<p>From what I've heard, there are physics placement exams that are offered during Orientation Week? (for physics I and II, or 33-106 & 33-107 respectively?) This goes for those who didn't take or get a 5 on the AP test. Does anyone know anything about these exams, who to contact, and most importantly how to prepare for them?</p>
<p>You should be getting an email from your advisor, if you haven’t already, and he/she is supposed to give you a list of/info about possible exams you can take online as well as about Physics and other exams during Orientation. (they usually put up the “freshman registration steps” website, not sure if it’s up yet/anymore)
As for how to prepare for them, I heard different things about the exams, and few of my friends who took physics II and passed it had an extensive HS prep. 33107 is rumored to be one of the highest dropped and hardest courses at CMU so I would assume that the placement test to get out of it is on that level.
Best way to prepare I would suggest is going over some college physics I/II course notes and do college-level practice problems (hopefully shouldn’t be hard to dig through google and find something). I don’t think Thermodynamics is covered by AP Physics C, but it is part of the 33106 course, so you might get asked questions on that.</p>