Hey so I’m wondering if there is a huge difference between ap chem and physics. I know AP bio is flat out memorization, and AP requires thinking. My other option next year is Physics honors (not AP). How is physics (not the AP class) similar or different to the other two classes? Is the class more memorization, more analytic thinking, or both?
Thank you.
Physics generally includes a lot of math. AP Chemistry also includes a lot of math, but it’s less algebraic. Physics has a lot of algebraic math, while chemistry is more just doing the functions to find an answer if that makes sense. And AP Bio, like you said, is a lot of memorization.
But physics is wayyy less memorization than AP Bio or AP Chem. For physics, there is some memorization, but most of it is a few formulas. With physics, you need to memorize more large concepts as opposed to nitty-gritty details (although there are quite a few exceptions to that). Physics is most like AP Chem because of all the math, and because it’s a physical science (as opposed to a life science).
Physics is more of a way of thinking… if you do it right, it will be extraordinarily difficult for the first few weeks/months, but eventually you’ll be able to solve truly new problems (as opposed to regurgitating solutions). For this reason, physics is considered the most difficult class… but also, in my opinion, the most valuable. It’s required for med and law school specifically because it teaches you a clear way of thinking and problem solving (not the cheesy problem solving, the real problem solving).
@jakejake637 @Stanccepted
Thank you for your input!
I’m indecisive for junior year scheduling. Should I take AP BIO junior and physics honors senior year? Or physics honors junior and AP bio senior year?
If I take bio, I will have 3 APs and 2 other honors next year, same thing senior year.
Or I take physics, I have 2 APs 3 honors junior year, but 4 APs and 1 honors senior yr?
Thanks!
If it’s all the same to you, I’d try to squeeze my APs in before senior year to boost the GPA