Comparison of Top AP Calculus BC Review Courses
Selecting a well-designed prep course can be a game changer for students. Since you are preparing for an exam that will not only strengthen your high school transcript but will also open doors for college credit and advanced placement, choosing the right preparation path can give you your edge. Here is a comparison of popular prep courses in terms of their study resources, practice questions, price, features, and more. Keep reading to find the perfect course that fits your needs!
| Features | UWorld | Princeton Review | Kaplan | Prep Scholar | Albert.io |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practice Questions | 1550+ High-Yield AP Exam-level Questions and detailed answer explanations. | 8 practice tests come with the study guide with limited practice questions. | Outdated: Practice materials not updated since 2020. | Provides tutoring but has no specific set of practice questions. | 1700+ AP Calculus AB & BC combined practice questions with detailed answer explanations. |
| Video Lessons | 100+ fun, focused, and bite-sized videos to simplify your prep. | No video lessons for AP Calculus BC. | No video lessons for AP Calculus BC. | No video lessons. | Outdated video lessons. |
| Progress Tracking | Real-time progress checker with topic-wise performance analytics and score predictor. | Limited feedback for online practice tests. | No progress tracking for AP Calculus BC. | General feedback after each topic. | Basic feedback about quizzes. No detailed performance analytics. |
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| Customizability | Fully custom practice tests with Smart Planner tailored to your study habits. | No customizations available for AP Calculus BC. | No customizations available for AP Calculus BC. | Highly customizable to each student. | Limited customization; Follows pre-set path. |
| Standout Features | Digital tools like Notebook, flashcards, in-built timer, and more. Study anytime, anywhere, on any device, with seamless progress syncing across all platforms. | No standout features for AP Calculus BC. | No standout features for AP Calculus BC. | One-on-one tutoring service to help stay motivated and on track. | Gamified learning. Ideal for students who enjoy interactive learning. |
| Price | $149 for print & digital study guide, QBank, videos, and study tools, valid through June 15, every year. | $21 for the study guide including just 8 practice tests. | $3 at Amazon for just prep book with outdated content. | Starts at $480 for fixed weekly time-consuming tutoring sessions with limited hands-on learning and practice. | $19-$79 per subject for a question bank created by general freelancers instead of AP experts and specialists. |
Princeton Review’s AP Prep Course
Princeton Review is a popular choice among students for their comprehensive and user-friendly resources; however, it doesn’t provide a full-fledged course.
Pros:
- For AP Calculus BC, Princeton Review just provides a study guide instead of a complete course.
- Includes 8 practice tests (5 in the book and 3 online) and a comprehensive review of the content.
- Essential test-taking tips and strategies to help students take the exam efficiently.
Cons:
- Comes with just 8 practice tests and lacks an all-inclusive prep experience for students.
- Limited number of detailed explanations of practice questions and answers.
- Basic score tracking with no detailed insights into your performance, strengths, and weaknesses.
Kaplan’s AP Prep Course
Kaplan doesn’t offer any AP Calculus BC course or updated study materials.
Cons:
- Content of the prep book was last updated in 2020, making it outdated and misaligned with the AP Calculus BC latest curriculum.
- No video lessons, performance tracking tools, and standout features available for AP Calculus BC.
- Content is obsolete for students taking the Calculus BC exam in 2025.
Since Kaplan doesn’t provide anything that is useful for the preparation of the AP Calculus BC exam, it is not the right choice for students.
Prep Scholar’s AP Prep Course
Prep Scholar provides one-on-one tutors and advisors for a comprehensive review of the curriculum and topic-wise feedback.
Pros:
- Thorough coverage of concepts and topics with plenty of practice questions.
- Constant and detailed feedback after every test and topic.
- Provides high flexibility to students, letting them study at their own pace and time.
Cons:
- Highly Priced. The course fees range from $499 to $3200.
- No video resources — a disadvantage for students who understand concepts better through visual learning.
- Heavily text-based with less visuals and brief notes on topics.
Albert.io’s AP Prep Course
Alberto.io follows a practice-driven learning approach with a wide range of practice and assessment questions.
Pros:
- 1700+ practice questions and 700+ assessment questions with detailed explanations.
- Affordable pricing plans, ranging between $19 to $79 per subject.
- Self-paced course, letting students study according to their time and schedule.
Cons:
- No involvement of AP experts. The content is written by freelance writers.
- Very few video lessons and no supplementary resources available for Calculus BC.
- No separate questions for AP Calculus BC. You’ll find a mix of AP Calculus AB and BC questions.
Why UWorld Is the Best AP Calculus BC Review Course
UWorld makes it a priority to focus on the individual needs of students. With its comprehensive, engaging, and focused AP Calculus BC prep course, UWorld aligns perfectly with the latest AP curriculum and provides students with in-depth content designed to help them score high on the exam. Here is why UWorld stands out among the rest.
Engaging and Comprehensive Video Lessons
UWorld provides short and engaging video lessons with:
- Expertly crafted content, which is constantly updated to align with the latest AP course and exam description (CED).
