I am a rising senior and planning to apply to college as an electrical engineering or applied mathematics major. I know I am a little behind in my physics coursework. I got a tutor for the physics subject test and am planning to take it in October. Since I already have a background in physics, should I take AP Physics 1 or a course at my school that combines AP physics 1 and 2 into one year? How much of a difference would it make on my college applications? Is it worth the time if I am already taking 4 other AP courses?
AP physics 1 and 2 in one year approximates the material in two semesters of college physics without calculus, sometimes offered to biology majors and pre-meds (engineering majors will have to take calculus-based physics). AP physics 1 covers half the topics, so if that is offered over one year, it moves at half the pace.
It might be more helpful if we know the other 4 AP courses.
In terms of admissions, AP Physics 1 vs AP Physics 1/2 won’t make a huge difference. Where the preparation will come into play is with preparation for college courses. Since you’ve not taken physics before, you might want the better foundation that AP Physics 1/2 can provide.
“In terms of admissions, AP Physics 1 vs AP Physics 1/2 won’t make a huge difference.”
I’m kind of glad to hear that, Ski. In DD’s HS, Physics 1/2 is two periods a day. Fitting that in is difficult, and usually requires giving up the lunch period or coming in early for a “0-Period” (thus not being able to participate in morning ECs).
I should have prefaced that by saying, “Assuming the balance of the schedule is sufficiently rigorous.” And my motto has always been, “Giving up lunch is not an option.”