While as a senior I’m enrolled in the corresponding class and doing reasonably well, I’m leaning towards evading the exam for a few reasons, and appreciate some input as to whether my logic is sound. Here are the factors comprising my situation:
-as a junior I passed college prep physics
-I plan to pass the AP Physics 1 class this year
-I’m enrolled in 5 AP classes, and ordering all the exams won’t be too cheap
-I plan to be an engineering major of some sort, most likely computer software; this means I will be taking calculus-based physics once in college
-I’m attending a community college so the AP credits won’t do me much good as far as acceptance
- AP Physics 1 is not a prereq for the first calc-based course I will likely be taking, which I believe will serve to qualify for GE credit as well
Is there any reason I should bother taking the AP exam, or should I just finish the class, skip the exam, save some money and focus on more significant exams like AP Calc BC?
Well, the reason the class exists is so that you can take the exam, pass, and get college credit, so I think going through the class (which I assume you do well in) for a year and not taking the exam is a disservice to yourself. However, your reasons for not taking it are solid, and I think not taking the exam in the end would be fine. Either way, AP 1 will help you in college physics classes.
I agree that the class will be helpful, which is why I am remaining in the class. I have also purchased for personal study my own calc-based physics text book. I am almost certain, with all the other AP classes I’ve taken/ am taking, that I’ll have plenty of transfer credit, especially once my GE classes and major prereqs are complete.
I was actually going to mention the fact that Physics C might’ve been more helpful to you but decided against it. Self studying calc-based physics in addition to taking the class you’re in puts you in good shape in that area. You sound like you’ll be in great shape regardless of whether or not you end up taking the AP 1 exam, so not taking it may indeed be the better choice
I would gladly have taken AP Physics C had that been an option at my school, but as of now, even self studying for the exam would be extremely inconvenient if not impossible (not because I couldn’t, but because of scheduling issues). Thanks for your input.