AP Chem or AP Physics

Pre-College Issues High School Life
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<p>DD did very well in Chem thus year and enjoyed it. She signed up for AP Physics next year (junior) and wants to take AP Chem senior year. This doesn't make a lot of sense to me, and we still have time to change it. We have a few questions:</p>

<p>Is one traditionally harder than the other?
What about the SAT2? Would it make more sense to take AP chem and be more prepared for that test? Or is one year of Physics fine for that SAT test? She will also be taking BC Calc if that matters. Thanks.</p>

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<p>Which AP Physics? There will now be AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C Mech, and AP Physics C E&M. Last year was the last year for AP Physics B. </p>

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<p>@Ynotgo‌ AP Physics 1</p>

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<p>I have heard that AP Physics 1 will be significantly easier than AP Physics B was. That would also make it quite a bit easier than AP Chem. AP Physics 1 is intended to be available as a first course in physics, rather than requiring most kids to take regular or honors Physics prior to taking AP Physics B. I do not believe that AP Physics 1 would be sufficient for taking the SAT2 in Physics, because about half the topics would be covered in AP Physics 2. </p>

<p>AP Physics 1 requires at least concurrent enrollment in Algebra II.</p>

<p>That said, AP Chem does not specifically cover all the same topics covered in the SAT2 for chemistry. It covers what is on the AP test, . </p>

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<p>Similarly, AP Physics 1 will not be appropriate preparation for the subject test; many, many topics are not covered in the AP class.</p>

<p>Compare the SAT subject test topics:
<a href=“The SAT – SAT Suite | College Board”>The SAT – SAT Suite | College Board;
With the AP physics 1 and 2 topics:
<a href=“Course & Exam Pages – AP Central | College Board”>About AP – AP Central | College Board;

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<p>Ok, thanks. So she needs to take 2 SAT2 tests and was hoping to take math 2 (should be fine) and a science. She was thinking chem after she took AP. This is not a good plan? And taking the SAT2 for Physics after Physics 1 is a worse idea?</p>

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<p>SAT2 Physics after Physics 1 is a much worse idea than SAT2 Chem after AP Chem. After AP Chem, she will know a lot of chemistry that isn’t covered on the SAT2, and will just need to get a prep book, take some practice tests, and fill in whatever areas are gaps. Depending on whether her chemistry class this year was Honors or fairly advanced, she might even try taking a practice test now to get an idea of how close she is already. </p>

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<p>Thank you. She was in Honors Chem this year. Is the end of Junior year really the only feasible time to take the SAT2? </p>

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<p>No, I took my subject tests at the end of my freshman and sophomore years. Once you’ve taken the class, you should take the test.</p>

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<p>The dates are here: <a href=“What were SAT Subject Tests? - College Board Blog”>The SAT – SAT Suite | College Board;

<p>The May or June dates are close enough to the end of the class. AP tests are in May, so most classes are reviewing by May 2. I think Oct of senior year is early enough to get scores to colleges if necessary.</p>

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<p>This thread makes me even more frustrated that I took Physics 2 (Regular senior class) as a prerequisite for AP Physics B, but now my school only offers AP Physics 1 next year.</p>

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<p>AP Physics C is very challenging. A lot more than AP Chem. However, since she’s in BC this year it might not be as bad. I would recommend taking AP Chem first. Just my personal opinion, though.</p>