<p>Just realize that intro physics 1 and 2 are both nothing but vector addition; maybe a few dot products or cross products, but mostly addition and scaling. Then the exceptions for each formula they conveniently derive for you using calculus (the thing they told you was a pre-req) :P</p>
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<p>Possibly not, but perhaps the teachers of prob and stats had a problem solving methodology that came in handy for doing certain types of physics problems.</p>
<p>The more techniques you have (and can call upon on demand) for problem solving, the better off you’ll be in general.</p>
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<p>My biggest problem in elementary mechanics wasn’t the math. I didn’t always realize when a certain type of force acted upon an object, for example. So all the math I did was correct, but I would occasionally give incorrect answers because I had not accounted for everything that was needed to solve the problems. BTW, I got a B in the class.</p>
<p>Physics I and II are pretty simple as long as you read and get a decent understanding of the concepts. You can relate a lot of the stuff to real life things you have experienced, so that helps. Make sure you practice a lot of problems. I studied for tests by doing problems, not studying concepts.</p>
<p>Modern Physics on the other hand is a whole other animal…quantum mechanics and relativity completely go against pretty much every intuition you ever had about the world. I have never seen so many blank states in a classroom at once.</p>
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That was my point, people in general have a harder time understanding the concepts of physics than the concept of math in my experience.</p>
<p>My best advice is to try and pick a worthy prof. I took Physics 1 and 2 at a community college and got A’s, not so much because it was easier but the prof was awesome. I loved going to class each day. Transferred to a big Uni and took Physics and had a very rough time. The prof was a hard baller and weeded out most of the kids. I ended up with a D+ meaning I passed but have to get a C or better for engineering. Luckily I’m a geology major so a D+ is considered passing. So again if you get a prof that works for you it will make a big difference. Granted I knew some kids that barely came to class and still walked away with Bs.</p>