Should I take AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C?

Many college programs only require one semester of algebra-based physics for a science requirement, and AP Physics 1 may cover that requirement. However, if you want to pursue a degree in engineering or physics, then you should expect to take at least one AP Physics C class, if not both.

Should I take AP Physics C or 1?

Students who wish to study engineering or a physical science will benefit from taking AP Physics C. Comparatively, students in other disciplines should consider taking AP Physics 1 and possibly 2 to develop a foundation in physics and fulfill many universities' science requirements.

Is AP Physics C impressive to colleges?

The advantage of taking AP® Physics C exam is that many colleges grant credit and placement depending on their cut-off score. Most colleges will require a student to have a minimum score of 3. If you already have a target university, go to the CollegeBoard AP® Credit Policy Search.

Do colleges care about AP Physics 1?

Colleges do offer credits for AP Physics 1. But it is important to keep in mind that AP Physics 1 does not cover the same depth of material as a college-level Physics course which is why many highly selective colleges do not offer credits for AP Physics 1.

Is AP 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.

Episode 27 - Should You Take AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C?

Is physics C easier than physics 1?

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.

Is AP Physics C worth taking?

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!

Why is the AP Physics 1 pass rate so low?

The relatively low passing rate on AP® Physics 1 is partly due to the large group of students taking the exam – some of the students in the course might be taking an advanced physics course for the first time or may not have deep expertise in the subject area.

Is AP Physics 1 worth taking?

If you're considering a career in the STEM fields, taking AP Physics would be a good idea. AP Physics will prepare you for college-level science courses and give you the foundational understanding that you need to move on to advanced scientific and mathematical courses.

Is AP Physics 1 the hardest class?

AP Physics 1 is considered one of the hardest AP classes. Covered topics include Newtonian mechanics and electrical charge and force. You also spend about 25% of your class time performing college-level laboratory experiments and writing reports.

Should I take AP Physics C without AP Physics 1?

According to the College Board, you do not need to have taken AP Physics 1 in order to take AP Physics C: Mechanics. The two courses are very different from each other, especially since AP Physics 1 is algebra-based while AP Physics C: Mechanics is calculus-based, so they will involve very different math skills.

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.

Why is AP Physics C so 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 1 mostly math?

AP® Physics 1 and 2 are algebra-based physics courses. You will learn essentially the same content, but you will only have to work with algebraic math. Any calculus steps will be performed for you and mostly de-emphasized.

Is getting a 5 on AP Physics 1 hard?

Without a strong foundation in lab work, earning a 5 on the AP Physics 1 exam can be very difficult.

Is AP Physics 1 just mechanics?

The AP Physics 1 course itself is designed as a first-year physics course. The bulk of the course centers around traditional Newtonian Mechanics, beginning with the study of motion (kinematics), forces (dynamics), work, energy, power, linear momentum, circular motion and rotation, gravity, and oscillations.

How many people fail AP Physics?

AP Physics 1

Physics 1 has the lowest pass rate of any AP exam (43.3%) along with one of the lowest percentages of students scoring a 5 (just 7.9%). Physics 1 is an algebra-based physics class that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics, simple circuits, and mechanical waves.

Is getting ab in AP Physics 1 bad?

A "B" in an AP class is considered better than a "B" (or even an A) in a Regular class. When you're trying to challenge yourself with rigorous coursework, colleges will take it positively. Top colleges consider applications with a broad perspective.

Is AP Physics 1 impressive?

AP Physics 1 consistently tops the list of most difficult AP classes. AP Physics 1 explores college-level content and covers foundational science knowledge. Students with strong math and science skills are most likely to earn a passing AP exam score.

Is AP Physics C hard without calculus?

No, not really. It's a calculus-based course. You need to understand integrals and derivatives to solve the problems that you'll be given. They are designed to make sure that you are not just memorizing things, so you will have a very rough time and not learn much if you haven't learned calculus.

Is AP Physics C easy to self study?

How Hard is self-studying AP Physics C: E&M? Self-studying E&M is not a decision to be taken lightly. From my experience, it will take around 80-120 hours of focused studying time, so make sure you are able to fit that into your current schedule before the AP exam.

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.

Can I take AP Physics 1 and C at the same time?

Can I take all four physics exams? Yes, you can take AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 Exams, as well as one or both of the AP Physics C Exams, in the same year. Learn more about these AP courses.

Is AP Chem or AP Physics C harder?

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).