AP Physics and AP Computer Science

<p>I am currently a junior in high school and am taking AP Calculus BC and AP Statistics.</p>

<p>I am going to take Calculus 3 and Differential Equations at a community college during my senior year.</p>

<p>I thought i would try AP Physics C : Mechanics part because it looked very interesting and thought that i could self teach it.</p>

<p>I am very solid on my calculus skills.</p>

<p>My school is really crappy and does not have AP Physics class.</p>

<p>Now here comes the question.</p>

<p>How impressive is it to self-teach AP Physics C : Mechanics and get a 4 or 5 in the actual test?</p>

<p>I am thinking of applying to stanford and brown for either physics major or mechanical engineering major.</p>

<p>Would it "wow" the admissions officer, knowing that my school is one of the worst in the nation?</p>

<p>And what computer language do i need to know to take the AP Computer Science A or AB?
(and yes, my school doesn't offer this class either)</p>

<p>What do i need to learn prior to learn the materials in AP CS?</p>

<p>What books are useful?</p>

<p>So the question that sums up all the stuff i said above is: Does self studying for an AP test and get a 4 or 5 amaze the admissions officer?</p>

<p>I see nobody wanted to answer your questions because the information is so freely available on the wonderful website, ::</a> College Planning Made Easy | Inside Source for College Admissions Requirements. </p>

<p>Alas, I shall answer your inquiries.

[QUOTE]
I am currently a junior in high school and am taking AP Calculus BC and AP Statistics.

[/QUOTE]

Awesome. </p>

<p>
[QUOTE]
I am going to take Calculus 3 and Differential Equations at a community college during my senior year.

[/QUOTE]

That's neat-o. </p>

<p>
[QUOTE]
I thought i would try AP Physics C : Mechanics part because it looked very interesting and thought that i could self teach it.

[/QUOTE]

Cool!</p>

<p>
[QUOTE]
My school is really crappy and does not have AP Physics class.

[/QUOTE]

Cry me a river. </p>

<p>
[QUOTE]
How impressive is it to self-teach AP Physics C : Mechanics and get a 4 or 5 in the actual test?

[/QUOTE]

It's all relative. I'm sure it won't go unnoticed, but it's not as cool as, say, being invited to take the AIME. </p>

<p>
[QUOTE]
I am thinking of applying to stanford and brown for either physics major or mechanical engineering major.

[/QUOTE]

So do thousands of other hopefuls. </p>

<p>
[QUOTE]
Would it "wow" the admissions officer, knowing that my school is one of the worst in the nation?

[/QUOTE]
</p>

<p>Not really, no. </p>

<p>
[QUOTE]
What do i need to learn prior to learn the materials in AP CS?

[/QUOTE]

Nothing CS related. </p>

<p>
[QUOTE]
What books are useful?

[/QUOTE]
</p>

<p>** Fundamentals of Java: AP* Computer Science Essentials for the A & AB Exams, Third Edition</p>

<p>Be Prepared for the AP Computer Science Exam in Java **</p>

<p>
[QUOTE]
So the question that sums up all the stuff i said above is: Does self studying for an AP test and get a 4 or 5 amaze the admissions officer?

[/QUOTE]

No. I did it for 3 exams last year and I'm not gettin' any likely letters.</p>

<p>How do the colleges know that you are self-studying for your tests? Do you tell them?</p>

<p>What if I were to self-study AP Psychology during senior year, and take the AP test after the round of college admissions (in May)?</p>