Should I take physics before AP Physics C?

However, it is recommended that students take some form of introductory physics class prior to AP Physics C. Doing so will ensure they have the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to successfully complete the class.

Do I need to take physics 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 AP Physics C harder 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.

Is AP Physics C like college physics?

AP Physics C is a calculus-based physics course, intended to be comparable to introductory college physics courses for science, engineering and math majors. Calculus really is integral to the development and use of physics to solve problems. And it's required for any higher level physics courses.

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

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.

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

How hard is AP Physics C?

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.

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.

Do colleges care about AP Physics C?

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.

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.

Can I take AP Physics C without calculus?

Both AP Physics 1 and 2 are algebra-based, so you'll only need to be familiar with geometry and have knowledge up to Algebra 2 to excel in AP Physics 2. Conversely, AP Physics C incorporates calculus into the subject, so you may be required to have taken or already be enrolled in Calculus 1.

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.

How much harder is AP Physics C than AP Physics 1?

AP Physics C is generally considered to be more challenging than AP Physics 1. AP Physics C covers more advanced topics in mechanics and electricity and magnetism, and it requires a strong foundation 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.

Should a freshman take AP Physics?

Most students take AP Physics 1 during their junior or senior years, enrolling after the completion of standard prerequisites like geometry and algebra II. As a result, students in their first two years of high school may not have the necessary skills for success in this college-level class.

Is AP Physics C easy to self study?

Studying AP Physics C (Mechanics) on your own can be challenging, but it's definitely doable with the right resources and study plan. Here are some steps to help you self-study for AP Physics C (Mechanics):

Can you self study AP Physics C?

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.

Is it easy 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 Chem or 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 Is the Hardest AP Class? 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 a 2 on AP Physics 1 bad?

Scoring Criteria. 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.

Is Physics 1 or C better?

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 it OK to not take physics in high school?

Myth 5: Students don't need to take physics in high school because they can just take it in college. FACT: Research shows that students who have taken high school physics do better in college physics courses.