<p>I think the first question to ask is whether this AP Physics B class is a first physics class or a second physics class. At our school it’s a second physics class. D got a B+ in the class, but still got a 5 on the AP exam. She made a lot of dumb mistakes throughout the year, but put it all together for the AP exam. </p>
<p>I can see AP Physics B being especially challenging as a first physics class, because you’re trying to learn physical concepts and mathematical techniques at the same time. </p>
<p>If I were in your shoes, it being October, I would look for a tutor for your son to work with him ASAP. Ordinarily a peer tutor would be fine, but since A students seem to get 2’s, you might want to pay a college student or a physics teacher who moonlights as a tutor. Get references. </p>
<p>I don’t know what to tell you with respect to colleges, because I think that it’s all about the education, but I think spending an hour a week 1-on-1 with a tutor will go a long way to helping him understand the material and build the skills and confidence that he needs to do well.</p>