Hi,
I have previously taken two science AP classes (Bio and Chem) and am planning on taking Physics 1 and 2 this year as a class offered by my school. In addition, I was wondering if it would be plausible to take the two Physics C exams as well in May. I have a background in Calculus and I would get credit or placement for these AP exams at around half of the schools that I am applying to.
If you have experience taking these two exams, or any information otherwise, please let me know anything that would be to my benefit.
My son’s Physics teacher is recommending this to him for next year. Although he’s taking IB Physics instead of AP Physics 1/2, but it’s also algebra based and doesn’t usually give credit for a STEM major’s physics courses. He’s already taken Calc BC and the teacher encouraged him to self study for the AP Physics C exams if he would like to get credit in addition to taking the IB exam.
I took them all, although 2 years apart, and having taken the corresponding class. In the interest of full disclosure, I took AP Physics B before it was replaced by AP Physics 1 & 2.
My feeling is that if you have taken calculus, AP Physics C: Mechanics should be a breeze, while E&M may require some more work on your part to prepare for the exam. Hopefully @zbrown01 will chime in, since s/he did exactly what you are proposing.
It absolutely is! A lot of the topics in p1 and p2 overlap with physics C, and there are in fact less topics to study for physics C, but you will need to go far more in depth. I personally got a textbook from my teacher that included calculus based physics and went through the appropriate chapters, but I would imagine buying a prep book or watching youtube videos will also be quite helpful. Do plenty of practice problems online as well - there is a released practice test for each of the C exams I think from 2016. I ended getting a 4 on all 4 of the exams.
Best of luck! With the calc background in hand, i’m sure you’ll do fine.