<p>Normally I would post this in another discussion, but my situation is a little different. Since my goal is to major in physics in college I'd like get ahead with AP Physics. I haven't taken B as my school doesn't offer it and it also doesn't offer C. I'll be a junior next year and also the first person in my school to ever have taken this test, so I don't have anyone to talk about the exams. My main question is how hard it will be to self study for this test without lab knowledge or any lectures (although I can get tutoring from my school's physics teacher). If it helps I will also be taking Calc 3 and Differential Equations concurrently, although I have read that the actual calculus is rather light on the test. Also, is the Barron's book suitable enough or should I seek out another book to study from as well? I would rather not have to read through an actual college textbook if I can help it.</p>
<p>Have you taken at least an intro physics class? If you have, then I’d say go for it. Otherwise, don’t do it.</p>
<p>You seem pretty set on it and I don’t think you’re going to listen if I try to dissuade you, but I think it’s a bad idea. At least start with Physics 1 and 2. There’re a lot of concepts that are really difficult to grasp just by reading a textbook. I have a fantastic teacher and I’m one of the better students in the class and I still have trouble with some of the more abstract concepts, even after detailed explanations. It’s hard and I wouldn’t want to do it by myself.</p>
<p>If you’re committed, I would suggest you get AP advantage, because Barron’s is overkill and not worth it. I would also suggest you look at the MIT open courseware for physics videos and also check out Viren’s ap physics C videos. Also do all of the available FRQs and multiple choice you can get. I had to basically teach myself mechanics and E&M and while I did take physics last year, it was practically like not taking physics at all (regents physics). </p>
<p>The best thing to do is follow a schedule and try to get everything done by late march/early april so you have plenty of time to prepare. I believe that as long as you are invested in learning everything and have the motivation, you can get it done. In fact, you can even start preparing now and get ahead of the game so you can do both mechanics and E&M if that suits you.</p>
<p>EDIT: Additionally, find a textbook because I know many textbooks will go over the derivations and have worked problems to help you conceptually and mathematically if need be.</p>