One-Month AP Calculus AB Study Plan: How to Prepare for a Top Score
If you have just one month left before the AP Calculus AB exam, you still have enough time to score highly—but only if you study strategically. Random practice and unfocused review won’t work at this stage. What you need is a structured plan that balances content review, exam-style practice, and realistic test simulations.
This 30-day crash plan is designed to help you review every major topic, improve accuracy under time pressure, and walk into exam day confident and prepared.
How the 30-Day Plan Is Structured
Your preparation is divided into three focused phases:
- Phase 1 (Days 1–10): Core content review
- Phase 2 (Days 11–20): Mixed practice and timed drills
- Phase 3 (Days 21–30): Full-length exams and targeted refinement
Each phase builds on the previous one, so consistency is critical.
Phase 1: Core Content Review (Days 1–10)
Goal: Refresh all major AP Calculus AB topics, rebuild conceptual understanding, and practice standard problem types.
Days 1–2: Limits and Continuity
- Limit laws and algebraic techniques
- Special trigonometric limits
- L’Hôpital’s Rule
- Practice multiple-choice questions after reviewing concepts
Days 3–4: Derivatives
- Power, product, quotient, and chain rules
- Implicit differentiation
- Tangent lines and motion problems
- Emphasize accuracy and notation
Days 5–6: Applications of Derivatives
- Related rates
- Optimization problems
- Mean Value Theorem
- Concavity and curve sketching
Days 7–8: Integrals
- Antiderivatives and definite integrals
- Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
- Basic substitution techniques
Days 9–10: Applications of Integrals
- Area between curves
- Volumes of solids of revolution
- Accumulation functions
By the end of Phase 1, no topic should feel unfamiliar.
Phase 2: Mixed Practice and Timed Drills (Days 11–20)
Goal: Combine topics, improve speed, and practice exam-style thinking.
Days 11–15: Mixed Multiple-Choice Practice
- Complete 20–30 questions per day
- Alternate between calculator and non-calculator sections
- Review every mistake immediately and identify patterns
Days 16–18: Timed Free-Response Practice
- Complete 2–3 FRQs per day from different exam years
- Practice writing full justifications and showing work clearly
- Focus on efficiency as well as correctness
Days 19–20: Mini Mock Exams
- Complete 45–60 minute timed sections
- Evaluate pacing and endurance
- Identify weak areas to target in Phase 3
Phase 3: Full Simulations and Targeted Review (Days 21–30)
Goal: Replicate real exam conditions and eliminate remaining weaknesses.
Full-Length Practice Exams
- Take full exams on Days 21, 24, and 27
- Follow exact AP timing rules
- Score using official rubrics
After Each Exam
- Review every incorrect or uncertain question
- Re-learn weak concepts using worked examples
- Adjust strategy if pacing is off
Final Two Days
- Light review of formulas, theorems, and common mistakes
- Practice calm problem-solving rather than cramming
- Prepare logistics: calculator readiness, timing strategy, and rest
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Spending too much time perfecting one topic while neglecting others
- Avoiding free-response questions because they feel difficult
- Ignoring calculator practice under exam conditions
- Skipping official AP-style questions
Remember: FRQs make up half of your total score.
Smart Practice Tips
- Always write out steps, even for calculator-based questions
- Track score trends weekly instead of focusing on single results
- Use official released multiple-choice and free-response questions
- Learn from errors rather than rushing ahead
Final Advice
One month is enough to prepare for AP Calculus AB if you stay disciplined and focused. By dividing your study time into clear phases, practicing under realistic conditions, and correcting weaknesses methodically, you give yourself the best chance to earn a top score.
Consistency matters more than intensity. Stick to the plan, trust the process, and walk into exam day confident in your preparation.
