If your student is planning their math path for the year and AP Precalculus shows up on the course list, you might be wondering: What exactly is this course, and how does it compare to regular or honors Precalculus?
It’s a good question and one that’s coming up more often now that AP Precalculus is being offered at more schools.
What is AP Precalculus?
The AP Precalculus course was introduced by College Board in the 2023-24 school year. It’s designed to be the equivalent of a first-semester college precalculus course, and it focuses on helping students develop a strong understanding of functions, trigonometry, and other key topics that prepare them for college-level mathematics.
Students will study linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, rational, and trigonometric functions, and will apply these concepts in both mathematical and real-world contexts. There’s a strong emphasis on analyzing functions graphically, numerically, and algebraically, not just solving equations, but interpreting and modeling scenarios as well.
How is it different from other precalculus courses?
While there’s a lot of overlap in content between AP Precalculus and traditional Precalculus, the structure and expectations of the AP version are different. Students are assessed not only on their ability to perform algebraic manipulations but also on their understanding of concepts, reasoning, and application.
The course is tightly aligned with the AP framework, meaning students are preparing throughout the year for the AP exam in May. The pacing, question style, and assessment types may feel different than what students are used to, even if they’ve taken honors math courses before.
Is AP Precalculus the right fit for your student?
AP Precalculus can be a great fit for students who:
- Are comfortable with Algebra 2 topics and ready for more depth,
- Are looking for a math course with consistent structure and challenge,
- And are willing to engage with multi-step problems that require reasoning and conceptual understanding.
That said, the course does move quickly and assumes a solid foundation in algebraic thinking.
Final Thoughts
As schools continue to expand their AP offerings, AP Precalculus is becoming a popular choice for juniors and seniors. Choosing AP Precalculus can be a meaningful step toward college readiness, especially for students eager to strengthen their mathematical thinking and take on a challenge that bridges high school and college-level work.
