<p>So I'm currently taking AP Physics 1 at my HS, where it's a year-long class. It's extremely easy, so I was thinking about transferring into AP Physics 2 second semester. Unfortunately, neither the teachers nor I know how reasonable this is since the classes are new.
So here's what I'm thinking:
1: Self-study the second part of Physics 1 and first part of Physics 2 and transfer into Physics 2 for the second semester.
2: Stay in Physics 1 for the year and take Physics 2 next year.
3: Stay in Physics 1 and self-study/independent-study (school doesn't offer the course) Physics C next year (I'll have completed Calc BC by the end of this year)
Thoughts?</p>
<p>It won’t be much harder in AP physics 2 material wise. It will be harder because you will be catching up on all of the first semester information while learning the new stuff and while learning the second half of Physics 1. I wouldn’t do this because it would be a pain.</p>
<p>You shouldn’t have enrolled in physics 1 if you were planning on taking physics C next year, but right now I think 3 is your best option. AP physics 1 and 2 should only be taken by pre-med students and the few other paths that would require algebra based physics. If you plan on going into engineering, physics, chemistry, and the like then AP physics 1 and 2 are a waste of time.</p>
<p>You might want to try self studying for the physics 2 test and just take it no matter where you get to in your self studying. It will give you at least a little prep for Physics C and you might pass and get the college credit.</p>
<p>I think switching classes would be a pain because you would be self studying parts of two AP exams. I would just stay in 1, self study 2 but not crazy seriously because it doesn’t really matter, then actually rigorously study AP physics C.</p>
<p>3 is best, 2 isn’t very good, 1 sounds like a horrible idea.</p>
<p>Yeah first-year physics is a grad requirement, so I was essentially forced to take AP Physics 1. In fact, I don’t know for sure (although I think I could get administration to agree) if I can substitute AP Physics 2 for Physics 1 for graduation requirement purposes.
What you say sounds like a good idea. It does seem like the easiest option to execute and the best choice overall.</p>