<p>I'm taking IB Physics, and by the time of AP exam, I'm not going to learn all the concepts covered, as we only learned about mechanics in the first semester..</p>
<p>So I wasn't sure if I should take AP Physics B by self-studying or if I should prepare for Physics C because I'm good at math. (I know that being good at math is very different from being good at physics) - anyone can comment on the difficulty of AP C Mechanics?</p>
<p>Please give me your sincere advice.
Just as a helpful note, I plan on taking SAT II Physics, so I am now thinking taking AP Physics B is a wiser decision.. (I'm a math-major hopeful of top universities such as MIT)</p>
<p>Well, I don't think Physics C is that difficult (as long as you're taking Calc) and it's more likely that a top level university (not MIT, because they will not take AP Physics in any form) will take C. It really depends if you know the calculus. If you do and can apply it, you should be fine to take the SAT II as well with some self study (a lot of it is overlap from Chemistry as well, at least for me).<br>
I took Physics C Mechanics (we didn't get through E+M) as a junior, got a 5 on the exam, and a 790 on the SAT II without that much extra study (and got into MIT EA!). Good luck either way.<br>
And sorry about all the parentheses.</p>
<p>Thanks for the encouragement!
But I just wonder, then, if that means you have taken Physics C , without taking Physics B? and self-studied electricity, magnetism, optics...? Well, you are into MIT.. but I'm not sure if I can handle Physics B.
But then, is it reasonable or wiser to take Physic C-Mechanics, without learning optics, etc. if I am familiar with calculus?</p>
<p>No problem!
I took Physics C without Physics B. Our school does an introductory physics course freshman year that glosses over a lot of the Physics B topics (optics, etc.) without a lot of the depth. I really should have taken the SAT II after that, but didn't.
I really don't know the IB Curriculum, but if it aims more toward the C curriculum, I would recommend taking Physics C-Mechanics, since you seem to feel fine with the calc. And then after the May test, I would start learning the SAT II stuff for the June SAT IIs, if you can plan your testing schedule that way.
I know it worked well for me and my best friend (yes, we both got into MIT EA...:D)
Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks, if you don't mind, last question.
Isn't taking AP Physics B automatically preparing you for SAT II Physics?
I was just overwhelemed by the difficult "looks" on the sample questions and formula booklet of AP C although I'm "pretty" good at Calculus...I guess math and physics are far different...</p>
<p>Yeah, no problem.
AP Physics B does automatically prepare you for the SAT II Physics. However, in reality, if you are looking at engineering or science in college, Physics B isn't going to really be an equivalent of any course you take. Everything is going to be calculus-based.
The difficult part of Physics C Mechanics is rotational stuff. Other than that, it really is not that much more difficult than B. And the curve on C is a lot.
In truth, if you are thinking of MIT, I would recommend trying to find an advisor at your school that could help you with the calculus-based physics. It will both look good on applications and will help you figure out if you really want to go into math/science.
And if you don't get a 5 on the exam, it is not going to kill your application because MIT will understand it is self-study. I got a 4 on the bio and a 2 on french language (<em>cringe</em>) and still got in. So hopefully that relieves some fears. MIT worries far more about the person than a test score or a grade.
In any case, I'm sure you'll be fine. Simply knowing calc junior year show initiative and hopefully a real passion for math/science. Good luck with everything.</p>
<p>MIT does indeed take Physics C as long as you take both Mechanics and EM and get a 5 on both. If you do that you can place out of 18.01 and go straight to 18.02. I am self-studying physics C (in a physics B course right now) but even if I get the 5s will probably take the 18.01 class anyway.</p>
<p>^ I think that's a good idea to take the 18.01 class, even if you do get a 5. Sure, it means you can't get out of taking a class, but it should be an easier class for you (and thus make it easier for you to buff up your GPA before you hit the more challenging classes).</p>
<p>Right, I had forgotten about that. My physics teacher recommended that we take intro physics no matter where we go since every course teaches slightly different things and it's better to retake and review than be lost in the next course.</p>
<p>fyi, 8.01 is mechanics (18.01 is single var calc, which you can get out of with a 5 on Calc BC). 8.01 will not buff up your GPA because you'll be on pass/no record (and you'll get have a gpa of 0.0).</p>
<p>If you test out of 8.01 but want to take mechanics again, there's always 8.012 which is well worth the pain (unless you fail? heh...).</p>
<p>err I meant 8.01 and 8.02. So much food that my brain isn't working. I got a 5 on the Calc BC test but will prob take 18.01 again as a)I took BC in my junior year and am semi-rusty on it and want a strong calc foundation for the rest of my MIT career and b)I think it would be a good idea to take some lower level classes with familiar material the first semester so I can focus on getting used to pace/MIT life rather than learning new material.</p>
<p>IMO Physics C is a much better preparation for MIT than Physics B will ever be. Physics without Calculus ends up being a ton of "plug numbers into equations and solve". In addition, you will not be dealing with vibrations, optics, etc. in 8.01 or 8.02, so unless you feel the burning desire to be tested on them, take Physics C instead. Both the mech and the E&M portions on that test are excellent lead-ins to MIT's own courses.</p>
<p>If I'm understanding the OP correctly, he or she won't have covered any E&M at all and will be self-studying for either AP test. At least in MIT's case, you won't receive any credit for only taking the mechanics AP test, or for taking physics B, and in my opinion, you're better off just studying for the SAT II and not wasting your time or money taking a test that won't give you any credit. MIT will see your IB scores, so you really don't need to take the AP test too.</p>
<p>That being said, you could try to place out of 8.01 by taking the ASE, in which case Physics C would be much, much more useful.</p>
<p>In regards to placing out of classes, 18.02 will make sure you remember all of your 18.01, and any subsequent classes that require a lot of 8.01 knowledge will sufficiently remind you of all the mechanics you need. If you really want a review of 18.01, there's 18.01A/18.02A which covers both classes in first semester and IAP. If MIT gives you credit for a class, it's because you've earned it, and you really don't need to be concerned about not having a solid foundation, because you do.</p>