<p>I recently found out that I scored a 5 on both portions of the AP Physics C exam. I feel reasonably comfortable with the material, but I am unsure as to whether or not I should accept the credit. I am planning on completing the Ocean and Aerospace dual degree. I was just wondering if anyone could provide me with any insight on how applicable physics (specifically waves and optics which we did not cover in my AP class) is to this type of engineering. Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Honestly I would say that Physics is highly important in Aerospace Engineering. What goes up must come down, right? I’m also going into Aerospace Engineering, but I am not going for the dual degree like most. If I doubled in anything it would be AE and ME. </p>
<p>As for your question, maybe accept credit for Physics I and do Physics II at Virginia Tech? To be completely honest, skipping Calculus I and II for AP credit is great. It isn’t much different than it was in high school. However physics is a whole different game here. Physics applies to literally everything and in order to do a degree like Aerospace Engineering, which I would assume is mostly physics, I would make sure I had a great foundation in the course from the college where I am studying engineering. As for the part about Ocean engineering, I have no idea. I’ve never been really interested in Ocean Engineering.</p>
<p>Does VT actually give credit for AP physics now? </p>
<p>Our son is entering his sophomore year in Aerospace. VT gave him credit for all his high school AP classes EXCEPT physics, and he took both B and C in high school. He was a bit annoyed at first, but he said college physics is more intense than high school physics, and he learned a lot that he did not learn in high school. As James said, a solid foundation in physics is a must for engineering.</p>
<p>Being able to skip calc was was very helpful for him. Assuming you did well in AP calc, take the credit.</p>
<p>I don’t know if they give AP Credit for Physics. My school did not have AP courses. There aren’t enough dedicated students around where I live to have a need for them. Most of the students that graduate from my high school go to community college or don’t go to college at all. I just assumed VT took credit for all AP courses as long as you did well on the exam, like a 4 or 5. </p>
<p>The above answer is correct though: Physics at VT is much much harder than the Physics I took in high school. I can understand if they don’t take AP credit for it. I still stand by what I said in my first post: If you can skip 2305 and take only 2306, you will probably still have a solid background in Physics. </p>
<p>CronusMom: I’m a second year student at VT as well. I’ll be in Aerospace Engineering next semester. I may ask at some point in the semester how your son’s courses are, since I’ll be taking them next semester.</p>
<p>VT does give AP credit for physics, but if you’re majoring in engineering, they require you to get a 5 to get credit (which is difficult), otherwise you have to take the class.</p>