<p>Is it a bad idea to take the 8.01 and 8.02 ASE's if I've only taken AP Physics B (but at a very prestigious high school)? I would of course do a lot of studying but are there simply too many extra topics to grasp? I've already taken Multivariable Calculus and don't plan on majoring in anything physics-related so I'd like to get out of those classes to make more room in my schedule. I'm a rising freshman at MIT.</p>
<p>Since ASEs are also on pass-no record, there’s not really a downside to taking ASEs other than setting aside the time to study and to actually take the test. If you fail the ASE, it just won’t show up on your record.</p>
<p>But is there a significant portion of the course that I would not have learned in AP Physics B?</p>
<p>Sorry, but AP Physics B is absolutely nothing compared to 8.01 and 8.02 (according to OCW). AP Physics C Mechanics comes pretty close to 8.01, but even E&M is missing material in 8.02.</p>
<p>You would not pass it. Only a few people pass it every year, and they are usually IPhO qualifiers. I wouldn’t bother studying all summer for it - enjoy it instead!</p>
<p>That’s not true, a large percentage of students who take the ASE for 8.01 and 8.02 pass ([Advanced</a> Standing Exam results are typical - The Tech](<a href=“http://tech.mit.edu/V130/N35/advancedstanding.html]Advanced”>http://tech.mit.edu/V130/N35/advancedstanding.html)). Only the 5.111 and 7.012 exams generally have really low passing rates, but people still pass them.</p>