AP Calculus AB covers the foundational material: limits, derivatives, and integrals. AP Calculus BC covers everything in AB plus additional topics like parametric equations, polar coordinates, and sequences/series. BC is essentially a faster-paced, more comprehensive course that earns more college credit.

If you're strong in algebra and precalculus, BC is often the better choice since the extra topics build naturally on AB concepts. However, AB is perfectly valid if you want a more deliberate pace or aren't yet confident in your math foundation. For students in Chicago preparing for either exam, the tutoring approach is similar—it's about understanding conceptual connections rather than memorizing formulas.

The top challenge is understanding why calculus works, not just how to execute procedures. Many students can take a derivative using the power rule but struggle to explain what a derivative represents conceptually. The second major hurdle is managing multiple problem types—optimization problems require different strategies than related rates problems, and students need fluency with when to apply which technique.

Pacing during the exam is another common issue. The AP Calculus exam has both calculator and no-calculator sections, and students often misjudge how much time to spend on complex problems. Working through full practice exams under timed conditions, with a tutor's feedback on your approach, helps significantly. Many students also find the leap from precalculus to calculus steeper than expected—if your foundation in functions, trigonometry, or algebraic manipulation feels shaky, addressing those gaps early makes everything else click into place.

Start by understanding the exam structure: 45 multiple choice questions (105 minutes) and 6 free response questions (90 minutes), split into calculator and no-calculator portions. Most successful students tackle multiple choice by working through all questions once, marking difficult ones, then returning to those marked questions—this prevents getting stuck on one problem and running out of time.

For free response, read all six questions first and start with whichever seems most manageable. This builds confidence and ensures you earn easy points before tackling harder problems. Show all your work clearly, even if you think your answer is wrong—partial credit is valuable. During the no-calculator section, be strategic about which problems you attempt; if a problem looks algebraically messy, it might not be the best use of your limited time. Working through past AP exams with a tutor helps you calibrate pacing and develop these strategic habits before test day.

Ideally, consistent tutoring throughout the AP Calculus course—even just 1-2 sessions per month—keeps you aligned with your class material and prevents concept gaps from widening. However, if you're starting tutoring later in the year, focused weekly or bi-weekly sessions 8-12 weeks before the exam can still drive meaningful improvement.

The timeline also depends on your starting point. If you're solid on precalculus fundamentals and tracking well in class, periodic check-ins might suffice. If calculus concepts feel foggy or you're taking BC, more frequent sessions help you stay on pace. Many students in Chicago benefit from ramping up tutoring intensity in March and April as the May exam approaches—this is when targeted practice on your specific weak areas has the highest impact.

The College Board publishes authentic past AP exams and sample questions—these are your most valuable resource since they match the actual exam format and difficulty exactly. Start with these rather than textbook problems, which often don't capture the breadth of concepts or question styles you'll encounter.

Supplement with your school textbook for concept reviews and targeted practice on specific topics, and consider the AP Calculus Course and Exam Description from the College Board, which breaks down exactly what you need to know. When working through practice, focus on quality over quantity: it's better to thoroughly analyze 3-4 past exams with a tutor's feedback on your reasoning than to rush through many problems without understanding your mistakes. A tutor can also help you create a study schedule that spaces out practice strategically, which research on spaced repetition shows helps concepts stick longer than cramming.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors experienced in AP Calculus preparation. When you reach out, you'll be matched with someone familiar with both the AP curriculum and the pacing expectations of Chicago-area schools. You can work with tutors flexibly—whether you need consistent weekly sessions throughout the school year or intensive preparation in the months before the May exam.

Look for tutors who have success stories with AP Calculus specifically (not just general math tutoring), understand the calculator vs. no-calculator section distinctions, and can provide practice exam feedback. The right tutor will help you build conceptual understanding while also developing the test-taking strategies and pacing skills that separate a 3 from a 4 or 5 on exam day.