<p>I have a problem. I can only take one of the above classes for my Junior year. AP Physics C (both E+M and Mechanics) or Multivariable Calculus/Linear Algebra and I don't know which to take.</p>
<p>I am a pretty strong math student and a decently strong physics student, although my math is certainly better than my physics. I don't know which course to take, as I see them as equally challenging and intellectually stimulating. I am not sure what I want to do in college, so this won't affect my decision. </p>
<p>Can you please weigh the pros and cons of each course, and your opinion of which class to take? Thank you!</p>
<p>Physics E&M will be better understood after multivariable calculus, although you may need to take an actual college course rather than a high school AP course to get a physics E&M course that uses multivariable calculus.</p>
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<p>That is simply not the case for AP Physics BC. In practice, while some calculus is essential for understanding the mechanics that is taught in AP physics BC, advanced calculus is not necessary for understanding the physics concepts, and indeed it can prove counter productive. Maxwell’s equations are not covered in the E&M part of of physics BC and so multi-variable calculus is not necessary for the course nor does knowledge of higher level math help. The underlying physics concepts are hard enough.</p>
<p>My recommendation is that you take AP physics BC. Leave the advanced math for college.</p>
<p>It depends if you have already taken a physics class in high school. Most competitive colleges like to see that you have taken a course in chem, bio and physics before you graduate (especially if you want to major in the sciences). If you have already taken physics H or something in high school, I would say the decision would simply depend on what you enjoy more, but if you have not taken a physics course in high school, then definitely take AP Physics C.</p>
<p>Hope I helped! :)</p>
<p>Thank you all. I appreciate the help.</p>
<p>I have taken AP Physics B, AP Chemistry, and another year of Introductory Physics, so I have to do AP Biology next year. I have decided to take AP Physics C for my Junior Year and then do Multivariable + Others later.</p>