<p>Right now I am taking the honors physics course, which is precalculus based, at my high school (why I did not take AP physics that is calculus based I do not know, because I am doing great in Calculus BC). My question is, with this minimal physics backround, and if I were to pick up a Barron's or Princeton review book, would I have enough time to learn enough physics for the test needed to get a mid-600 to low-700 score? I know I won't get an 800, but I feel like these scores would be a good range. Thoughts?</p>
<p>I would advise you to just take one of their practice tests (officially from collegeboard) and see how you do. If you’re near that range, you can easily build up your score. This year is my first year taking any physics class (AP Physics B) and I took the Dec SAT Subject test for physics… Not exactly sure how I did yet (scores will be up soon), but I thought I did fairly well for less than half a year of a class. All it requires is dedication (and I had ~3-4 days of “studying”, 5 weeks can get you much more if you put in a couple hours a day).</p>
<p>If you’re up to the challenge, yes. It will need a lot of commitment and the right material. </p>
<p>For one, you should get a textbook-type book and a revision-type book. For example, some prep-books’ aim is to teach you the material, you can jump into it with minimal prior knowledge and learn the material. This is the ‘textbook’ type. And the revision-type, has concise information of what is on the test and good practice tests for you to gauge your standards. It will be helpful if you can find a physics teacher willing to answer your questions you can’t find answers to. </p>
<p>Some tips:
- Get the material first. This is important as after you should look at the chapters, see how much time you need on each and make a schedule. </p>
<p>2) I suggest the ‘textbook’ be of a level that is comfortable for you to read and does not go into college level physics. Also, the ‘revision’ book should be of a slightly higher level so that you can be well prepared for the test. Eg. an AP Physics book. </p>
<p>3) Search the forum for feedback on the best kind of prep-book/ textbook you are looking for. Other CC members give very good advise on picking the appropriate and best book for you.</p>
<p>4) Don’t invest TOO much time into one chapter in the beginning. As you don’t have the luxury of time, spend just enough time for your brain to remember the concepts and general gist of the chapter. So at first, don’t spend time memorizing every key word, just get the main ones to stick in your head. Because, you will be doing another revision with the second book. </p>
<p>Of course you could get more books or do it differently. This is just what I found worked for me. I studied SAT Biology in a month. Definitely there will be late nights but the end result was worth it. </p>
<p>Hope this helps. Cheers.</p>
<p>Thank you both so much! This helps me a ton. Guess I’ll be cooped up studying these next few weeks… :)</p>