<p>is it best to take the BC for physics and Calculus because it is basically two tests in one (with the subscore), so you even if you are not brilliant at the extra stuff, you get a subscore for the AB (which isn't harder? or is it?) and a chance at the extra stuff? Thanks!</p>
<p>For calculus there's calculus AB and BC; BC covers the AB material plus sequences and series, calculus applications to polar and parametric equations, and miscellaneous other topics/extensions on AB topics. If you didn't learn or prepare for the BC material I wouldn't take it because even if you nail the AB material you won't get a good score on the exam.</p>
<p>For physics there's physics B and physics C, which is very different from calculus AB and BC in that there isn't this great overlap of material.
Physics B has many topics like mechanics, E/M, heat, sound, fluids, ect and physics C covers only mechanics and E/M but in much greater detail than in physics B. Also there's a lot more math and calculus in physics C.</p>
<p>Thanks, I have one more question: don't you get a subscore for AB on the BC that schools usually compare separately?</p>
<p>and is two months enough to get familiar with Phys C topics if you have a good background with Phys B? </p>
<p>Thanks again!</p>
<p>i don't think getting a good ab subscore is enough to make up for a bad score on the bc test.
regarding you second question, even a full year of ap physics c material won't prepare you adequately for the phys b exam. u need to self study a lot of material.</p>
<p>ah, thanks so much...I've finally decided this afternoon. Thanks again!</p>
<p>The AB subscore is just as good as the AB exam for most colleges. A good AB subscore won't make up for a bad BC score, but it will still get you credit for the first semester of calculus, just like the BC test. If you know the BC material well enough that you think you have a shot at a decent score, I'd probably take BC. Otherwise, there's just not really much point.</p>