<p>Are there any prep books out there that not only give practice tests, but also teach you the material for the physics test? I've taken physics c mechanics but I know there are things like circuits and stuff on the test</p>
<p>I recommend the Sparknotes SAT II physics prep book. It has a review of every topic on the test. By review, I mean they go over the material and give example problems and explanations. It's not as in-depth as, say, a textbook, but it did a very good job explaining everything that is covered on the test. I used that as a supplement to my H. Physics class (which didn't cover circuits, electricity, magnetism, or that good stuff) and it REALLY helped.</p>
<p>I was in just about the same state as you a month or so back. I used the PR SAT 2 review book after taking Physics C. While i think i wasted my money since it was simply a repeat of their AP guide, it was very helpful. While i didnt remember everything on test day, it did give me a solid grounding in the conceptual stuff and i was able to reason most of the test out.</p>
<p>I studied physics by myself with no prior knowledge.
I studied with PR and Barron and some concepts that were more difficult I checked in Sparknotes also, then I took tests from PR, real SAT 2, Barron and Kaplan.
I am waiting for my June score :D</p>
<p>What level of difficulty is the Physics SAT II?</p>
<p>and is it true that you have to have taken AP Calculas before AP Physics?</p>
<p>Hm..I took AP Physics B and used Barron's to prepare me for the SAT II. Since C is more concentrated I would say frankly that you're not at an advantage to do the SAT II since C is very focused whilst B and the SAT cover a wide breadth of topics. </p>
<p>Imo it won't be too difficult to prepare for it since you are obviously of a high enough math level but it depends on your ability to grasp physics concepts, most of which you should have learned in the rest of your middle school/high school science courses. </p>
<p>Basically what I'm trying to say is that for both Physics B as well as the SAT II the difficulty lies not in the depth of each topic, but rather in the amount of the topics needed. If you're the kind of person who can pick up new concepts quickly then you should be fine because it's sort of like touching upon each topic and getting to know the main idea..you don't need to know it at a higher level. If not, then spend some time to familiarize yourself with those that you haven't seen before..</p>
<p>I recommend Barron's for the SAT II. One more thing that may be useful to know is that the SAT II tests your <em>physics</em> and tends to focus more on your <em>physics</em> than math..so be sure you know your laws and such things..the theories. </p>
<p>I've just realized my post is rather long and perhaps very confusing..my apologies. Hope it helps anyway..^^</p>
<p>KidNovelist: Nope. For Physics B you only need Algebra II/Trig or even just Algebra II, and for Physics C you can do it while taking Calculus concurrently since the calculus required for C is very, very basic and can be covered in ~3 hours.</p>
<p>I got SparkNotes and felt that it was good for review on sections you already learned (in your case, and mine, mechanics), but didn't really impress me with the explanations of new concepts. I basically only knew how to do mechanics, basic electricity, and modern physics and then used logic to try to eliminate choices on the other questions and probably got ~750.</p>
<p>I found that the real test and the Real SAT Subject Test practice test were easier than the SparkNotes ones.</p>
<p>So, anyway, I know the material is covered but I don't know how much it will help. I was lazy though. And even if you don't learn the new material THAT well you can still do well with a firm foundation in mechanics and shaky foundation in other areas.</p>
<p>I took physics up till my O Levels... (which equates to ur 10th grade)..... and now i have to prepare for the SATII physics test... would Barron's be enough for an 800 score or should i consult a high school textbook at the same time too??? an 800 score is something i cannot afford to compromise on....</p>
<p>This is a generalization but if you've taken Physics till your O levels, you should be all set. Just get a prep book ( like Barrons or PR ) and review..</p>