<p>Hey all. I will be taking AP Physics C this coming year, and I'm curious about how much work I will need to put into studying for the SAT Physics exam after the AP exam. I know that SAT Physics tests on subjects not covered and Physics C, and for that I'm planning on purchasing a review book after the AP exam.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any suggestion on which book I should purchase? I'm guessing Barron's is the way to go, but would like some input on this situation. Also, would one month (from the end of AP testing until the June SAT date) be enough to self-study all the missing topics from Physics C?</p>
<p>Oh, somewhat irrelevant from the subject: should I even bother taking this third SAT II test after receiving an 800 in Chemistry and Math II? I'm planning on applying to UCs/USC if that makes any difference.</p>
<p>I think a review would be good. Keep in mind you won’t be able to use your calculator so don’t expect any problems that require too much work. Good luck!</p>
<p>I took the AP Physics C test in May (and pretty much failed) and then took the subject test in June (at least 750+ according to the consolidated list). I’m sure your AP class will prepare you enough for the mechanics portion. My honors class only covered mechanics and waves/optics, but I still felt super unprepared for the AP test. I only had a week to cram for the SAT II, so I “learned” all of the new topics (E&M, nuclear physics, thermo) in about two days. That week was pretty hell-ish, but overall, it wasn’t too difficult. One month is plenty of time. You’ll be fine/very prepared as long as you don’t lose motivation.</p>
<p>USE PRINCETON! I’m pretty sure everyone agrees that Princeton is the best for SAT II Physics. I really wish I used it for the AP test. x___x</p>
<p>Not sure about the UC question. See how prepared you feel by the end of next year. If you think you can do well, I say you should take it. Keep in mind the curve is EXCELLENT! You can miss ~12 questions and still get an 800. Hope this helps! Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.</p>
<p>Which UCs? Anything except Berkeley and LA will drool over your two 800s (and Berkeley and LA will both like the 800s, too). As for preparation for the SAT II, see if your teacher teaches Physics B and have him/her give you a crash course in thermodynamics, nuclear, waves/optics, fluids, etc. Actually, I don’t remember if fluids is on the SAT II; I know it’s on the Physics B exam, but I’m not sure about the SAT II. If your teacher doesn’t teach B, maybe you can find some friends that are in B and ask for their notes. </p>
<p>I used Kaplan for Physics B, and I liked it. But, the general consensus is PR for Physics B and the SAT II, so I’d use that.</p>
<p>On a side note, the MC for Physics B is VERY similar in question type to the SAT II, so you could try your hand at some released Physics B MC for practice come test time.</p>
<p>Alright, thank you. About your comment on Berkeley and LA, how many 800s would be suitable to be competitive for their schools? I always thought UCs only look at two, so yeah…</p>