I’m currently a junior in high school and I was wondering if I should take regular Physics or AP Physics 1 next year. I have a solid foundation in math and received an A in Algebra 1 and a B in Algebra 2/Trig. I also am currently taking AP Chem and received an 82 average last semester. However, I am hesitant to take AP Physics 1 because most people find it very difficult and I don’t want to tank my 3.7 GPA. Next year, I plan on taking Dual-Enrollment English Comp, AP Psychology, AP Government, AP Statistics, and Spanish 4. I’ve heard that the 3 AP’s that I’ve selected are on the easier side so I’m pretty sure I could fit in another “hard” class. Also, I plan on majoring in Chemistry so I would be required to take physics in college anyway.
Thank you for your help and please share your experiences in those classes! Have a nice day!
Compared to regular physics, AP physics 1 will cover fewer topics in greater depth. However, it is a non-calculus-based course, so it may not be accepted for subject credit for a chemistry major that requires calculus-based physics.
Some physics course in high school is recommended to preview the subject before you take physics in college.
If you want to major in a science, definitely take AP physics1. Even if it doesn’t match the college class you’ll take it’ll provide you with an in-depth foray into physics concepts and it’ll help you.
Have you completed precalculus honors? Some form of calculus?
Yes, I have already taken precalculus. However, I struggled through the course and received a C- but I plan on self-studying for precalc during the summer.
I don’t think it’s necessary to take AP Psych and AP Gov at the same time, but both are fairly easier APs so it might be manageable.
I took both AP Physics 1 and AP Chem. I think AP Physics 1 is a LOT less intensive than AP Chem and does not require the time commitment chem requires. It’s filled with math, but it’s mostly a plug-and-chug. You have a bunch of different equations and you have to figure out when to use them and may have to manipulate them a little. It definitely does not require super advanced math skills, like the ones developed in PreCalculus and the trig is basic (sin, cos, tan of a triangle). If you’re a STEM major, definitely go with AP Physics, though it probably won’t get you out of college physics (since that’s calc-based).
It’s also a little concering that you don’t have math other than AP Stats. I don’t see PreCalculus or Calculus, which you should definitely have if you’re a STEM major. AP Stats veers off the advanced track.
Since you only got a C- doing precalculus over the summer do you think it is wise to take essentially two years of math over 1 summer? I have a feeling you would do much better taking them during a full year or at least over a semester vs a condensed summer class. I would seriously think it over again.
I want to add that it isn’t always as easy as “planning on taking Calculus 1 and 2” and just signing up at the CC. There is a chance your community college is going to require you to take a placement exam to see if you are prepared and qualified to take Calculus 1 & 2. Given the C- in pre-calc, passing the test may not be as easy as you think.
DD is applying for concurrent enrollment at a CC. In addition to placement testing (despite a 4.0 UW GPA and already having dual enrollment credits from that same college), they asked her to have her guidance counselor’s sign off his assent and blessing. Plus she has to go in for an interview with admissions at the CC, something that high school graduates don’t have to do.
No, it isn’t going to be the same everywhere. I’m using our experience to show you that you have to research your plan further, talk it out with your parents, math teacher, and guidance counselor. Think it through carefully.
My classes are already locked in for senior year, but I can change them if needed. Would you advise taking precalculus over the summer, after senior year, then taking Calculus 1 and 2 the first year of college? I don’t want to tank my GPA.
I’m sorry. I’m just really worried about my chances to become a Chemistry major. I wasn’t thinking straight in Freshman or Sophmore year so I’m really trying to get back on the right path. I might ask to change AP Stats to AP Calcu AB so my senior year class line-up would look like this: Dual-Enrollment English Comp, AP Government, AP Calculus AB, Physics, AP Psychology (I plan on either minoring in Psychology or Forensic Science), Tech Class, Online Economics, and Spanish 4. I’m pretty sure this is all achievable and I’ll study for calc this summer. Thank you guys for your time and help! <3
I would not plan on taking anything the summer after you graduate high school without consulting the college you end up deciding to matriculate at. For many schools that could mean being considered a transfer student thus losing out on freshman status for financial aid/merit.
