Hi, so I am very lost as to what to do.
I want to take Calc BC and Physics C but I honestly don’t know how difficult it is. I WANT to but I don’t know if I am up for the challenge.
I am in regular Pre-Calc and really want to take it as I am good at math but I also really want to take Physics C as I plan to dive into engineering.
I have heard that they are very hard and I don’t understand everything in Physics 1 (I understand most for sure, but I may have trouble attacking a problem on projectile motion, for example), but only because I don’t study at home (maybe for the midterm and final exam).
Should I take them or one of them? I am for sure taking at least Calc AB and Physics 2 but I really want to take the higher level ones, but I keep on being told, even by my teachers, that they are a big step up.
I just don’t know if I can handle it and if I will be better off not taking it.
Thank you
Summary : should I take calc bc and or physics c if I want to be an engineer and I am good at math but in regular precalc and not solid with physics 1?
P.S. just thought I should mention, we have 2 weeks left of school and I have no idea what derivatives are in precalc and what they do (don’t think I am going to learn them)
Based on what you wrote, I would say DO NOT take AP Calc BC and Physics C now in HS.
Those are second semester freshman courses and you dont’ seem to be prepared for them.
It is okay if you take Calc 2 in college and Engineering Physics in College.
Prepare yourself by taking Calc AB and Physics 2.
College level work will be there for your in college and you won’t be “behind” as an engineer.
What if I’m trying to get into a selective university? Won’t taking those harder classes really show something? Thank you.
I would be more inclined to do bc calc and ap physics 2. The math is more important than the physics at this stage and you do not want to blow up your gpa.
What if I decide to major in Physics? I am interested in it and I think I would enjoy it more than engineering.
Whether you choose to study physics or engineering a strong foundation in calculus is required.
Where you are:
" I don’t understand everything in Physics 1 (I understand most for sure, but I may have trouble attacking a problem on projectile motion, for example), but only because I don’t study at home (maybe for the midterm and final exam)."
Where you want to be: Saying that i will take Calc BC and Physics C AND DO WELL based on 1) not understanding physics 1 currently
2) low work ethic is called “Magical Thinking”. Magical thinking is defined as believing that one event happens as a result of another without a plausible link of causation. There is no evidence that your current knowledge level and work effort will allow you to do well in these college level courses.
But Maybe you are getting an A in Physics 1 without studying. Your teachers are saying they are a step up…will you step up the effort?
It won’t impress colleges for you to poorly in more advanced classes that you are not ready for.
If you don’t believe me, talk to your physics teachers and GC and see what they think.
What if you decide to major in physics?
Then you will start at the beginning of the curriculum that all Physics majors have.
So you have to decide whether you are ready to study a whole lot more or not.
Colleges will be fine with AP physics 2 and calculus AB.