<p>Hello everybody, here is the predicament I'm currently in: I really want to have physics and calculus on my college application, however I'm not sure which path to take. Right now I am a junior taking Algebra 2, Precalculus, Intro to Engineering, and Health. I will be done those classes in January (double periods of everything), and have three options after that to pursue these interests. I can just take the standard path in senior year and take Calculus and Physics the first half of the year, but these are not AP, just regular classes.
Alternatively, I could probably take calculus and physics at my local community college this summer between junior and senior year. Or, if you guys/girls think it is doable for somebody with the math classes that I will have completed, when I start, I could self study for AP Calculus BC and AP Physics C and take the test at the end of junior year. The problem with this is that it only leaves me with about 6 months to study everything that other people have had an entire year to do so.
Also, am I completely over-analyzing the importance of having calculus and physics on your college application, or is this something other people on here have done (that are still sane)? Thank you for your input!</p>
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lternatively, I could probably take calculus and physics at my local community college this summer between junior and senior year. Or, if you guys/girls think it is doable for somebody with the math classes that I will have completed, when I start, I could self study for AP Calculus BC and AP Physics C and take the test at the end of junior year. The problem with this is that it only leaves me with about 6 months to study everything that other people have had an entire year to do so.
Also, am I completely over-analyzing the importance of having calculus and physics on your college application, or is this something other people on here have done (that are still sane)? Thank you for your input!
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<p>At the very least you should take it at your school next year, but I'm not sure how important self-studying would be. A lot of people here play down the self-studying as very easy when that's not always true. </p>
<p>In a regular classroom it is possible to do AP Physics C and AP Calculus BC in the same year, but typically only when the teachers are the same or work closely together. There are 2 AP Physics C exams, and if you were to take both you would have to do 2 semesters of calculus-level Physics while learning Calculus I & 2. </p>
<p>I'm sure other people have done it, but you really need to look at your prior experience with APs and college level classes. It looks like you haven't had any, so I would lean toward the community college classes. Maybe some this summer and maybe some next year.</p>
<p>Alright, thanks, I'll probably follow your advice.</p>
<p>Self-Studying the entire Calc and Physics C curriculum is not possible in 6 months. You can definitly do Mechanics though. I would highly recommend that, as there is no better way to prepare for college than self-studying such an intensive course as physics. </p>
<p>What's an even better idea, is this summer, self study some basic calculus, and throughout your senior year try to do both AP physics C programs, especially if you're going into an engineering major. This would be very beneficial</p>
<p>Hey, I'm not sure if you know this, but is Mechanics the only thing on the SAT II Physics exam or is electromagnetism on there as well?</p>
<p>The SATII Physics exam follows closely the Physics B curriculum. It includes a little bit of everything.</p>
<p>Ah ok thanks a lot!</p>