Two of the classes I am taking are AP Calculus AB and AP Physics 1. I’m very interested in calculus and physics, and would like to take the Calculus BC and Physics C Mechanics test at the end of the year. Do people also usually sign up for AP Calculus AB and AP Physics 1 in similar circumstances?
You cannot take the Calc AB and BC exams in the same year, as they share some of their questions (taking the BC exam will give you an AB subscore.) If you are a Junior or below, I would recommend taking BC before taking the AP test for it (there’s no need to take the AB test if you’ll take the BC test,) as there’s about 2x the content (= 2 vs. 1 college classes.)
I would strongly not recommend taking the Physics C Mechanics test until you have taken the class, as Physics C is far, far harder than Physics I. Furthermore, Physics I is part of a 2-year sequence, while Physics C (both courses) cover a similar amount of content in 1/2 the time.
But it is allowed to take both AP Physics 1 and AP Physics C, correct?
Correct
Yes, students taking Calc AB and Physics 1 courses typically sign up for the Calc AB and Physics 1 AP tests. Nearly universally, I suspect.
The OP was asking if students taking the BC and C:Mech exams whilst in AB and Physics 1 classes take all 4 exams. As noted above, a student is prohibited from taking. both the AB and BC exams in the same year. As for taking both the AP Physics 1 and C:Mech exams, I am sure some do. Personally seems like a waste of $100 if you feel you can ace the C exam since it’s the rare college that gives credit for both. And since 60% fail the Physics 1 exam, it would be disappointing to get a 5 on one exam and a 2 on the other. ?