<p>Hello, CCers! </p>
<p>I am currently facing the dilemma of whether or not to enroll in AP Physics C- Mechanics next year as a senior. If anyone has experience with the course, their advice and/or insight would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>I do already have one year of Honors-level Physics and a year of AP Calc AB under my belt, and I would be taking AP Physics concurrently with the next level of Calc next year. However, I have always considered myself a humanities person, and the only AP science that I have experience with is Bio, which is not really comparable at all. Additionally, I will be juggling several other AP courses next year, as well as applying to colleges.</p>
<p>How much time do you devote to AP Physics? (And do you consider yourself a math-minded student?) How does it compare in difficulty to other APs you've taken? What is a lab like? Do you regret taking the class, or do you enjoy it? Feel free to add whatever you can!</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for your help! My school has never offered the course before, so it has been very difficult to get feedback.</p>
<p>If you enjoy math mechanics is definitely going to be one of the most interesting courses you’ve ever taken.</p>
<p>Prepare to get your butt kicked. It is definitely the hardest AP class I’ve taken.</p>
<p>Thank you! (belatedly!)</p>
<p>I am still undecided and would appreciate additional input.</p>
<p>Hm, I know several people who consider themselves humanities people but have nevertheless scored 5s with ease on the exam. I think it really depends on your teacher; if you learn how to properly go about solving the problems, and with a solid understanding of the reasoning behind your methods, then it becomes really easy and everything falls neatly into place.</p>
<p>It’s good that you’ve already taken calc - it actually plays a pretty big role and will help with understanding concepts, even if your teacher won’t go into details (I ended up using Barron’s to supplement and learn the “calc way” of solving problems because my teacher didn’t go into detail in that respect).</p>
<p>I would definitely consider myself physics-minded, but you should really take the test! If you prepare a little every week throughout the whole year you’ll know everything you’ll need for the test. Personally, I found the test to be easier than I expected, but that was probably only because I review all the released Q&A from the past 8 years or so, and did MC practice that turned out to be much more difficult than the real thing. Again, this is subjective experience, but it will be a valuable asset to your applications and may even give you some well-deserved credits if you score high enough.</p>
<p>I should start by saying that physics and I are incompatible. Completely.</p>
<p>As for my preparation before taking the course, I had taken Calc BC, which was a struggle for me, but I ended up with an A and a 4. I had had no previous AP sciences, just Honors/Advanced Bio and Chem. I hadn’t taken science for a year.
Concurrently, I’m taking three AP classes, as well as, during the first semester, two college classes. Along with the norms, applying to college, ECs (15 hours-ish a week total).</p>
<p>I don’t consider myself a math minded person. Most of my math grades have been B’s. Physics C, is, by far, the hardest course I’ve taken, though E&M is harder than Mech. Labs, however, are quite easy. Despite failing almost every test (not CC failing, actual, below 60% failing), I really do enjoy the course. Admittedly, it’s mostly on account of the people, but I feel like I’ve learned (and actually understand) a lot of useful concepts.</p>