Introduction to AP Notes
Overview
The Advanced Placement (AP) program, administered by the College Board, allows US high school Students to take college-level courses and earn credit or advanced standing at many universities. AP Exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with most colleges granting credit for scores of 3 or higher.
Subjects Covered
These notes align to the AP Course and Exam Descriptions (CEDs) and cover the following subjects:
- AP Calculus AB/BC — Limits, derivatives, integrals, differential equations, and sequences and series (BC only). See Limits and Continuity.
- AP Physics 1/2/C — Mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, fluids, and modern physics. See Kinematics.
- AP Chemistry — Atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium. See Atomic Structure and Periodicity.
- AP Biology — Biochemistry, cell biology, energetics, genetics, and evolution. See Chemistry of Life.
- AP Computer Science A/Principles — Programming in Java, algorithms, data structures, abstraction, and the internet. See Computational Thinking.
Exam Structure
Each AP exam consists of two sections:
- Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) — ~50% of the score, 60 questions, 90 minutes.
- Free-Response Questions (FRQ) — ~50% of the score, 4-6 questions, 90 minutes.
The FRQ section requires detailed written responses showing all work, reasoning, and justification. These notes emphasize the conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills needed for both Sections.
How to Use These Notes
- Each topic references the relevant CED units where applicable.
- Worked examples demonstrate the full reasoning expected on FRQs.
- Common Pitfalls sections highlight frequent exam errors.
- Practice questions are included at the end of each topic.