This question has been asked before in different variations I’m sure, but not quite specific to my situation. I’m looking for some guidance. I’m a senior and just took my AP Physics C midterm this morning and like everything in the class prior to the exam, it was pretty difficult for me. I have a B- in the class right now and I’ve never been very good at mechanics. I’m a very good math student and I enjoy math, but it’s the conceptual aspects of mechanics (free body diagrams, interpreting problems, etc.) that gets me. I’d like to point out this is actually my 3rd exposure to mechanics. I took honors physics my freshman year at one school (A-) and then transferred to a more challenging school where I did honors physics again junior year (B+) since I wasn’t taking calculus at the time to pursue the Physics C course. I also want to point out that honors chemistry a few years ago was even worse than mechanics for me.
Several years ago I was into the software side of things but after learning and doing some programming projects I discovered it wasn’t really my thing. I won’t mind a little coding, but what I really find interesting are topics involved with electrical engineering. What sparked this interest was primarily my hobby of amateur (ham) radio.
So as I begin to assess my college acceptances in a few months and think a little bit about my future, what should I consider? Is my bad relationship with mechanics going to hurt me a lot in engineering school for EE or ECE?
EE degree programs will require physics including mechanics and E&M. E&M is somewhat more relevant to EE, but some find it more difficult to grasp conceptually, since it is not about things that you can see and feel (like mechanics), and because it uses more advanced math (multivariable calculus). There will also be significant amounts of applied math in EE, depending on the subarea.
If you emphasize computers, or go into some other field like industrial engineering, you may find it to be more math and less physics based.
Yes, I do understand the first part. I’ve heard it before several times, and my only comment is that perhaps when I get into an area that really interests me and is different from mechanics the conceptual material will become something I’m more motivated and able to study. Maybe not.
Interesting comment on possibly emphasizing computers. Like I said, I’m definitely leaning away from CS, but CpE or ECE could be good.
The good news is that I will likely only need to take one chem class and one mechanics, and if I work extremely hard and get a 3 or better on the Mech AP test this Spring then I can go straight to Physics: E&M.
Remember, using AP credit is not always a wise idea. You can know if you’re ready. Do as @ucbalumnus recommends and get the syllabus and old tests from the class you’ll be potentially skipping. If it all makes sense, great. If you’re a little rusty, bone up on Kahn or MIT open course work. If it seems foreign, take the class. You’ll need the foundation.
@eyemgh like your advice on using AP credits. I’ve heard similar advice about using AP Calc BC credits, as well, from several sources (former students, college counselors, admissions reps). Plus, it’s pretty brutal to start in Diff’l Equations as a freshman when you are already going to have to have the greater pressures of getting used to the pace at college vs. high school.
It is a big advantage IF you’re ready. It allows you to take lighter loads when classes get really hard (advanced fluids, advanced thermo, vibrations, etc.).