Hi I’m a rising junior and I need some advice with the classes I’m taking next year.
-APUSH
-AP Computer Science A
-AP Calculus AB
-AP Physics 1 
-AP Lit
Can I get some info on the courseload, preparation, and actual exam itself?
I’m also taking Spanish 4 and art.
Also, I am not a math person and I completely detest the subject, so i am really worried for Calc and Physics.
Thanks for any help!
@dogluvaaa lol This is proof of what the system has turned us students into, AP hungry students that take classes just for the AP… Not bashing you cuz I do it too but yea kinda sad what we do nowadays. Anyways, I would have to say that all these courses very a lot from school to school. I think it would be best to get in touch with people that have taken these classes and get their advice on it because it varies greatly from school to school. I can tell you that the APUSH test is hard and very difficult to get a 4/5 in. Other than that ask around and try to get some advice. Best of Luck
@PetEngineer yeah lol Unfortunately our school has requirements to take a certain number of science courses. AP Physics is a requirement, and i tried but can’t get rid of it. I also replaced AP chem with AP CS lol. Thanks for the help though!
AP Physics 1 is algebra-based, so any math from pre-calc back is needed. so keep your notes if you haven’t thrown them out. also, get a study guide book!!! It will help you!
Tip for physics in general: do not focus on memorization of equations, focus on understanding the concepts first and THEN applying the math when appropriate as the concepts dictate. Physics is both math and not math- the conceptual part is NOT math. Visualizing problems and being able to draw them out as free body diagrams is absolutely crucial. Thinking in an XY plane is very helpful. Don’t try to do physics in your head, especially if you’re just starting out. A lot of physics concepts are closely related, and many of the equations they give you are actually derived from a single equation. Figuring out how it’s all connected will simplify things greatly and make problem solving a lot easier.
Also, read your textbook and try to understand the “why” behind practice problems. I had a tough time in high school when I took AP Physics B because we didn’t use a textbook and I just tried to memorize equations, but when taking Physics in college, I really dedicated time to reading the textbook and understanding the connections and I did much better and started to (gasp) enjoy physics.
I didn’t think Calc AB was that bad at all. It really is a matter of continuous practice. Algebra is important in calc (and physics), so make sure you’re solid in that first.