I was wondering how difficult it would be to self-study AP Physics C, both mechanics and E&M for the upcoming 2016 AP exam. Next year my schedule is completely filled and thus have no time to take AP Physics C. However, this past year, I took AP Physics B (Covering both AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 exams), got an A both semesters, and got a 5 on both exams. I also took Calculus BC this past year and got a 5 on that exam as well. Will self-studying Physics C too daunting of a task for this upcoming year with how I am currently prepared? How significant is the difference in course material between AP Physics 1&2 and AP Physics C?
Can’t give you advice since I never took AP Physics, but I imagine its possible. I’m sure that someone on here has done it before. If you did that good in B and Calc, you should be fine. I’d search the AP Science forum to see if anyone has posted their suggestions for best prep books. What does your schedule look like?
No. My teacher was absolute ass and I somehow pulled off a 5 on the exam. I had the class 1st period every other day and I legitimately slept through/didn’t pay attention about half the time because his teaching style was extremely monotone and boring. I ended up learning through doing AP problems on the website and asking friends. I do not recommend it, though. It was extremely rough and I still have no clue how i pulled off a 5. Just remember that AP Physics C probably has the most lenient curve of all APs - you can get something like high 50s or low 60% on the exam and get a 5.
If you’re good at math, you can definitely self study and get a passing 3, considering the lenient curve. This class is by no means easy however, and I can say without a doubt that it is the hardest AP out there for most. If you want to secure a 5 for credit or w/e, you might want to go the tradition route instead.
you definitely could considering there’s only a little bit of the mech exam you’ll need to prepare for. but you will probably need a text for e&m, i’m currrently learning it, and it’s very calculus heavy, not just solving integrals and stuff but setting up integrals and diff equations from scratch, but for me its really interesting . the only problem i’m having is i have no idea where to get practice problems. i dont have a textbook so yeah, i’ll probably just check one out from my school library when school starts. overall i’d say physics c is calculus with some of the more challenging physics concepts mixed in.
You could certainly do it. I self studied both and got 5s. I haven’t taken an AP Physics course so far. The only related physics course experience I had before taking the exams was a semester long introductory algebra based class than basically only covered mechanics. That said, I have a passion for math and physics. But if you are interested enough in physics and are good at math, you’ll be able to pull it off.
Haha. I’m self-studying too but I’m going to take the class too. It is likely obvious that I have a much rigorous study as my goal is to cover the entire curriculum by the end of summer. So far, it’s going well. I’m just finishing up rotational motion. Definitely possible if you have the motivation. And another note, if you can, get Princeton Review. Best book hands down.
@DickTracy I posted these resources in my school’s Facebook page. Some of these contain problems.
Multiple Choice:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sciences/1646228-physics-c-all-released-mc-exams.html#latest
Free Response:
-Mechanics:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_information/8039.html
-E&M:
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_information/2008.html
Videos:
-Dan Fullerton (for more in-depth review):
http://www.aplusphysics.com/courses/ap-c/videos/APCVidIndex.html
-Paul Andersen (for basics of concepts):
http://www.bozemanscience.com/ap-physics/
Practice:
-Learnerator (unless you registered for full access, you cannot access the difficult questions):
http://www.learnerator.com/ap-physics-c-mechanics
http://www.learnerator.com/ap-physics-c-e-m
Problems:
https://www.njctl.org/courses/science/ap-physics-c/
Vocabulary:
-Quizlet:
https://quizlet.com/lightblaze259/folders/physics
^ Thank You
If anything, you could handle self-studying Physics C. As DickTracy said, you’l only need to learn a few more concepts in Mechanics and E&M is manageable… if you don’t try to cram the Magnetism unit in 3 weeks (my mistake). Both courses just need practice, and with how you’re prepared, you can pull a 5 on both! Good luck.
Yes, this should be doable for you. I self-studied both physics C exams the year after taking the AP Physics B course. I’d gotten a 5 on the AP exam and an 800 on the SAT subject test. I worked through Mooney’s AP Advantage prep book several times and did a lot of released exams. I ended up getting 5s on both exams.