<p>I'm a freshman. This year, I completed Pre-AP Geometry. Previously, I completed Pre-AP Algebra. Before anyone inquires, Pre-AP is the most rigorous available, and is the predecessor to an AP class. The only available AP math classes are AP Calculus AB, BC, and Statistics. </p>
<p>Am I prepared enough to take Pre-AP physics sophomore year?</p>
<p>I ask this because, all year long, my schedule was set for physics as a sophomore, and I constantly asked my counselor and she said it was okay, I would do fine. Tomorrow is the last day of school. Today, my counselor told me that I couldn't take physics because the physics teacher said I wouldn't be prepared enough. The physics teacher said this because ANOTHER STUDENT asked to be put in physics as a sophomore and mentioned MY SCHEDULE. Mind you, I haven't told ANYONE that I am taking physics next year. This person also said they were my friend. Now I am not allowed to take Pre-AP Physics. Is this wrong?</p>
<p>yeah, I’m taking AP Physics B WITH Alg 2 & Trig (which I’m guessing is the equivalent of your PAP Algebra).</p>
<p>*note: not precisely AP Physics B but a close equivalent.</p>
<p>EDIT: from reading the rest of your post, it’s unfair that your schedule was changed at the last minute. Prove to them that you can take PAP Physics, I guess.</p>
<p>Have you ever asked the physics teacher about taking PAP Physics sophomore year, or have you only ever spoken to your counselor? I would recommend you talk to the teacher directly and find out if you can take the class. Your best argument for being prepared is going to be strong A’s in your math class. If you don’t have strong A’s in math, chances are you will never convince the teacher you’re prepared. Depending on your normal course sequences, the physics teacher might also say that completing Albrgra II is required before taking physics. That’s another argument you would not win.</p>
<p>Pre-AP Physics can’t be anything but algebra-based. They start you off with like 3 variables, give you 2, so solve for the third. If this was AP Physics C, I can understand why.</p>
<p>Should I debate it or not? I have much reason to believe that the only reason they won’t let me take physics is because they want to be fair to everyone else, but everyone else is just one person. I am glad my counselor didn’t keep it to herself that this person actually said they were my friend and mentioned my name. If I find out who this is and he really is a friend of mine, he won’t be any more.</p>
<p>At my school, for honors physics, algebra II is a prerequisit. For CP physics, geometry is. The teacher might be saying no because your math level isn’t high enough.</p>
<p>This year I took AP Physics B as a sophomore, haven taken only Algebra and Geometry before. I took the course while taking Algebra 2/Trigonometry. I maintained an A+ unweighed GPA throughout the year and did it not find it incredibly hard. I was the only sophomore doing this, so naturally everyone in the class knew more math and I had to learn it along the way, but it was not too difficult. If you’re interested in Pre-AP (which would be even easier than AP Physics B,) you should have absolutely no problems with the class. The way I see it, you need Calculus for Physics C, and I’d recommend trigonometry for B, but for Pre-AP geometry should be sufficient; it is not a very hard class.
You should definitely protest that they are not allowing it, I have broken the rules as far as class schedules go many times, you just have to want it badly enough. Worst case scenario, have your parents get involved and they will have to agree to let you do it.</p>
<p>I too have broken countless scheduling rules at my school. Just tell them to let your actions speak for yourself. If you fail, which you wouldn’t, then whoopdee doo it’s your GPA that is screwed. Why would they care.</p>
<p>Btw if it is Pre-AP physics it is most likely the equivalent to general physics. The most you need for that is basic trig that you probably know from geometry.</p>