AP Physics and AP Computer Science

[dtpride29]

<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>

[Muscovy]

<p>AP ComSci A is in Java, and I heard AB is going to be cut in a year or so, so don't bother. ComSci A assumes no previous programming knowledge. My course and exam were really easy, but that's just me.
I think self studying and doing well on the exam looks good on college apps. It shows you're independent and highly self motivated. Especially since you said you're in a pretty bad high school, this would help a lot.</p>

<p>Oh yeah, pick up a Barron's prep book. They have notoriously evil practice tests that make you feel good when you ace the exam :)</p>

[nemom]

<p>This spring is, indeed, the last time CS AB will be offered. It's harder than CS A, and also is Java based.</p>

[sleepless2009]

<p>AP ComSci A is easy, my D took it in her freshmen year</p>