Do you need Calc BC for AP Physics C?

AP Physics C requires calculus, with topics in AP Physics C: Mechanics using derivatives and integrals from single variable calculus (such as AP Calculus AB or BC).

Can I take AP Physics C without calculus?

Officially speaking, there is only one prerequisite for AP Physics C: Mechanics. The College Board requires AP Physics C: Mechanics students to either be taking a calculus class concurrently with AP Physics C: Mechanics or to have taken a calculus course prior to enrolling in AP Physics C: Mechanics.

What calculus do I need to know for AP Physics C?

The course explores topics such as electrostatics; conductors, capacitors, and dielectrics; electric circuits; magnetic fields; and electromagnetism. Introductory differential and integral calculus are used throughout the course. Students should have taken or be concurrently taking calculus.

What math is required for AP Physics C: Mechanics?

AP®︎ Physics 1 and AP®︎ Physics 2 are algebra based physics courses that do not require calculus. AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism are calculus based physics courses that do. Ideally, you would have completed AP®︎ Calculus BC before taking AP Physics C: Mechanics.

Can you skip AP Calc BC?

AP Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC are college-level AP courses with Precalculus as the primary prerequisite. For AP Calculus classes, you have three options— taking AB and BC Calculus as a sequence, taking only AB Calculus, or skipping AB Calculus altogether and directly taking BC Calculus.

Ranking All 38 AP Classes by Difficulty (Tier List)

Is Calc BC the hardest AP class?

Of the 28 major AP classes, this places AP Calculus BC as the 12th toughest AP course. The percentage of students who passed the AP Calculus BC test in 2022 with a score of 3 or above was 76.9%, which is higher than the rate for many other AP exams (66%).

Should I take AP Calc BC if I took AB?

You can take both courses, but you do not need to.

You could always take an AP class in the subsequent year to earn a year's worth of math credits in college. Remember that AP Calculus AB covers one semester of college-level work, while AP Calculus BC covers an entire school year of college-level work.

Is physics C the hardest AP?

Consequently, both Physics C courses (Mechanics as well as Electricity & Magnetism) are regarded as two of the hardest AP classes that you can take in high school. You'll cover topics like electrostatics, conductors, and electromagnetism over the course of five units.

Is AP Physics C really hard?

AP Physics C Mechanics is one of the most challenging AP classes due to its rigorous curriculum. The course covers fundamental topics such as kinematics, dynamics, and energy, with focus on calculus. The average pass rate for AP Physics C Mechanics exams is approximately 74%.

Is AP Physics C or 1 harder?

We all know that AP® Physics 1 is easier than AP® Physics C. We note that many of the AP® Physics C courses self-select for those motivated students or those with higher grades in Math. That is the reason for the ridiculously high rates for AP® Physics C as compared to AP® Physics 1.

Which AP Calc is easiest?

Calculus BC

AP Calculus BC has earned a reputation as an easy AP course because many of its students master the material. Most AP Calculus BC students perform at an advanced level — at least one year ahead of their high school class in math — helping them achieve a high pass rate.

Is calculus required for AP Physics?

AP Physics 1 is an introductory physics class that requires students be proficient in geometry and Algebra II. In comparison, AP Physics 2 builds upon pre-calculus concepts. Both AP Physics C courses are more advanced and, fittingly, require students to have a more specialized background in calculus.

What is AP Physics C equivalent to?

AP Physics C: Mechanics is a half-year course equivalent to a semester-long, introductory calculus-based college course. AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, a half-year course following Physics C: Mechanics, is equivalent to a semester-long, introductory calculus-based college course.

Does AP Physics C look good for college?

Like Mechanics, most colleges will accept a satisfactory score on the AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism exam in place of an introductory college-level physics course. Check your target colleges' websites for the exact score you need to aim for.

Can you take AP Physics C with pre calc?

No, absolutely not. AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: E&M are both calculus based courses, which means you should have a solid mastery of calculus going in.

Is AP Physics C easier than AP Physics?

While it's impossible to offer universal guidance on which exam is more difficult, as that depends on your particular background, strengths, and preferences, most students find AP Physics C more challenging, as it's both calculus-based and covers more sophisticated topics like electricity and magnetism.

Which is harder AP Chem or AP Physics C?

According to a survey done, class alumnae gave AP Chemistry a rating of 7.3/10 for overall difficulty, making it the 4th most difficult AP course (while AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism, AP English Literature, and AP Physics C Mechanics being the top three).

Is taking AP Physics C worth it?

The AP Physics C courses are both challenging and rewarding. If you choose to take either AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism or AP Physics C: Mechanics (or both!), you'll get the chance to learn college-level material and potentially earn college credit!

Should I take AP Physics C in high school?

If you plan on going to a technological university just passing the AP Physics 1 exam won't get you any sort of college credit because they have no course equivalent for AP Physics 1, you would need to pass the AP Physics C exam in order to earn college credit at a technology university.

Why is AP Physics C pass rate so high?

The Pass Rate

AP classes like AP Physics C: E&M have stricter prerequisites than other AP classes. This means that the more difficult exams tend to have better-prepared students taking them, which can lead to higher pass rates.

What AP has the lowest pass rate?

Looking at the numbers, the hardest AP test is Physics 1. In May 2022, just 43.3% of test-takers passed, and only 7.9% received a perfect score. Other hard AP exams include US History, Macroeconomics, Chemistry, and Calculus AB.

Is it easy to get a 5 on AP Physics C?

But AP Physics C is a difficult class. You could earn a 4 or 5 on the AP Physics C exam, but you have to have a strong foundation in algebra and physics to do well on the exam.

Do colleges care if you take AB or BC Calc?

Do these colleges care if I take Calc AB vs Calc BC next year? Short answer, no. Longer answer, it depends upon the rest of your schedule. If it's sufficiently rigorous that it still warrants the GC checking the “most rigorous” box, then it really does not matter.

Is Calc BC worth it?

The more challenging of the courses, AP Calc BC covers everything students learn in AP Calc AB, along with additional material. These courses aren't generally required by high schools, but taking them can raise students' weighted GPAs and improve their standing in the eyes of colleges and universities.

Do I need to take Calc BC?

Only you can decide whether or not to take AP Calculus BC. Before you make your decision, consider the other AP courses you plan to take and how adding AP Calculus BC could affect your schedule. You should also consider your math skills and background and if you meet the requirements to take the course.