<p>I was wondering if there is any AP classes that are only a semester long, not a whole year long.</p>
<p>What is the difference between AP Physics B / C and do you need to take Physics 1 beforehand?</p>
<p>I am in Pre-Calculus next year (Junior), is it a big deal to colleges if I don't take AP Calculus BC and only AB?</p>
<p>I’m not really sure about your first question, it probably depends on how your school does it.</p>
<p>Unless your school teaches AP physics assuming you have prior knowledge of the subject, then no, you don’t need any introductory physics classes. It might help but it’s not necessary.</p>
<p>Physics B doesn’t involve calculus (so the math is much easier), covers more topics, but doesn’t go as in-depth I believe. Physics C only covers Mechanics and E&M, but goes very in-depth with both. The math is harder, and you’ll need to know basic calculus (you’ll be okay if you take calc simultaneously). C is generally regarded as more difficult, but there’s a very large curve on the tests. I’m not sure what the curve on the B test is like.</p>
<p>I can’t imagine why any colleges would care if you only took AB. It’ll look good that you’re even taking calculus at all.</p>
<p>Askalon is correct on everything as far as I know.</p>
<p>Here are the curves from 2008 if they’re of any help to you:</p>
<p>(Source: College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools)</p>
<p>Physics B:</p>
<p>5 - 15.5%
4 - 17.5%
3 - 27.5%
2 - 18.3%
1 - 21.2%</p>
<p>Number of Students: 57,758
3 or Higher: 60.5%
Mean Grade: 2.88</p>
<p>Physics C E&M:</p>
<p>5 - 33.5%
4 - 24.3%
3 - 12.4%
2 - 16.7%
1 - 13.0%</p>
<p>Number of Students: 12,328
3 or Higher: 70.3%
Mean Grade 3.49</p>
<p>Physics C Mechanics:</p>
<p>5 - 27.3
4 - 25.3
3 - 20.9
2 - 13.9
1 - 12.6
Number of Students: 28,190
3 or Higher 73.5%
Mean Grade 3.41</p>
<p>alright thanks a bunch guys.</p>