<p>I was recently accepted to the University of Texas with Aerospace Engineering as my major. I know that I will need to be thoroughly educated in physics for this major and career. Unfortunately, my high school has a very incompetent physics department. Though I understand the basics, my teachers have failed to deliver a top notch education even after two AP courses in a row. I love physics and am committed to learning more about the subject. Over the summer I want to teach myself using a good textbook. Any suggestions on a good introductory physics textbook that covers mechanics using calculus? Is the "Physics for Scientists & Engineers" series really as good as people say? </p>
<p>Thanks,
Bryan</p>
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<p>By this do you mean you found that you knew nothing on the AP tests and got 1 scores?</p>
<p>College frosh-level physics courses do not assume more physics background than just regular high school physics.</p>
<p>I am currently in AP Physics C, so I have only had the chance to take one AP physics test (Physics B). When taking the exam, I didn’t feel I would make a 4 or 5 so I cancelled my scores. This insecurity is one reason I say that. I also say it because my teachers were frequently behind schedule and would frequently skim over important material. My class mates and I are frequently having to correct my current teacher on basic concepts. This makes me uneasy. While I feel I know about the same if not a little more than the average K-level (what my school district calls the level above on-level) physics student, I want to become more confident in my knowledge before college… especially when it comes to calculus-based physics. Perhaps I am being to conscientious???</p>
<p>There are some free physics textbooks listed in this thread:
<a href=“Big Savings for U.S. Students in Open-Source Book Program - Parents Forum - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/1289172-big-savings-for-u-s-students-in-open-source-book-program.html</a></p>
<p>Have you tried a practice physics SAT subject test under test conditions and scored yourself? There is not much way of knowing how your physics knowledge compares to external (to your school) standards of what may be expected by colleges of students who complete high school physics.</p>
<p>Thanks! I’ll check some of those out. Ya I’m sure im just being over cautious and am actually fine. </p>
<p>Not getting a 4 or a 5 doesn’t mean you are unprepared for physics somehow. Shoot, my high school physics class was God awful, but I still had a decent basis for the class when I took it at the university. I think you are just worrying a little too much, especially since there will be other students in your class who haven’t even taken physics before, let alone had a good teacher. You aren’t supposed to be a physics expert yet. That’s why they have you take it at the beginning of your engineering program.</p>
<p>Honestly, I’d use the upcoming summer to relax and spend some time with your friends. You won’t have many (if any) more free summers, and who knows how many of those friends you will still be friends with in 2 to 3 years as you all head off to different places. You might as well enjoy it while it lasts.</p>
<p>I know I should enjoy this upcoming summer and use it to relax… and I plan to. Just want to have a strong start to college. But I guess that doesnt require any prep. Thanks for bringing me back down to earth guys. haha</p>
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<p>Same here! But physics at UT is still HARD, so don’t be surprised. I took it over 30 years ago, and I hear it hasn’t changed! Coming from a good high school where I had a very high GPA, it was a bit of a shock for me. I got a 45 on my first test! </p>
<p>One mistake I made was to take Honors Physics, so there wasn’t much of a curve on tests. If I had it to do over again, I would have taken regular physics - which one are you going to take? If you’re really worried about it, you could take it at ACC. That’s what my son did. It still wasn’t easy, but he did well in it.</p>
<p>I would recommend getting a tutor immediately if you feel like you are struggling. And go to the prof’s office hours and bug him to death if you need help.</p>