AP Calculus Power Pack (SparkNotes Test Prep)

In my Calculus AB class, I made As and Bs on all of the chapter tests, and I kept a low A average. However, after we had finished all of the material and we switched into "review mode", I made AP scores of 2s on all of my AP practice tests. My personal problem was that though I knew how to take a derivative, integral, etc., I didn't know what the question was asking so I didn't know what they wanted me to do. Also, for the FRQs, I lost valuable points because I didn't know how to write the justifications that AP wanted. The weekend before my AP exam, I was desperate and I bought the AP Power Pack. This proved to be the best decision I made all year. My recommendation is to go through all of the flashcards, do all of the problems (even if you think you know how to do it, make sure and actually do it), and then put them into piles of "correct" and "missed" until all of the flashcards are in the "correct" pile. The flashcards have practice problems or equations on the front and on the back are detailed explanations so that you understand exactly how to do the problem and why. Before I started and near the end of my study session I took the provided practice tests and I got scores of 2 and 4 respectively. Then, I took out the flashcards that had important equations and such on them and I reviewed those until I had them completely memorized. On the day of the exam I got a 5. To sacrifice one weekend of very little sleep and almost no breaks in order to get a 5 was definitely worth it. I know that I couldn't have done it without the AP Power Pack. Also, it has a handy laminated sheet that reviews certain laws and such so that if you don't completely remember something, you don't have to go to your index in your calculus book. This year, I am using AP Power Packs for all of my AP courses, and I am sure it will pay off. Good luck to all of you!