Should I take both AP Physics 1 and AP Physics C?

Each topic is supposed to be equivalent to one semester of college calculus-based physics. Because of this, AP Physics C is highly recommended to be at least a second-year physics course. So while you don't have to take Physics 1 or Physics 2 before you take Physics C, taking one (or both!)

Should I take both AP Physics 1 and 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.

Is AP Physics 1 harder or AP Physics C?

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.

Can I do 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.

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.

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

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.

Should you take AP Physics 1 and 2 before AP Physics C?

Essentially, you can pick and choose which AP Physics courses you want to take, and you can take either AP Physics C course without first taking AP Physics 1 and 2. However, keep in mind that AP Physics 1 and 2 are algebra-based courses, whereas both AP Physics C courses are calculus-based.

Is Physics C harder than Physics 1?

Both AP Physics C courses are calculus-based, meaning you should have already taken calculus or concurrently be taking calculus while you take either AP Physics C course. This is the main factor that makes Physics C more challenging than Physics 1 and Physics 2.

Is AP Physics C worth taking?

Whether or not AP Physics C: E&M is worth it depends a lot on your personal circumstances. For students with a strong physics background and an interest in math, particularly calculus, AP Physics C: E&M is likely worth it. This is especially true for those who want to study physics in college.

Is AP Physics C too hard?

Yes, the AP Physics C: Mechanics course is considered one of the hardest AP courses by students due to its curriculum. Based on a reddit survey, former students rated the course a 3.7 out of 5 in terms of overall difficulty, placing it as the third most difficult AP course.

Should I take AP Physics 1 or 2?

Physics is by definition a difficult, math-based course, and both AP Physics 1 and 2 have similarly difficult math-based exams. Physics 2 has a slightly better percentage of 5s because Physics 2 is most often taken as a second physics course, so students are overall more comfortable with the concepts.

Is AP Physics 1 the hardest AP?

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 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.

How similar is AP Physics 1 and AP Physics C: Mechanics?

Compared to AP Physics 1, however, the C course incorporates a higher level of technical complexity, such as dealing with situations of a non-constant acceleration, incorporation of drag forces (such as air resistance), and calculations of rotational inertia.

Is AP Physics 1 worth it?

Is AP Physics 1 worth taking? For students with an aptitude for math and science, and for those who see college-level physics in their future, tackling the especially rigorous AP Physics 1 is definitely worth the challenge.

Is a 2 on AP Physics 1 good?

First, it is important to analyze the scoring criteria to understand your score and where you went wrong. According to Collegeboard, a 2 on the AP® Physics 1 exam suggests to colleges that you are “possibly qualified” but that there are some gaps in your knowledge of the curriculum.

Do colleges prefer AP Physics 1 or C?

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.

How hard is it to get a 5 on AP Physics C?

However, getting a 5 is not easy. About one third of the students taking the AP® Physics C Mechanics exam will get a 5. Make sure you are part of that exemplary class of students by following these instructions on how to study for the AP® Physics C Mechanics exam.

Is AP Physics C hard without calculus?

Unfortunately, AP Physics C is designed to be taken after the completion of a calculus course. The course heavily relies on calculus concepts, and it would be challenging to fully understand and succeed in AP Physics C without prior knowledge of calculus.

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).

Is a 3 on AP Physics C good?

As I mentioned, 73% of AP Physics C exam test-takers received a passing score of 3 or above. Of that 73%, 23% received a 5, 28% received a 4, and 22% received a 3. Of the non-passing cohort, 15% received a 2, and 12% received a 1. The average score in 2022 was a 3.41.

What is the hardest AP class?

What year should I take AP Physics 1?

Most students in AP physics C are seniors. About 80% of them have already taken a year of physics. Probably 60% of them took AP physics 1, the rest an honors course. I know of a few sophomores at my school in AP physics 1, and they all are concurrently enrolled in precalculus or above.

Do you need algebra 2 for AP Physics 1?

Physics 1: Unlike AP Physics B, which recommended a prior high school physics course, no prior course work in physics is necessary for students to enroll in AP Physics 1. Students should have completed geometry and be concurrently taking Algebra II or an equivalent course.

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.