<p>I kinda regret taking two years of bio pre-requisites in order to take bio AP next year. Because I'm going to be taking 3 years of bio and 2.5 years of chem by senior year, I haven't even had the chance to take Physics 1 yet, which I will squeeze in on my senior schedule. I want to major in chemical engineering and I feel like physics would be a lot more useful than bio. :)</p>
<p>I want college credit in physics... Do you think self-studying for the physics B exam over the summer and getting a 4 or 5 is possible? Or is it way too hard?</p>
<p>I'm pretty good at science and very motivated. In Chem AP my semester average is currently 100%, in organic chem I have a 101%. Did alright in bio too, 96% in Bio A and 99% in anatomy. Not the best math student though. 90% average in precalc, 87% average in algebra II last year. I'm better at applying math to science, not great at pure math.</p>
<p>I have absolutely NO knowledge of physics besides vectors we did in precalc and the quantum stuff in chemistry.</p>
<p>Definitely self-studyable if you work hard over the summer.</p>
<p>Do you have calculus knowledge? If so, self-studying Physics C Mechanics may be slightly easier since there is less material, but the math is more complicated.</p>
<p>Also, check whether the schools you will be applying to offer credit for Physics B - many do not.</p>
<p>Physics B is rather simple if you are one who enjoys math and science. It is much more mathematical than bio, and much less memorization.</p>
<p>Its doable but not worth the effort. Physics B covers a year of algebra and trigonometric based Physics including mechanics, fluids, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and atomic physics (that includes a little coverage on relativity, quantum physics, and nuclear physics). </p>
<p>But for your major taking Physics B won’t give you credit, you need to take Physics C. There are two Physics C tests each for mechanics and electricity and magnetism corresponding to a calculus-based Physics I and II course, much more in-depth than Physics B. The courses don’t require much calculus though. The tests are among the hardest of AP exams but have huge curve (~ 50% gets you a 5) and colleges accept scores of 3 for credit, depending on where you go. Self-studying Physics C is worth it IMO.</p>
<p>+1 to @Techh</p>
<p>Not only is it doable, it can be fun at times if you genuinely enjoy it!</p>
<p>So could I get by with a 4 on the physics C exam without much knowledge in calc, but studied really hard over the summer? I will be taking calc BC next year.</p>
<p>The Physics C are both really hard, and if you were to self study one, go with Mechanics. The calculus on the physics C are really easy so I wouldn’t be worried if you are weak in calculus. You can probably learn the necessary math for physics C (there isn’t actually a lot of ‘math’ in physics) from your calc class or a little self-studying.</p>
<p>Since you have the whole summer, I would say go for Physics B AND Physics C: Mechanics. And stuyding for Physics B would probably cover around 20% of the stuff of Physics C Mech. Physics B would probably be easier to get a higher score, however, simply because of the self-selecting nature of the Physics C. The curves are really good for a 4 or 5, and if you devote yourself, you can get the score you want. If you don’t have the time to self-study two, I would say just go for Physics C Mechanics. However, if you do decide to take both, when you finish both your exams next year, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised with your scores.</p>
<p>It won’t be easy since you have no background in physics. Self studying takes a lot of dedication but I think you’ll be able to do it. Good luck!</p>
<p>Well any advanced/upper-level physics class in college will always be using calculus (Physics C) and not algebra (Physics B). So if you don’t plan on going into the physics field, go ahead and take Physics B, but just to let you know, no college uses physics based on algebra.</p>