<p>im going to be a freshman and i was wondering about placements tests...specifically in math and physics because im thinking about majoring in one of these... but im not sure which one</p>
<p>does anyone know about the placement test into physics 205, which I really want to take...
is the test just on mechanics or on mechanics and e&m/other stuff? </p>
<p>also are there any placement tests for math?
im thinking about taking math 215 in the fall..which is necessary for math majors? but after that im not sure...</p>
<p>also is there a course review site for princeton classes to see which classes are good or not?</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure the PHY 205 placement test includes both, since 103/104 or 105/106 are required. I would REALLY REALLY advise AGAINST taking 205 as a freshman though. Unless you've done exceptionally in other advanced physics courses at other universities, you should take 105. Even for those who've taken AP Physics in high school, 105 is more than hard enough. In all likelihood, it'll be more difficult than any science course you've ever taken before--the only person I know that found it somewhat easy was a brilliant IMO mathematician. And 205 makes 105 seem almost easy--they call it death mech for a reason. </p>
<p>There's no placement test for math. They recommend a course for you based on your AP and SAT scores, but you're actually pretty much free to take whichever one you want. If you're seriously thinking of being a math major, 215 is probably the right way to go. 214 is also an option, but few math majors take it. 217 is usually IMO medalists first semester...I'd recommend taking it 2nd semester if you need to.</p>
<p>Ditto to what quirkily said. OP I checked out the stats thread you posted in the UChicago forum, and I would strongly advise you not to take 205. As impressive as your accomplishments are, they pale in comparison to those who take 205 as freshmen. Here's an example of someone in my class who took it as a freshman: 2006</a> Physics Olympics.</p>
<p>sycarton, afaik the people who take Death Mechanics their first year are usually Physics Olympiad team members or have a similar level. But you will not lose anything if you go and spend some time solving problems and discussing them with the professor, so I say "go for it!". </p>
<p>But you will have to take a "science with lab" anyway, so if you are not that much exited about Chemistry or Bio, you may want to take 105 or 106 at some point.</p>