<p>I'm asking specifically about Physics C, but opinions on other ASEs are welcome too. </p>
<p>I took Physics B, scored well on the AP, and have been studying Physics C on my own this year since my school doesn't offer it and MIT doesn't take B credit. I'm definitely not prepared enough to get 5s on both exams, though. Would it be better to just get a refund for my tests, continue studying through the summer, and then take the ASE for 8.01 (and possibly 8.02, but I hear this isn't advisable) in the fall? Or should I attempt them anyway?</p>
<p>Also, are there any disadvantages to attempting ASEs other than testing time (like cost, or GPA)?</p>
<p>I heard the 8.01 ASE isn’t too hard, but I really don’t know.</p>
<p>I would recommend giving the C exams your best shot since I think two 5s on them are still probably easier than taking the ASE. However, I wouldn’t advise spending your summer either just studying physics. At any rate, I would still heavily suggest passing out of 8.01. Unless you are inclined to do 8.012, 8.01T is a colossal waste of time, IMO.</p>
<p>There aren’t any disadvantages to taking ASEs freshman fall other than time. They don’t cost anything, and freshman fall ASEs are under pass-no record, so you will either pass or the exam will not be recorded on your transcript.</p>
<p>Yea, still try the AP exams. I remember thinking the same thing right before my exams, and ended up being able to pass out of 8.01, and I know a few other people who felt the same way. And if you find out that you will get AP credit for 8.01, that saves you all that studying.</p>
<p>Hmm, okay. I guess I’ll see how it goes because I’m really, really not prepared for E&M (as in I haven’t even covered some of the topics yet…) but I think I’d be okay on mechanics… thanks for your input.</p>
<p>So is it generally considered wise to place out of as many classes as possible?</p>
<p>I thought for sure the wavefunctions defining my girlfriend and me would overlap (i.e., 4*10^15 times the age of the universe) before I got a 5 on both parts of the AP Physics C exam.</p>
<p>Instead, I passed out of 8.01 with AP credit, and my girlfriend and I have yet to enter a quantum state of matrimony.</p>