<p>I have a great passion for physics, particularly theoretical physics and cosmology, and unfortunately my school will not be offering AP physics. In pursuing my dream of becoming a physicist, should I study for the SAT II Physics and take it, even though I will not take AP physics? Is SAT II physics score essential for college applications, considering I will be declaring physics as my major? And is a Subject Test prep book enough to get a good score?</p>
<p>Depending on which colleges you apply to, SAT II Physics may be required. If you apply to top schools, there’s a high probability that at least a few of the ones you choose will require a SAT science test. In a lot of cases, you get to choose whether you submit Physics, Chemistry, or Biology. But it could be helpful, if you’re really in love with Phsyics, and if you know you want to major in Physics, to choose Physics over the others.</p>
<p>My kids weren’t interested in pursuing physics, so I’m no expert on your specific question, but I wouldn’t be suprised if there were a top college or two out there that requires the Physics SAT II specifically. Especially those that require you to apply to a certain “school” within the university, versus just the university itself.</p>
<p>If you have certain colleges in mind already, it’s not too early to start looking at their admissions websites to see what they require.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, yes, I think you should plan on taking the Physics subject test despite the fact that your school does not offer AP Physics. Even if physics isn’t specifically required, many top science/engineering colleges will require a science test. Have you taken basic physics yet? If not, can you wait until after you take it? If it won’t be too late to submit scores (don’t know what year you’re in), then you should wait to take physics in school, then buy a test prep book, study it, and take the test. You’ll do fine. It is certainly possible. Just read through a few of the physics subject test threads here and you’ll read about plenty of people who have done so.</p>
<p>Good luck, samd!</p>
<p>haha dont worry, the sat2 physics has a great curve (-10 is still 800)
in fact, even a noob like me self who is taking physics for the first year is planning on taking the test.
however, do note that the sat2 physics covers ALOT of topics (mechanics, e&m, thermo, optics, sounds/waves, nuclear…etc) so yeah, chances are, you might need to study a bit for the test, as most physics do not cover ALL of the subjects</p>
<p>What I would do is self study AP Physics B and SAT 2 Physics. The SAT 2 Physics tests is comprised mostly of Physics B concepts.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t recommend self studying AP Physics C and then doing the SAT2 as you will still have to spend a lot of time focusing on SAT only topics and not focus on the Physics C concepts as in depth.</p>
<p>If you do take the SAT2 I would recommend preparing for AP Physics B, as it seems like it is the same material just more in depth knowledge of it.</p>
<p>I would get the SAT2 prep book as well as AP prep books (As even if you only take the SAT 2 test, the material would overlap so it ought to help you).</p>
<p>thanks SimpleLife, zala20022 and Ramblinman,
Based on your answers, and some research I did on the test, I think I can self-study for it and get a high score. Thanks again!</p>
<p>Yes, samd, I think you can! Good luck!</p>