AP Calculus BC Score Calculator
Predict your AP exam score based on multiple choice and free response performance
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Score Breakdown
What is the AP Calculus BC Exam?
The AP Calculus BC exam is a college-level assessment administered by the College Board that covers differential and integral calculus, including topics not covered in AP Calculus AB. The BC exam includes all AB topics plus additional concepts such as parametric equations, polar coordinates, sequences, and series.
Scoring a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam can earn you college credit at thousands of universities worldwide, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in tuition and allowing you to skip introductory calculus courses.
How the AP Calculus BC Exam is Scored
The AP Calculus BC exam consists of two main sections, each worth 50% of your total score:
- Section I: Multiple Choice – 45 questions in 1 hour 45 minutes
- Part A: 30 questions, 60 minutes (no calculator)
- Part B: 15 questions, 45 minutes (graphing calculator required)
- Section II: Free Response – 6 questions in 1 hour 30 minutes
- Part A: 2 questions, 30 minutes (graphing calculator required)
- Part B: 4 questions, 60 minutes (no calculator)
Important Scoring Note
Each free response question is worth 9 points, for a total of 54 possible points. The multiple choice section has 45 questions worth 1.2 points each for a weighted total of 54 points. This gives equal weight (50-50) to both sections.
AP Score Conversion Chart
Your raw composite score is converted to a final AP score of 1-5. Here are the approximate cut-off scores based on recent exam years:
| AP Score | Composite Range | Percentage Range | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 62-108 | 57-100% | Extremely Well Qualified |
| 4 | 50-61 | 46-56% | Well Qualified |
| 3 | 38-49 | 35-45% | Qualified |
| 2 | 27-37 | 25-34% | Possibly Qualified |
| 1 | 0-26 | 0-24% | No Recommendation |
How to Use This Calculator
Our AP Calculus BC score calculator helps you estimate your exam performance:
- Enter Multiple Choice Results: Input how many questions you answered correctly out of 45 total questions.
- Enter Free Response Points: Estimate your points earned on the 6 FRQ questions. Each question is worth 9 points, totaling 54 possible points.
- Calculate: Click the calculate button to see your predicted AP score along with a detailed breakdown.
Scoring Your Practice FRQs
When practicing with released FRQs, use the official scoring guidelines from the College Board. Award yourself partial credit based on the rubric – most questions have 9 points distributed across multiple parts.
Topics Covered on AP Calculus BC
The AP Calculus BC exam covers all Calculus AB topics plus additional advanced concepts:
- Limits and Continuity – L'Hôpital's Rule applications
- Differentiation – Derivatives of parametric, polar, and vector functions
- Integration Techniques – Integration by parts, partial fractions, improper integrals
- Applications of Integration – Arc length, surface area of revolution
- Parametric Equations – Motion along a curve, arc length
- Polar Coordinates – Area and slope in polar form
- Sequences and Series – Convergence tests, Taylor and Maclaurin series
- Vector-Valued Functions – Position, velocity, acceleration vectors
Tips for Scoring a 5 on AP Calculus BC
Follow these expert strategies to maximize your exam score:
- Master the AB Material First: About 60-70% of the BC exam covers AB topics. Ensure you have a solid foundation.
- Focus on Series: Taylor and Maclaurin series questions appear frequently and are worth significant points.
- Practice Calculator Skills: Know how to use your graphing calculator efficiently for numerical integration, derivatives, and graphing.
- Show All Work on FRQs: Partial credit is awarded liberally – write out every step clearly.
- Memorize Key Formulas: Arc length, polar area, and common Taylor series should be memorized.
- Time Management: Don't spend more than 3-4 minutes per multiple choice question.
AB Subscore Explained
The AP Calculus BC exam also generates an AB subscore, which reflects your performance on the portions of the exam that cover Calculus AB topics only. This subscore appears separately on your score report and can be used by colleges that only grant credit for AB-level material.
Approximately 60% of the BC exam questions contribute to your AB subscore. Even if you're taking the BC exam, a strong AB subscore provides a safety net for college credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a penalty for wrong answers on the multiple choice?
A: No, there is no penalty for incorrect answers. You should answer every question, even if you need to guess.
Q: What calculator can I use on the exam?
A: Most graphing calculators are permitted, including TI-83, TI-84, TI-89, and TI-Nspire series. Check the College Board website for the complete list of approved calculators.
Q: How accurate is this score calculator?
A: This calculator uses the official College Board scoring methodology. However, exact cut-off scores vary slightly each year based on exam difficulty and student performance.
Q: Can I take both AP Calculus AB and BC?
A: Technically yes, but it's not recommended since BC covers all AB material. Most students take either AB or BC, not both.