<p>In my school, before you take AP physics you have to take honors physics. I got an A in honors, but I basically just memorized the info rather than understanding. So AP physics comes along I did horrible my first few wks, than I start studying the HW, taking notes and paying attention but i still didnt well as i should (i did better)...is it b/c the material is cumulative and by not doing so well at the begining of AP and just memorizing in honors?</p>
<p>College is coming, and I can't afford to make the same mistake :(</p>
<p>Physics can be difficult for a lot of people. Some of physics is cumulative, but its mostly the basic stuff that you need to be able to carry over. Force, vectors, etc.</p>
<p>Why are you posting this in the pre-med forum?</p>
<p>Physics is conceptual. If you understand why something is the way it is, it makes problems very easy. If you don’t “get it” and just “plug 'n chug” without understanding why things are as they are, you’ll find physics incredibly difficult (esp. at higher levels). Also, take a calculus class along w/ physics if possible as even if you’re taking algebra based physics, your calc background and physics background will have a synergistic effect on your learning.</p>
<p>Memorizing physics is a waste of time, you got this one right! Got to understand from the very beginning. And strong math background is very important also. There is a lot of help available at college and if prof knows your name because you have asked a lot of questions, it is good thing, not bad. It is not as difficult, and pre-meds do not need calc-based. Good luck.</p>
<p>^Calc-based physics is unnecessary. Understanding calc and physics and how they are connected is VERY helpful.</p>
<p>As for the prof knowing your name… that can be good and bad. Def don’t want to be unknown but I’ve also known students to make themselves look pretty bad by asking too many questions. The thing is…you need to ask good questions. Asking “why is g negative?” in a kinematics question right after the prof explains that negative accelerations mean you are accelerating in the opposite direction of the velocity vector is a BAD question and enough of those and both the prof and your peers will develop a strong disliking of you.</p>
<p>Peers do not know what questions you ask, they do not care. You can ask anything that you did not understand after reading material in a book. That is waht office hours are for. Parents pay $$ for these also, use them and do not care what others think of you. Understanding is what you need in physics class, use memorization for organic chemistry, you will need tons of it and much more effort too.</p>