<p>I am trying to plan my schedule for next year, so I have a simple inquiry: Can the AP Physics B and Physics C tests be taken in the same year, including both of the latter? </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I don’t believe you can; Physics B is scheduled in the same block as Physics C on the second week’s Monday of testing.</p>
<p>I think you could as long as you took either Physics B or both C’s late</p>
<p>Unlike the AP Calculus rule, one is allowed to take the Physics B exam and the Physics C exams in the same academic year. Of course, given that exams are provided during the same time block, one must be taken at the alternate date. </p>
<p>But I do not believe that taking the three is a popular option, given the high degree of overlap and fundamentally separate approaches in regard to the mathematical systems used for each. Moreover, even the students that are physics enthusiasts do not pursue the possibility, since doing so is basically redundant in the sense that successful performances on the three will not confer any additional credit or placement.</p>
<p>That said, I would still encourage you to entertain the option if physics is of considerable interest. I self-studied the Physics C exams from the B course and I found it to be a pleasant experience.</p>
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Did you take only C and simply ignore the concepts of import solely to the B course, or did you take all three? </p>
<p>Also, which course would be most beneficial if only taking one of them? I have never taken a formal course in physics and am planning on doing so for my upcoming senior year. More info: I’ve taken CalcBC so the calculus concepts would not be difficult. I am looking toward Princeton, Duke, and Yale as prospective colleges. I am 80% sure I will not be going into engineering for undergrad (though if I do, biomed). I am looking for the class that would be the most stimulating and beneficial, not the best app booster.</p>
<p>I think B would be hard only because of its breadth, not its depth. I took both C exams this year but I also took the course in my school, which is basically 1/2 year mech and half year e&m. I think I got a 5 on mech and possibly a 5 on e/m, not sure. </p>
<p>E&M has much more calculus than mechanics does, but all the instances you need calculus, it’s very basic concepts. The tricky part comes in knowing how the integrals actually work for physics equations, because you need to change the variables around a lot</p>
<p>Wow you took B as a conceptual foundation course and self studied for the C courses upon it? That’s nuts, where did you get your source of problems? Did your textbook for Physics B have plenty of physics problems? What were your scores on them?</p>