I posted this in the SAT forum, but I wanted to ask this specifically for Penn. If I go apply for engineering, would Math 2 or Bio E suffice for subject tests? Penn says they prefer Physics/Chem for engineers, but I don’t have Chem til next year and I only have AP Physics Mechanics this year. My Bio E score is a 720, and I’ve heard 700+ is ok. I will take Math 2 later this year. I am doing very well in Mechanics right now, probably the highest grade in my class, but its not even half of the subject test. Will I be at a disadvantage without Physics/Chem?
Maybe a slight disadvantage, but I think your 720 on bio will make up for it. It’s obviously nice if you have high scores on chem and physics, but it wouldn’t hurt you too much if you don’t take chem/physics. Bio is a science anyway, so I think you’re fine.
Are you a junior right now? Senior? When will you be applying? Couldn’t you take Physics after you finish AP physics? I have a friend who only had Honors Physics which covers about 1/3 of the material on the physics subject test. He self-studied and got a 790. Since you’re doing well in AP Physics, I’m sure you will have no problem self-studying.
Will you take AP Physics C E&M next year? Can you self study the second half if you don’t have room for anymore physics in your schedule? If you get a high AP score, that will definitely help, but you’re right in that mechanics is only half the material. I don’t think it’s a deal break if you don’t take the physics exam, btw. And I have a feeling you might do better than you think if you decide to self-study. The curve is pretty generous.
No, there is no E&M at my school. I guess self studying is an option, but I feel like Physics would be really hard to self study, since sciences are more about understanding concepts than memorizing lots of stuff like a history exam. I am very confident in getting a 5 on the AP test. I was just wondering if having Bio makes up for it since it is still a science.
Self Studying really isn’t that difficult for the Physics Test if you have Physics C Mechanics. I was in a similar situation and self studied after the AP test for about a week and ended up getting a 760, several friends also got over 700 doing the same thing. There is a huge curve on this test. It’s doable, good luck!
What was your experience like with self studying it? Since it is only a subject test and 75 questions in 60 mins, I’m guessing the questions are pretty straightforward. How long did it take you to prep for it? Was this after having mechanics and e&m?
Bump