So I just found out that my school has an independent study class and I have been pondering the idea of independently studying AP physics senior year. Physics is a large interest of mine, and I have thought of it as a possible major, but my school only offers regular physics for seniors. Would it be worth it to independently study AP physics or will it be nearly impossible without basic physics? If I take the regular class how hard would it be to get the AP exam review book and study more off of that to hopefully get a 4 or 5 on the exam? Or if I took the regular class would that be anywhere near the qualifications I need to do well on the SAT subject test for physics? In any regard I want to show schools that I have both the ability and motivation to major in physics. Also, if not physics, an independent study really interests me what else would you recommend or what did you do?
I wouldn’t recommend self studying AP Physics without prior basic physics unless you are a physics prodigy if you want to do well on the AP exam. BTW, what grade are you in? You state you have a large interest in physics- have you already dabbled in it in any way on your own? Do you have a fund of basic physics knowledge through your own interest in it?
I will be a junior. Yes I have learned extremely basic physics in other science classes (Newtonian theory, history of physics, simple equations EX- acceleration, velocity, potential/kinetic energy etc.) and have tried to learn the larger abstract ideas of extremely advanced physics (quantum mechanics and string theory) but obviously I only know the idea and not the inner workings of it all, or much in between basic and extremely complicated.
Just because I’ve never heard of anyone learning AP Physics independently, doesn’t mean it can’t be done. You have obviously been learning it on your own, but can you apply what you’ve learned to problems? This is where taking a class with lab/application experience helps facilitate this process. I would take the class personally. But if you want supplemental learning, try Khan academy. I have no idea how prepared you will be studying on your own, but I believe a physics class is more helpful in preparing for a subject test. AP is best done with the specific AP Physics class you intend to test in.
A regular Physics class is nowhere near enough for the AP class.