material before coming to class with questions. I completed all of my work on an iPad, which was something I wanted to try before college, and I found it to be a much easier way to organize my work while also always having it accessible.
Preparing for the AP
A huge advantage of continuing this course was that it felt like much of the work was already built into the class structure. Aside from the week following the exam, I did very little independent studying because I felt well prepared through the work we completed in class. Having the entire spring dedicated to review made it much easier to come to class with questions and focus on strengthening my understanding instead of learning new material. During the week leading up to the exam, I made sure to study outside of class using the materials we had been given in order to prepare as thoroughly as possible.