<p>We bought the Princeton Review Physics Subject test book. My son didn't do well on the first practice test. Has anyone found this to be a good or bad representation of the actual test?</p>
<p>There’s a standard deviation of about 50-80 points.</p>
<p>My son took the physics test 2 years ago. The issue with the Physics test is that the subject matter they include is very vast. What this means is that one test to another could vary quite a bit specifically in the modern physics section. CB understands this and there is a very generous curve since most schools don’t cover all the material (typically in AP Physics B type class). So what I would tell you is that these tests (even the CB) probably represent about 80% of the typical content. Most of the questions are conceptual in nature. However as an example in my son’s case, there was a lot of questions on “transistors and semi-conductors” (basic stuff). If the kid has no exposure to the concepts then it becomes harder. For reference my son got a 790, but he was pretty confident going in of getting an 800 - but he found the test material quite different with these exotic topics.</p>
<p>W.R.T question on books - Spark Notes online is pretty good, but at the end of the day this is mostly a conceptual test (not a plug and chug the formula) - so understanding the core concepts is what is important.</p>
<p>Im taking AP Physics B and we are using the princeton review book
Im gonna take the SAT physics subject test</p>
<p>those are 2 really, REALLY different exams.</p>
<p>AP tests mathematical and conceptual skill (and conceptual skill tricks you in the AP), that’s why it’s worth college credit</p>
<p>the SAT physics, is pure concepts, no math (or alomst nule), it’s more straightforward</p>