I’m looking to take a Physics class for this summer at a local state school. This year I took AP Calc AB and am planning to take one of the AP Physics courses next year (not sure which yet). For my application, would it look better if I took the Intro to Physics or the Calc Based Physics? The Intro is 100 level and the Calc based class is 200 level. I was fairly confident with calc this year, and the AP calc class I took covered all the prerequisite concepts required for the physics based calc class. Each class lasts for 5 weeks, and during those weeks I’m planning to devote as much time as possible to the class. Thank you in advance!
An AP physics course would be unnecessary duplication for a college physics course.
In terms of topics covered,
first semester college physics for biology majors (non-calculus) ≈ AP physics 1
first semester calculus-based physics for physics and engineering majors ≈ AP physics C mechanics
However, the college courses may cover the material in greater depth and rigor than the high school AP courses (particularly for calculus-based E&M which often uses multivariable calculus that AP physics C E&M does not). Some colleges do use some calculus in their physics courses for biology majors, and some colleges may cover additional topics besides mechanics in their first semester calculus-based physics for physics and engineering majors.
College physics courses often do assume that the student has had high school physics previously; it may be harder to take a college physics course with no previous high school physics.
Our school requires intro physics (honors) as a pre-requisite to AP physics C. Based on that I’d recommend the intro class.
If you’re doing it just to make your application look better, consider doing something you enjoy or working/interning/volunteering instead.
Why would you take the summer classes if you are planning to take AP Physics next year? I’d seek out something more valuable to do with your time.