<p>I am an aspiring USAFA c/o 2013 graduate. As the time comes up for us to pick classes for Senior year, I have hit a fork in the road… I’m wondering how useful AP Physics “B” would be in the academy setting. Here’s an excerpt from collegeboard.com on what AP Physics B entails.</p>
<p>“This course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics and emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability using algebra and trigonometry, but rarely calculus.”</p>
<p>I’m also aware according to the USAFA catalog of courses, that Physics 110 (General Physics 1) is an “Introductory Calculus-Based Physics Course.”</p>
<p>Would this AP class be helpful much considering that it is algebra/trig based instead of calc based? Or would another class be wiser to take and more valuable in the long run?</p>
<p>I took AP Physics last year and AP Chem this year. My school offers a Physics with Calc class but I didn't take it. If you want to use Physics for credit at the academy (to take an advanced class), you need at least a 4. Anything under they won't accept.</p>
<p>I will be part of the class of 2012 and am currently taking calculus and an honors, trig based, physics class. I would say it depends on what your other options are and what you are planning on majoring in. If you have exposure to calculus and are taking trig based physics, it is not difficult to see where calculus would come into play. I have used some of my calculus knowledge to help me with my trig based physics. I know that I personally would LOVE to have the option of AP Physics, but like I said, it really depends on your major and what you would be giving up to take it.</p>
<p>I'm in the same boat. My school only offers the trig based physics, but I took it this semester anyways becuase its a good class. But on the admission's page, only the Physics C exam is given any credit. So I guess, other then showing them we're all taking advanced classes, its kinda useless. </p>
<p>Except I'd rather take physics then some other classes we offer. AP Journalism....ya, no thanks. :)</p>
<p>speaking of science, is it possible to validate lab work by doing labs in high school? I am taking AP Physics (C) and AP Chem and both have serious labs with them that are based on college manuals. Also, do you have to take an AP test to validate a course if there is a validation test (like Chem)? Is it worth it to spend the $80 to validate a course?</p>
<p>From what I understand, the message the admissions office gives is "take the hardest classes you can do reasonably well in." Taking the hardest classes you can senior year will help prepare you for the rigorous academics at USAFA from what I am told. In short, my suggestion would be "take it unless you really, really, really don't want to."</p>
<p>Another one of the reasons I'm asking this question is because the teacher is, how do I put this politically correct... Not very good at teaching... At all. I'm currently in his regular physics class and I really love the physics aspect of the class but the teacher hardly teaches us what we need to know, and is very very impersonal about his classroom etiquette(sp?). A lot of the learning must be done on the students own. I don't want the teacher to be a deciding factor in my taking the class but that is another factor that plays into the decision.</p>
<p>I've taken Physics B and it really is not much different from a regular honors physics course. If there is another AP course that you are available to take, I would recommend it. Although if you can't replace it with another AP Course, Physics B is not a total waste of time because it has bit a wider breadth and is more in-depth than a regular physics course.</p>
<p>Banquo '13, I am in the same situation. My teacher has a lesser understanding of math than the majority of the class, having never taken calculus. My friends and I regularly find ourselves, I guess you could say, helping him understand where he made errors or why an answer did not match the book. But I still think that the exposure is valuable, especially because I am considering majoring in physics. Like zachogden said, I would take it unless there is a reason you REALLY don't want to</p>
<p>You would have to take a validation test for chem and physics here. Physics is also very difficult here. My personal opinion is to take it (I too had a bad teacher in the day, but I figured it out). It will give you a leg up in physics here. And trust me, you'll need it.</p>
<p>You've got to remember though, if you're going to major in something that deals with a lot of math/physics or chemistry, you will have to take more of those classes, even if you get a 5 on any of those corresponding AP tests. Thus, you will be in a harder class. The 5 or 4 of the AP test is like saying "I already understand that subject, so i dont need to be taught below this level" so you are put into a class that may be right at your level of knowledge or understanding.
Here at OSU, I got 10 math credit hours for my 4 on Calculus AB, so i was in a tough class, but doable. </p>
<p>Despite this, go for the AP tests; it will show you are willing to work hard. If you don't pass, well, at least you will know what to expect in the classroom.</p>
<p>To add on, I highly HIGHLY (2011 can attest to just how adamate I am about this) validating as much as you can. It lowers your course load later as a cadet, and I personally think that the upper level classes are both taught better and more conducive to doing well. I am a chem major and the problems that my 4 digs bring to me blow my mind at just the nonsensical nature of what they are trying to teach. Many times I just can't help them. That has happened in Calculus as well. Again, I HIGHLY encourage trying to validate everything you can.</p>
<p>The tests below do not require an additional test while here and an AP score of 4-5 on most will validate you:
English 111 (AP lit or lang)
Biology 215 (AP bio)
Physics 110/215 (AP Physics C, both exams respectively)
Not sure on this, but I think they might (check the site):
Economics (macro and micro i believe)</p>
<p>Require a validation test here (chem requires test and AP test):
Chemistry
Calculus one and two
Foreign languages</p>
<p>Any other current cadets feel free to edit my list if necessary. If you don't have AP physics, there is a validation test offered for that as well (very difficult though).</p>
<p>Comp Sci also requires a validation exam, but that seemed like a pretty easy test. I hate physics, so definitely try to validate that if you can.</p>
<p>Yes, validating is VERY GOOD. I wish I had chosen to validate Calc 2. Instead, I went in with the thought "I don't know EVERYTHING in this course, so I should take it." Big mistake. I didn't really learn much in that class, and got a B- (GPA lowering grade, for me). The intro-level math courses are really hit or miss. I had a mediocre at best instructor (who didn't really help at EI...or much in class) and the text book was aweful. On the other hand, my calc 3 professor was VERY good (interested/knowledgeable, good at teaching, and happy to help at EI).</p>
<p>I validated 5 courses (including major and minor courses). That freed up my schedule quite a bit. I actually have a minimum load for 2 semesters (hurray for senior year!), while still completing a language minor.</p>
<p>I agree with what everyone has said thus far. Definately try to validate as many courses as possible. I was able to validate 2 semesters of chem and 2 semesters of calc. Lots of the higher classes will only require you to know the main ideas of these courses, which you should know if you can validate them. They won't expect you to remember tiny details which you may be afraid that you forgot. </p>
<p>There is a physics validation test here that you can take if you want, regardless of whether or not you took AP. So you have nothing to lose by taking the test. I'd recommend taking physics B just for the exposure, even if you need to take it again here. You may be placed into honors, which is good because it is a smaller class with, generally, a better teacher. I'm in honors physics 2 right now and really enjoying it.</p>