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AP Calculus AB Study Plan: An 8-Week Schedule
Review the units in order, practise an FRQ every week, and finish with a timed exam. Every week ends with graded practice, so you always know which points to chase next.
Last updated June 24, 2026 · Written by the Cramapple team
AB and BC overlap
AP Calculus AB and BC overlap: everything in AB is also in BC, so this guide matches the BC version except for the BC-only units.
Week by week
| Week | Focus | Practice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unit 1: limits and continuity | Multiple-choice set; one table-data FRQ |
| 2 | Units 2 and 3: derivative rules, chain rule, implicit and inverse derivatives | Multiple-choice set; one graph-of-f′ FRQ |
| 3 | Units 4 and 5: related rates, motion, extrema, the Mean Value Theorem | Multiple-choice set; one rates FRQ |
| 4 | Unit 6: Riemann sums, the Fundamental Theorem, integration techniques | Multiple-choice set; one accumulation FRQ |
| 5 | Unit 7: differential equations and slope fields | Multiple-choice set; one differential equations FRQ |
| 6 | Unit 8: area, volume and average value | Multiple-choice set; one area and volume FRQ |
| 7 | Mixed review across all units | One FRQ of each type, graded |
| 8 | Timed practice exam | Grade it, then repair only the missed points |
How to run each week
- Learn, then test. Review the topic, then do questions the same week.
- Grade every FRQ. Use the official scoring guideline, one point at a time.
- Keep a missed-points list. Write the step that cost you each point and revisit it.
- Practise with your calculator. Know how to graph, find intersections and evaluate a definite integral on it.
FAQ
How long should I study for AP Calculus AB?
Eight weeks of steady review works for most students. If you have less time, keep the order and shorten each block.
Do AB and BC students study the same material?
Mostly. Units 1 to 8 are shared. BC adds Units 9 and 10 and a few extra topics inside Units 6 to 8.
What should I do in the last week?
Take one timed practice exam, grade it with the scoring guidelines, and repair only the points you missed. Do not start new material.