Preparing for AP Calculus AB

Many people make calculus sound scarier than it really is so they can sound "cool". I was terrified to learn anything about it when I went into class. Worry not, because calculus is just time consuming algebra. You mentioned that your algebra, trig, and precalculus needed work. That is ok, and you should be proud that you identified areas where you need improvement. The best way to describe calculus is to think of all of the difficult/time consuming problems that baffled you in those 3 classes. It is all of the algebra and trigonometry elements stacked on top of each other. This is why it is key to truly master those subjects. There is no problem you cannot solve if you spend enough time on it. Here are some tactics I used to make an A:

1. I spent at minimum 30 minutes a day on it. I usually ended up taking an hour and a half to get all of the concepts though.

2. I would also really really really recommend pulling together a study group and coming up with difficult questions for each other.

3. Go to any tutorials that your teacher offers, even if you feel 100% comfortable with the topics. You will always see the topics from a new perspective.

4. Try to relate the topics to a real life scenario so you can visualize what is going on. For example, when you get to derivatives(rate of change in a non-linear graph), think of an accelerating car. What happens when he speeds up? Slows down? Stops? Visuals really help.

Sorry if it's long, but I want to make sure you are calm on the first day :) 

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to write out those tips for me. 

Anytime! Best of luck.