- Thorough coverage of all the key concepts of the Calculus BC curriculum, such as Limits, Differentiation, Integration, Parametric Equations, Vectors, etc.
- Simplification of concepts by breaking down difficult Calculus topics into easily digestible chunks.
Unmatched Question Bank with Real Exam Simulations
UWorld offers customizable study resources to suit the unique learning styles of different students and help students make the best out of the AP Calculus BC question bank.
- Hundreds of AP Calculus BC questions that mimic the style and difficulty level of the actual exam.
- Detailed and step-by-step explanations of every question to understand the “why” behind every answer option.
- Real-time performance dashboard and score predictor to track your progress and identify your areas of improvement.
Detailed Study Guide Book
UWorld offers print and digital AP Calculus BC study guide that include comprehensive and organized course content for reviewing key mathematical concepts.
- The study guide is designed to complement the video lessons and question bank, providing a wholesome study experience to students.
- Clear and detailed explanations of all AP Calculus BC topics such as Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, etc.
- Illustrative visual aids to easily understand and interpret graphs and charts, helping students to solve questions more efficiently.
Expert-Led Content and Constant Updates
UWorld’s exam prep content is designed by AP specialists to offer up-to-date, accurate, and effective study resources.
- Designed by a team of PhDs and AP experts to ensure top-quality study materials which are aligned with the AP Calculus BC CED.
- Regularly updated to match the latest trends and standards of the AP Calculus BC curriculum to help students prepare effectively for the exam.
- Designed in a way to break down complex concepts for students and simplify understanding of questions and answers.
Superior Digital Tools and Interactive Learning
UWorld is dedicated to enhancing your learning experience by providing you with interactive study tools.
- Smart Study Planner: Preparing for your AP exams in addition to your high school curriculum can be challenging. UWorld helps you in designing your own study schedule based on your available time, making your study sessions more organized and efficient.
- Flashcards: Save the hassle of sifting through bulky books and target last-minute reviews with ease. Use flashcards to quickly revise formulas, definitions, and key concepts.
- Digital Notebook: Easily organize notes by subject or topic for a streamlined study experience. Add annotations, highlight key points, and access your notes anytime, making it easier to review concepts.
Real-Time Performance Tracking
UWorld offers a real-time performance dashboard to help students track their progress.
- Gain insights into your strengths and weaknesses across various Calculus BC topics to understand the areas where you need to work harder.
- Use the detailed analytics tools to check your accuracy and mastery of concepts, making adjustments to your study plan to focus on the areas that need the most attention.
- Use the progress analytics to evaluate your performance over time and refine your study strategies.
Additional Benefits of UWorld
UWorld is not just a trusted name for AP exams but also a reputable leader in other educational fields.
- A Proven Track Record: UWorld is the go-to resource for training physicians, nurses, pharmacists, lawyers, and accountants, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their careers.
- Comprehensive Resources: From board exams to licensure tests, UWorld offers expertly crafted materials that set the standard for professional preparation.
With an expertise of over two decades, UWorld has supported students across various disciplines, helping them achieve top scores and success at every stage of their careers.
Why Is It Important To Study AP Calculus BC?
Preparing for AP Calculus BC not only adds to your higher-level studies but also helps you gain essential skills and opportunities such as earning college credit and enhancing career prospects.
Earn College Credits and Save on Tuition
Securing top scores on the AP Calculus BC exam lets you earn college credits and skip introductory-level courses in college. This helps you expedite your academic progress and reduce the number of courses you’ll be taking in college, hence helping you save on tuition fees.
Skill Development for Future Success
The AP Calculus BC course can help students enhance their critical thinking, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning skills, providing them with the right tools necessary for building a solid base for college-level coursework and a strong career in STEM.
Competitive Edge in College Admissions
There are several factors that contribute to making your college application stand out, such as high school GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and more. One such factor is AP exams. Enrolling in AP Calculus BC shows your academic rigor and demonstrates your capability of tackling challenging coursework. Scoring high on the AP Calc BC exam can set you apart from other applicants.
Foundational Knowledge for STEM Careers
Taking AP Calculus BC can help students build a solid knowledge base, especially for those who plan to pursue a career in STEM. The challenges of a complex course like Calculus BC prepare students well to soar high in the fields of engineering, economics, physics, chemistry, actuarial science, environmental science, and more.
Preparation for College-Level Math Courses
AP Calculus BC can lay a strong foundation for your college-level topics, including Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations. Studying Calculus BC in high school will lessen the burden of students in college since they will be prepared to tackle these challenging topics, easing their course workload.
Conclusion
UWorld is the best online AP Calculus BC course since it provides a thorough coverage of the curriculum, print and digital study guides, interactive tools like notebook, flashcards, and in-built timer, real-time performance dashboard, and an affordable pricing. UWorld prepares students efficiently for the test day and equips them with essential skills needed to succeed in their undergraduate courses and careers in STEM.
