Why is BC calc so hard for me?

17Angel
Sun, 18 Jan 2015 18:53:11 +0000

Im in a very similar position as you, Sophomore struggling in Calc BC, while I did very well in Pre-Calc, though I always get a couple questions off from making AIME. Im not entirely sure why its so hard, but I suspect its because of a couple reasons.

1. Ive never really had to study math before, I practiced some outside of school and was always well ahead and could understand stuff easier. So I was never really trained to study math. Other older students are more accustomed to studying and learning with the teacher, which helps them.

2. Calculus BC is also very different from other math topics, From Algebra to Pre-Calc, the classes have many similarities with the previous one and just builds up, but Calculus teaches alot more new things that was never covered in previous math classes. Pre-Calculus and especially AIME practice don't help with integrals and derivatives.

I’ve heard for a lot people that Calculus is the first hard math class they take.

Im dont think teacher would move your grade up from doing well on the AP exam as it is separate from your class.