<p>Hi, I'm a prospective UMD applicant who's considering majoring in physics. I'm taking Physics C Mechanics next year, and I was wondering what course I would start out in at UMD if I got a 4/5 on the AP exam. Since the site lists that a 4/5 gives you credit for PHYS 171, I'm guessing I could skip it and go to PHYS 272, but I'm not sure if it's advised or not since the physics site itself doesn't list anything about AP credit. So, if anyone knows how the AP credit system works for the physics major, I'd be eternally grateful. Thanks.</p>
<p>If you are taking Physics C, then I assume you are taking or have already taken Calc BC?? I came to UMD with credit for AP physics C. This semester I am taking 270/71. This is how the Physics credit appears on my transcript:</p>
<p>PHYSICS C-ELM/SCR 5 P 4.00 PHYS260 XP, PHYS261 X
PHYSICS C-MECH/SCR 5 P 4.00 PHYS141 PL</p>
<p>The key here is a “5” on the Exam. IF you don’t score a 5, then you missed something and moving on could be a problem. Best of luck,</p>
<p>You are fine skipping Physics 1&2 (the ones you mentioned). You only need a 4 to get credit on either test.</p>
<p>However, Calc 3 is a prerequisite to Physics III (270/271), so you wont be taking a physics course until second semester</p>
<p>So, if I get a 5 on the Mechanics Exam (my class next year doesn’t cover E&M), would I be able to place out of Introductory Physics: Mechanics (171) (instead of placing out of General Physics 161) and go on to Introductory Physics: Fields (272)? </p>
<p>And, yes, I took Calc BC last year.</p>
<p>That is correct.</p>
<p>I just have one quick, related question. I got a 4 on both Mechanics and E&M this Spring (I’m an incoming freshman). I am going to retake E&M (PHYS260, PHYS261) but I am probably going to take the credit I got with Mechanics (PHYS161). I feel that I understand mechanics pretty well, but I definitely need to retake E&M. I’m going to be taking a physics lab this Fall though (PHYS174). What do you think? plumazul said without a “5”, it may be a problem not retaking the class, but I’m pretty confident in my abilities in Mechanics despite my AP score. What do you guys think? I’m a bioengineering major, in the ILS Honors program (an extra 3/4 credit biology class for the first 4 semesters), and I’m interested in pre-med. Thanks for the advice!</p>
<p>You’ll be fine. They wouldn’t accept a 4 for credit if they didnt think that you could handle it.</p>
<p>You might need to review if you run into something that you don’t understand, but overall you should be fine. You will be best served if you introduce yourself to both your prof and your TA early. The contacts you make early in your college years in your major can help you along the entire time you are there. If you don’t fully understand something, it’s really silly not to go to your TA’s office hours for help. Or, connect with someone else in the class who seems to have a good handle on the topic. Good luck!</p>