Is AP Physics C worth it?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1

So I’m an EA MIT admit, and I’m 99.9% sure I won’t be majoring in physics (probably going with CS). So, if I take the Physics C exams, I won’t have to take a class that I’m probably not going to use. Problem is, I’d have to self study – I’m taking Physics I, which means I have some foundation but Physics C definitely covers more. Also, I’m self-studying Macro, so I’m not sure if that’ll be too much.

2

To recap:

• You’re not taking AP Physics C as a class
• You’re taking AP Physics 1 which with a little effort might allow you to ace the Physics C: Mech exam
• AP Physics 1 does not cover E&M at all, so you would need to learn it all on your own
• MIT only grants credit if you get a 5 on both AP Physics C exams

So is it worth it to self study? IMO, no

3

I would say give it a go. MIT will only place you out of mechanics, 8.01. No one places out of 8.02 E&M,
with AP credits. If nothing else you will be better prepared to pass 8.01 if you study for an AP exam.

You will also review and learn some E&M, which will help you when you take 8.02.

Physics is worth studying and learning right now! Here is why-- The world is interdisciplinary!
I think physics provides computer scientists with problems to solve. Physics is totally relevant for large areas of computer science today, and Google now hires quite a few PhD physicists for their math knowledge.

By the way you have to take chemistry at MIT, no placing out of it. And biology, I think you can try to place out of that one. MIT believes the sciences are important for CS and engineers. There is a reason MIT is ranked 1 in everything,
their core science curriculum is superb. Its nice to have an easy freshman year, so study away, and if an AP motivates you to learn physics, so be it. Maybe you even find you want to major in physics, once you delve into it. Good luck.

4

I’d also recommend it if you enjoy the material. I self-studied both Physics C exams, which got me out of 8.01 and made 8.02 significantly easier.

I believe that there are ASEs offered for both chemistry and biology during orientation, though a standard AP Bio or chem class isn’t sufficient preparation alone for those exams.