AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>Hello, everyone!
I wanted some advice for what class to take next year (senior year).
I'm currently taking AP Chem and took AP Bio last year.
This year, my school is only offering AP Physics 1 to AP Chem students, not Physics C. However, I can take Physics C if I were to take Physics Honors on FLVS over the summer (they want previous foundation).
I want to be a veterinarian when I grow up and study animal sciences in college. At my school, we distinguish AP Physics B (now 1 and 2) as the "medical' route and AP Physics C as the "engineering" route. I don't know how true this is though.
I'm also currently taking AP Calculus AB, so I thought the logical route would be to try to get into C (also, apparently it's harder, and I love challenging myself). I'm not entirely sure which to pick though since apparently AP Physics 1 is better for my interests and might help me in the long run.
Which one seems like a better fit for me?</p>

2

<p>Bumpbump</p>

3

<p>We have been discussing this at length at my daughter’s school. Here is what you need to know: there is no predefined prerequisite for AP Physics 1 other than at least Algebra 2 which you already have. It is algebra based and meant to be an intro class. After a student finishes AP Physics 1, they may then choose the next path to take. They may take another algebra based ( health science majors, life sciences, etc.) physics -AP Physics 2 or they may take the more rigorous calculus based physics- AP Physics C: Mechanics and then AP Physics C;Electricity and Magnetism. ( for engineers, physics and physical science majors.) My husband has a Ph.D in physics and he basically feels physics without Calculus is a waste but if it is the only physics you will ever need to take, then the algebra based physics should suffice. Why not look at the requirement for your intended major for your intended college and see if they require the algebra based or calculus based physics for your major? Physics honors 1 is very easy, btw and if you had a decent physical science course in middle school, you would fly through it. It was only a prerequisite for the old AP Physics B which will end this year. </p>

<p><a href=“http://media.collegeboard.com/digitalServices/pdf/ap/2013advances/Physics_FAQs_June2013.pdf”>http://media.collegeboard.com/digitalServices/pdf/ap/2013advances/Physics_FAQs_June2013.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

4

<p>

</p>

<p>Universally true. Which route you take is dependent upon your interests.</p>

5

<p>I took Physics B last year and am currently in Physics C. Physics B, though I guess it is now Physics I, covers much more topics in much less depth than Physics C. So, if you’d rather get the basics down of a lot of stuff, then I would say Physics I would be for you. However, if you wanted to get more in-depth with the topics, I would choose Physics C. Though, one caveat, I definitely would have some foundation with physics before you take C if you do choose to take it. Whether that be some self study over the summer or talking that FLVS class, you really do need something, especially if you’re going to be in class with people who have had Physics B in the past. It’s frustrating for the teacher to have to go back and reteach topics such as basic kinematics that everyone already knows because a student deviated from the normal course progression. You probably could be successful in either, but it really depends on the type of course you want, and, if you take C, your willingness to come into the year prepared. </p>