<p>@NotSoProdigious: Thanks a ton! You’ve been very helpful. My school is pretty strict about its math sequence, so I probably couldn’t have taken Pre-calc freshmen year. I’m definitely contemplating self-studying both Psych and Enviro Sci. I got my transcript today–I’m number one out of 333 students (at a decent northern virginia high school). Is your school difficult? Some schools consist of much harder AP courses than others. My school only offers AP Physics Mech, and I’m pretty sure it’s a full year. So should I self-study E/M? Also, should I switch AP Bio with AP Chem/Physics? Thanks!</p>
<p>@Quacoh: I have the exact same problem as you. My school split up the AP Physics B course into two years because prior students haven’t done very well. Not only was I not given the chance to take Physics B, but I was also forced to take Honors Physics this year, which did not make me happy. My school also removed the AP Physics C course entirely, so that even gave me more to rejoice about. </p>
<p>What grade are you in? What Math have you taken? Physics B is an entirely non-calculus based course while Physics C definitely touches on Calculus and even vector calculus in E/M. They overlap general concepts (i.e. Newton’s Laws), but besides that, B goes into general information on thermo, nuclear and fluid statics while C just focuses on Mechanics and E/M. From what I’ve learned (by taking the B portion of Mechanics while self studying for the C Mechanics), is that the concepts are similar, but one needs to go over more complex formulas at the C level, seeing how much further it delves into the subjects. I would say that you don’t need to take B before C, as long as you’re extremely eager and intelligent enough to self study C. From what I’ve heard, Physics C is definitely one of the harder APs out there, and I’m not sure myself whether I’ll do well on the APs by just self studying. Also, in case you were implying that you wanted to take the B and C tests in one year, CollegeBoard won’t allow you to do that because they’re at the same times. </p>
<p>@StudiousMaximus: Congrats on your ranking and you’re welcome! I see myself in a lot of the students here and I want to help them do what I did wrong in some parts of my high school academic career. Ah, the Math is fine. Taking Calculus BC in Junior year is still quite far ahead of the national level. Self studying Psych and Environment Science would be awesome, especially if you’re aiming for the AP Siemens award.</p>
<p>Is my school difficult?.. Well, that’s subjective I suppose. It’s top ten in the nation based on US News if that means anything to you.</p>
<p>AP Physics Mech as a full year? That’s definitely reasonable. From what I can see, Physics is one of the subjects that the vast majority of the student population struggle in, hence the many 1’s and 2’s even with the huge curve. If you really enjoy and understand Physics well, then self studying E/M would definitely be an option in your junior or senior year. Just know that E/M is usually considered the harder of the two tests, and that’s not only because it involves a higher understanding of math.</p>
<p>Mmm, if you want, you can switch out one of the sciences for Bio, but ultimately, just go with which Science you prefer. If your reasoning is to ease the load in Junior or Senior year, put AP Biology the year you want a smaller load. Biology is easier than Chemistry and Physics, so it should give you a quasi-break the year you put it in, and like you said, Chemistry and Physics will be fresher in your mind the year after the Honors courses.</p>
<p>The schedule looks a lot easier on paper than it actually is.</p>
<p>Have fun man</p>
<p>@NotSoProdigious
I’m only a frosh right now, but I’m taking Algebra II(2 years ahead in our district). I’ve heard Physics is more math based so I shouldn’t have a problem with most of it. Thanks for the help!</p>