I’m currently a senior and I’m taking Calc BC + Physics 1 in school. Should I take the C: Mechanics test or the Physics 1 test? I’m planning on taking the Calc BC test but I’m not sure which one to take for physics. I’ve heard the only difference between Physics 1 & C: Mechanics is the Calculus aspect, so should I be fine if I’m taking Calc BC?
Well, your AP Physics 1 class won’t prepare you for the AP Physics C exam, so you would have to do a lot of work on your own. I’m not sure what the point of that would be.
The point would be getting more credit
First of all, what is your intended major? Some majors grant AP Physics 1/2 credits while some grant AP Physics C credits.
Then, back on topic. Yes, it is possible. If you are doing really well in your AP Physics 1 class, then it is doable. I would seek help from your physics teacher, tell he/she that you want to self-study AP Physics C (that’s what I did btw). Buy some prep books. If you have good science/math background and you are doing well in AP PHysics 1 and AP Calc, then AP PHysics C-Mechanics is doable.
The vast majority of colleges will not give credit for both.