I’m a junior and I need to take physics next year, so I’m debating which physics class I should take. As a junior I’m taking AP Biology currently (since I want to major in biology in college as a pre-med student.) My teacher recommended me for AP Physics C next year because I will also be taking AP Calculus AB as a senior. If I take AP Physics C next year I will also be taking AP Calc, AP Psych, and AP Spanish. However, I have no prior physics experience except for the few topics I learned back in 8th grade, and a unit about the light spectrum in honors chemistry. Someone told me that AP Physics C is more about math than it is about physics itself, though. I don’t want to take “regular” AP physics because that’s a predominantly junior class and I don’t want to be a senior in a junior-heavy class. Now, also keep in mind that I’m not a math genius like some people are, I’m just decent enough at it to get by. I usually gets Bs and occasional As in math. Should I take AP physics C? How prestigious will it look on college apps? Should I just take regular physics and then take four other AP classes? Is it worth it since I’m going to major in science anyway and will probably have to take it in college?
I’m in AP Physics C this year as a junior (with Ap Bio, Calc BC, Lang, and Gov) with no previous physics experience and it’s probably my hardest class. If you want a challenge, go for it. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to excel if you put the time and effort into it! However, there’s a little bit of calculus involved so you may have to study ahead in calc for some of it. The calc required is very basic, though.
AP Physics C is math-heavy, but it is also very conceptual (though less so than regular AP Physics, I’ve heard). For me, the conceptual-ness is the most difficult part of it. The majority of the math consists of plugging numbers into formulas or solving for the variable and becomes repetitive.
@picuberoot so basically anyone can do well enough in the class if they work hard enough? I’m only decent in math, and I struggled in chemistry but still managed a B. (I’m currently in pre-calculus). I can usually grasp scientific concepts, though. Do you get significant curves on tests? How much does your grade depend on the teacher’s ability to teach?
Pretty much expect to study long hours. No curves for us, but we do get test corrections. Your teacher may be different.
Honestly had a very stale experience with it myself but I did learn a lot about myself through this class.
Yes, expect quite a bit of outside study time. My teacher isn’t too great but she curves the tests.
Is it possible for you to switch out of the class and into regular physics a few weeks into the school year? If you have the determination to take the class and score well, I would take it. That way, you can try it out and if the math becomes too extensive or the course is too difficult to handle on top of your other AP classes, you can just switch to regular.
Khanacademy offers some spectacular AP physics videos!
If you struggled in chemistry and will be in calc AB, don’t take Physics C. It’s a hardcore Physics class for future engineers. There’s nothing wrong with AP physics 1 or Honors Physics. As for being in a class with kids who may be a tiny bit younger than you, get used to it, in college you’ll be taking classes with people from all ages. There’s really nothing to it.
Note that premeds do NOT have to major in science and in fact the best odds are for students who major in math or philosophy.
Well, I would suggest you to take a course like AP Physics I or AP Physics II, as they would fit in your schedule perfectly. Some say that AP Physics C is easy, but it depends on whether it is just Mechanics or both Mechanics and E&M. If it has both, then I suggest that you should avoid that. Not because of Math requirement, but because of overload (you already have 3 AP courses). It requires special attention and practice. The exams are much more difficult than the material. And especially E&M. Have you taken AP Chemistry? If not, I would advice you to take AP Chemistry instead of AP Physics, as it would be vital for your field. Plus, combination of AP Chem and AP Bio leaves a good impression on colleges.
^However, because flagships or selective colleges want to see one year each of bio, chem, and physics, with 1 more (perhaps AP), OP needs to take physics next year for the purpose of college admissions.
If OP is aiming for an Honors College with merit aid at a directional (non-flagship) public university or a LAC ranked 75+, then not taking Physics isn’t as big a deal.
I do agree that for a premed Chem is vital - students are required 2 semesters of biology, but 2 semesters of chem + 2 semesters of organic chem + 1 semester of biochem.
BUT going into Premed Physics without a high school physics class like Honors Physics or AP Phys1 or II is a very bad idea.
Bio and Chem are both weedout classes so a serious premed should go into them prepared (nothing prevents an admitted student from taking MOOC classes on Coursera or MIT OCW over the summer.)
(Keep in mind that a college class goes at least twice faster than an AP class.)