Which AP Physics?

Test Preparation AP Sciences
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1

Hey guys, I’m currently a rising senior planning to apply to college in an engineering field. However, I have no background in Physics yet.

My school does not offer any AP physics course, but it does offer an honors physics course that I will be taking this year. So I’ve decided to self-study one of the AP physics; I self-studied AP Chemistry and know I got at least a 4 on the exam so I think I’ll be able to keep up with an AP physics.

The question is, though, which one should I study? I have heard that one of the AP physics C is the best prep for engineering, but will it be too difficult with no prior physics knowlege? I also have yet to learn Calculus but I will be taking BC next year.

I plan to start studying over summer, but will Physics C simply be too difficult? I’m willing to put in the work necessary

Thanks for any advice :slight_smile:

2

If you’ve no prior knowledge of calculus, then the best class for you to take/study for would be the AP Physics 1/2 series, which are primarily algebra-based.

The AP Physics C series is meant to be taken concurrently with a Calculus series (if you’ve not taken it yet). Since you are not taking any calculus until next year, I would not recommend trying to take the Physics C AP test.

3

I agree. I took physics 1 this year with no calculus as my first physics class. I wouldn’t say it was very hard, but there was plenty of material to be covered, especially since we had to start with the extreme basics (vectors, velocity etc).