AB or BC Calculus: Which one should I take?

Hey everyone, I'm deciding between taking AP Calculus AB or BC. What factors should I consider when choosing? How do colleges view these courses differently?

When deciding between AP Calculus AB and BC, there are several factors to consider:

1. Course content: AP Calculus AB covers the basics of differential and integral calculus, while BC covers the same topics and adds more advanced concepts like series, parametric equations, and polar functions. BC is essentially AB plus some additional material.

2. Previous experience: Assess your comfort level with math and your performance in previous math courses. If you have a strong foundation in precalculus and enjoy math, you might find BC more engaging. However, if you've struggled with math in the past or have gaps in your understanding, AB might be a more suitable option.

3. Course load and schedule: BC is generally considered to be faster-paced and more challenging than AB. Consider your overall course load, schedule, and extracurricular commitments when deciding between these options. If you have a busy year ahead of you or anticipate taking a number of other challenging courses, AB might be a better fit.

4. College credit and placement: Some colleges offer credit or advanced placement for both AB and BC, while others only offer credit for BC. Check the policies of the schools you're interested in to see the potential benefits of taking one course over the other.

In terms of how colleges view these courses, taking either AB or BC will demonstrate that you have taken rigorous math coursework. However, taking BC may be seen as more challenging and potentially more impressive, especially at highly selective colleges. That being said, it's more important to do well in whichever course you choose than to take the more advanced course and struggle. Ultimately, it's critical to weigh your interests, strengths, and overall schedule when making the decision between AB and BC.