My awkward AP physics situation. Suggestions?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>I'm a junior and I'm in an awkward situation with my physics class now. I took really intense physics in my middle school, and self-studied a lot. But I haven't taken any physics in my high school yet. I plan on taking AP physics B and C test this May, and I'm really confident that I can get 5 on both. I don't want to take any physics in my school (my school offers AP Physics B and C), but my counselor says it would hurt my chance if I don't take any physics courses in high school and are seeking for an engineering major. I kind of have no choice but to take AP Physics C next year. So will it look weird if I take AP Physics C after I got a 5 in AP on it? Do you guys have any suggestions?</p>

2

<p>I don’t know, but another option is to take the AP test next year after taking the class which would avoid the situation.</p>

3

<p>I know someone who took AP Physics B after getting a 5 on the exam, didn’t seem to hurt him too much as he got accepted to Harvard.</p>

4

<p>I agree with GredC123, just take B this year and take Physics C class and exam the next. Besides you can never know too much for the AP exam</p>

5

<p>I disagree: you should take it this year. Next year will be too late for colleges to see your high score.</p>

6

<p>Take the AP tests as you planned and take physics this summer at a local cc.</p>

7

<p>Take the tests…isn’t there a scheduling conflict with B and C? Or will you be taking E&M only?</p>

8

<p>leafblade 1354:</p>

<p>I’m thinking about that too…</p>

<p>Can I take B and C at the same time? Or C is good enough?</p>

9

<p>I don’t really see any reason to take B if you are already going to take C because I believe they cover the same material, just at different difficulty with different methods right?</p>

10

<p>AP Physics teacher here. I recommend Physics C both parts. My personal opinion is that C is actually easier, because Calculus makes doing Physics much simpler. Colleges are more likely to give you credit for C as well. Physics B’s syllabus is very extensive, and the exam is somewhat harder, simply because you don’t know what topics might show up. C is more predictable, and easier to study for, since the number of topics is limited. Something to consider, though…you are self studying, and unlike Calculus, Physics B and C have a strong lab component that you will be missing out on. Colleges will be very concerned about that aspect.</p>

11

<p>Take the Physics C exam this year, and then take the class next year. Then, when you send your transcripts, you can add a note saying that you are taking the class to experience the lab component.</p>

<p>And there’s no reason to take both the Physics B and C exams unless you’re aiming for national AP Scholar or something like that.</p>

12

<p>I think your GC is wrong. Don’t waste your time in a class where you already know the material. That’s just plain silly. The labs aren’t that great. </p>

<p>Take the AP exams this year if you know the material. If you get all 5’s terrific. </p>

<p>Take EPGY’s next two university physics classes independently with your GC in the loop. </p>

<p>epgy.stanford.edu</p>

<p>P55 Light and Heat and P70 Modern Physics</p>

<p>Stanford offers continuing ed transcripts, so you can make sure that the colleges know that you that you are taking them. </p>

<p>This should satisfy any college who needs to see a Physics class.</p>