Introduction: Can You Really Get a 5 in Just 30 Days?
If you’re a month away from the AP Calculus AB exam and feeling unprepared, you’re not alone. Many students panic at this stage — but the truth is, 30 days is enough time to dramatically boost your score if you study smart.
The key is to focus on the highest-yield topics, practice under timed conditions, and learn strategies that maximize points on multiple choice and free-response questions. With a structured crash study plan, you can transform your preparation and walk into test day with confidence.
This guide gives you a day-by-day schedule to follow, along with tips, resources, and strategies proven to help students go from struggling to scoring a 5. For additional guided resources, check out RevisionDojo’s AP Calculus AB prep hub.
Study Plan Overview
- Time Required: 2–3 hours per day (flexible if you start earlier).
- Approach: Review → Practice → Timed Tests → Target Weaknesses.
- Focus: Derivatives, integrals, limits, applications (optimization, related rates, area/volume).
Week Breakdown
- Week 1: Core concepts & foundational skills.
- Week 2: Applications of derivatives & integrals.
- Week 3: Mixed practice, FRQ strategies, calculator skills.
- Week 4: Timed practice exams & review.
Week 1: Build the Foundation
Day 1–2: Limits & Continuity
- Review: definition of limits, limit laws, one-sided limits, continuity.
- Practice: limit evaluation (rational, trigonometric, piecewise).
- Must-know: lim(x→0) sinx/x = 1.
Day 3–4: Derivative Basics
- Rules: power rule, product/quotient rule, chain rule.
- Practice: derivatives of polynomials, trig, exponentials, logs.
Day 5–6: Implicit Differentiation & Related Rates
- Master implicit differentiation.
- Practice related rates problems (ladders, balloons, cones).
Day 7: Diagnostic Practice Test (Non-Calculator)
- Take a 30-question set.
- Identify weaknesses for Week 2.
Week 2: Applications of Derivatives & Integrals
Day 8–9: Curve Sketching & Analysis
- First and second derivative tests.
- Concavity, inflection points, optimization.
- Practice graph-based questions.
Day 10–11: Optimization Problems
- Max/min word problems.
- FRQ-style optimization walkthroughs.
Day 12–13: Definite Integrals & Riemann Sums
- Learn Riemann sums, trapezoidal rule.
- Calculator integration practice.
Day 14: FRQ Practice (Derivatives & Integrals)
- Solve 2–3 timed FRQs.
- Focus on writing justifications clearly.
Week 3: Mixed Practice & Advanced Skills
Day 15–16: Applications of Integration
- Area between curves.
- Volumes of solids of revolution (disk/washer, shell method).
Day 17–18: Differential Equations & Slope Fields
- Separation of variables.
- Euler’s method basics.
Day 19–20: Mixed MCQ Sets
- Do 25 timed multiple-choice questions daily.
- Mix calculator and non-calculator problems.
Day 21: Targeted Weakness Review
- Revisit weakest topic (optimization, volume, slope fields, etc.).
Week 4: Exam Simulation & Final Prep
Day 22–23: Full-Length Practice Exam #1
- Simulate exam timing.
- Review every mistake carefully.
Day 24–25: Topic Review & Flashcards
- Memorize formulas, derivative/integral rules, common trig identities.
- Focus on problem types you keep missing.
Day 26–27: Full-Length Practice Exam #2
- Focus on endurance and pacing.
- Practice multiple choice guessing strategy.
Day 28: FRQ-Only Practice Day
- Solve 4–5 past FRQs.
- Work on showing steps and writing conclusions in complete sentences.
Day 29: Quick Review
- Skim formula sheet, review theorems (FTC, MVT, IVT).
- Revisit toughest questions from past weeks.
Day 30: Light Review & Rest
- Do a few practice problems.
- Get good sleep before test day.
Pro Tips for a 30-Day AP Calculus AB Crash Study
- Prioritize practice over rereading notes.
- Time yourself daily. Even if you only do 5–10 questions, practice pacing.
- Use your calculator efficiently. Learn nDeriv, fnInt, and regression functions.
- Write complete answers on FRQs. Readers look for reasoning, not just numbers.
- Don’t burn out. Take short breaks and stay consistent.
Practice Resources
- Past AP Exams: Official College Board released exams.
- Textbook Question Banks: Focus on limits, derivatives, integrals.
- Online Tools: Graphing apps, practice quizzes.
- RevisionDojo: Step-by-step study plans, past paper solutions, and crash prep strategies.
Practice Questions
- Evaluate lim(x→∞) (3x²+1)/(6x²+4).
- Find the derivative of f(x) = x³lnx.
- A particle has velocity v(t) = t² – 4t. Find displacement on [0,3].
- Find the area under y = cosx on [0,π/2].
- Solve dy/dx = y, y(0) = 1.
(Step-by-step solutions available on RevisionDojo’s AP Calculus prep hub.)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I really get a 5 with just 30 days of study?
Yes — if you focus on high-yield topics, practice daily, and simulate exam conditions.
2. How many hours per day should I study?
Aim for 2–3 hours daily. If you start earlier, you can spread it out.
3. What topics should I prioritize?
Derivatives, integrals, limits, applications (optimization, related rates, area/volume).
4. Should I focus more on MCQs or FRQs?
Both are equally important. Use MCQs for speed practice and FRQs for explanation skills.
5. Where can I find a complete 30-day crash study resource?
Visit RevisionDojo’s AP Calculus AB study guide for day-by-day checklists and resources.
Conclusion: 30 Days to a Confident Exam
Scoring a 5 on AP Calculus AB in just 30 days is possible with discipline and the right plan. By focusing on the most important topics, practicing daily under timed conditions, and reviewing your mistakes, you’ll maximize your score potential.
The key is consistency: small amounts of practice every day lead to big improvements by test day. For structured crash prep resources, daily study plans, and problem walkthroughs, head over to RevisionDojo and give yourself the best chance at success.
