Which is harder AP Physics 1 or AP Chem?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

I am in AP Physics 1 right now and I was wondering if it is easier or harder than AP Chem?

2

What math classes have you taken? Why do you ask? There are many people here willing to help you, but they will want to know your background.

3

Physics 1 is level 1 in the Physics sequence. It requires no prior knowledge of the subject.
AP Chem is level 2 in the Chemistry sequence and requires strong mastery of the Chem Honors material.
So, for a student enrolled in Precalculus in 11th grade alongside AP PHysics 1, AP Physics would be easier. For a student with a 95%+ in Honors Chemistry AP Chem may seem ok, but generally speaking AP Chem is considered one of the hardest AP’s.

4

I’m in Precalculus right now.

5

I am a sophomore and I was wondering if I should take AP Chem senior year and take regular chemistry next year.

6

You should have one each of bio, chem, and physics. Then, you should have one more science. Depending on the competitiveness of the colleges you’re aiming for and the major you’re thinking of, there would be different choices and combinations.

7

I want to go to go to Ohio State University-Main Campus and major in Computer Science and Engineering.

8

Then the most important is for you to go as far as you can with Physics and Calculus.
So, you need to take AP Physics 1 and, if possible, AP Physics C, as well as calculus AB/BC.

9

Does taking AP Chem help?

10

It’s not as important as Physics. Chemistry matters for Engineering but Physics and Math are foundational. You can’t be an engineer if you don’t master Physics.

11

Should I take AP Physics C Mechanics if I got a C+ in the first semester of AP Physics 1 and I’m going to be taking AP Calculus AB next year?

12

No. AP physics 1 is supposed to be easier than AP physics C. However it also doesn’t bode well for a technical degree UNLESS you mean ‘engineering technology’ - lots of good pograms in that.

13

I want to take AP Environmental Science next year but I haven’t taken regular chemistry yet and I was wondering if I should take it over the summer. I am also worried if taking AP Environmental Science will look bad because the class is considered a joke.

14

The class isn’t considered a joke except by uppity people who aren’t adcoms. Is it less rigorous than AP chem? Yes. Is it easy? No. Is it harder than most regular science electives? Absolutely. It’s a fine choice.
Do take regular chemistry over the summer before you take APES because basic familiarity with chem is expected.