Best resources for AP Calculus AB self-study?

I'm planning on self-studying for the AP Calculus AB exam and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed about how to prepare effectively. Can anyone recommend some good resources (books, websites, videos) that'll help me score well on the exam?

To help you self-study for the AP Calculus AB exam, I recommend the following resources:

1. Textbook: Consider getting a solid textbook, such as "Calculus for AP" by Ron Larson and Paul Battaglia, which is aligned with the AP curriculum and provides comprehensive coverage of the necessary topics. You can also find other highly-rated textbooks like "Calculus" by James Stewart or "Calculus: Graphical, Numerical, Algebraic" by Finney, Demana, Waits, and Kennedy.

2. Khan Academy: This free online platform offers a comprehensive AP Calculus AB course that covers all the necessary concepts, along with practice problems, quizzes, and instructional videos. The clear explanations and step-by-step problem-solving guidance make Khan Academy a great resource for building a strong foundation in calculus.

3. College Board resources: The College Board, which administers AP exams, provides free resources like released practice exams and sample questions, which allow you to familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types. You'll want to be sure to get an accurate sense of the content and difficulty of the actual test.

4. YouTube channels: Several YouTube channels offer helpful tutorials and walkthroughs for AP Calculus AB concepts. Some popular channels include Professor Leonard, PatrickJMT, and The Organic Chemistry Tutor. These instructors provide in-depth explanations and example problems that can aid in mastering the material.

5. Review books: A good review book can be invaluable as you practice for the actual exam and look to pinpoint areas that need improvement. Some popular options include "Cracking the AP Calculus AB Exam" by The Princeton Review, "5 Steps to a 5: AP Calculus AB" by Williamson and Ryan, and "Barron's AP Calculus" by David Bock, Dennis Donovan, and Shirley Hockett.

6. AP Classroom: If you have access through your school, AP Classroom offers a personalized learning environment where you can watch videos, work through problem sets, and take progress checks to assess your understanding of the material.

7. CollegeVine: CollegeVine's blog has a post breaking down 10 particularly tricky questions from past Calculus AB AP exams. The questions can give you a better sense of what you're going to be expected to know, while the breakdowns allow you to check your work and overall conceptualization of the problem.

Be sure to tackle the topics sequentially as calculus is a subject that builds upon itself. As you progress, make sure to practice plenty of free-response and multiple-choice questions to reinforce your understanding and improve your test-taking skills. And as you prepare for the AP exam itself, remember to create a study schedule that allows you to work consistently and methodically through the material, with plenty of time for review and practice exams. The longer you allow concepts to sink into your brain, the more success you'll have.

Good luck with your self-study journey, and be proud of yourself for having the confidence to take on this challenge!