how hrd is the ap physics one course

by Emmanuel Goodwin 6 min read

Because AP Physics 1 & 2 are algebra-based courses (no calculus), they aren’t as hard as more advanced AP Physics courses, though most students find it harder than regular high school physics classes. Learn more about AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2 Is AP World History Hard?

AP® Physics will most likely be a very challenging course, but it will also be very rewarding. If you can score high enough, you will be able to save time and money by receiving credit for physics classes while you are still in high school.Mar 1, 2022

Full Answer

How to do well in AP Physics 1?

Mar 14, 2022 · Because AP Physics 1 ranks as one of the most difficult AP courses, prospective students often consider whether taking the course is worth a potential hit to their GPA. Successful AP Physics 1 students traditionally excel in STEM classes and performed well in …

How to pass the AP Physics 1 exam?

Answer (1 of 5): I have taught this course since its inception. This course is substantially more difficult to excel in, get a 5, than not only any other AP course, but I would argue that it is substantially more difficult than most engineering introductory physics …

What are the prerequisites for AP Physics 1?

1 day ago · AP® Physics 1 (NCAA Approved) Grade 9+. CTY-Level. Session-Based. Explore the concepts and methods of physical analysis with a particular focus on classical mechanics and simple electrical circuits. You’ll build and understand the ability to reason qualitatively and quantitatively, with your instructor there as a resource through one-on-one virtual meetings.

What is the best study guide for AP Physics 1?

On the AP exam, don’t expect a ton of calculation based questions. The vast majority of questions will be conceptual and the SAQ’s will mostly be explaining a physics concept or why something happens; the question will probably say explain with words or without using math. If you are good at algebra then you will do well in physics 1.

Is AP Physics 1 the hardest AP?

AP Physics 1 is considered one of the hardest AP classes, covering topics like Newtonian mechanics and electrical charge and force. Students also spend about 25% of their class time performing college-level lab experiments and writing reports.Aug 31, 2021

Is AP Physics 1 Self-Study easy?

Believe it or not, AP Physics 1 is not that hard to self-study. With a plan and motivation, Physics could be Fiveable! Find the 2020 exam schedule, learn tips & tricks, and get your frequently asked questions answered on Fiveable's Guide to the 2020 AP Exam Updates.Dec 17, 2021

Is AP Physics 1 or 2 harder?

Data table: AP classes ranked by difficulty hardest to easiestAP CLASSOur OVERALL ASSESSMENT% 5s (Perfect Score)Physics 2Quite Hard15%Physics 1Very Hard7%ChemistryVery Hard - and hardest to self-study11%Physics C - MechanicsVery Hard - but high pass rate23%24 more rows

Is it worth taking AP Physics 1?

Is AP® Physics 1 Worth It? The short answer is, yes, taking the AP® Physics 1 exam is worth it. There are several ways that you will benefit from taking this exam. Primarily, taking the AP® Physics 1 exam will give you the confidence that you are prepared for the rigors of college level courses.Mar 1, 2022

How do I prepare for the AP Physics 1 exam?

Tips to Prepare for the AP Physics 1 ExamStep 1: Assess Your Skills. ... Step 2: Study the Material. ... Step 3: Practice Multiple-Choice Questions. ... Step 4: Practice Free-Response Questions. ... Step 5: Take Another Practice Test. ... Step 6: Exam Day Specifics.Dec 3, 2016

How do I learn AP Physics 1 by myself?

3:317:52Can You Self Teach AP Physics 1? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInformation you can learn in a one our tutoring session. If you self teach us and especially use theMoreInformation you can learn in a one our tutoring session. If you self teach us and especially use the resources that I'm gonna give you because I'm teaching this course again.

Is Physics 1 harder than physics C?

Both AP Physics C courses are calculus-based, meaning you should have already taken calculus or concurrently be taking calculus while you take either AP Physics C course. This is the main factor that makes Physics C more challenging than Physics 1 and Physics 2.Mar 21, 2020

Can I take AP Physics 1 without taking physics?

Is AP Physics 1 an introductory course that can be taken without taking physics, or should it be taken after completing regular physics? You actually need to be able to solve the Riemann hypothesis and replicate on your own the creation of the Higg's Boson in order to take introductory Physics 1.Aug 4, 2016

Does AP Physics 1 count as a college credit?

AP Physics 1 Score Information Since most colleges who do allow credit for the exam require a score of a 4 or 5, only about 21% of all test takers are likely to earn college credit.Jul 3, 2019

Is Physics 1 hard in college?

Physics 1 is a moderately hard course. Physics 1 is difficult because it is calculus-based, has several perplexing and challenging concepts, and requires a lot of practice to get used to. However, AP physics 1 and other algebra-based versions are slightly easier.Nov 23, 2021

Is AP Physics 1 a lot of work?

For Physics 1, 39.8% of test-takers passed, and 4.6% earned a 5. The scores were significantly better in Physics 2, where 61.4% of test-takers passed and 9.5% earned a 5. The average scores for AP® Physics 1 and AP® Physics 2 in 2016 were 2.33 and 2.89 respectively....AP® Physics 1.20152016320.7%21.2%229.8%30.2%131.0%30.0%2 more rows•Mar 1, 2022

What is the easiest AP class?

Top 10 Easiest AP Classes by Exam Pass RateSpanish Literature. 75.1% 17.6%Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. 74.4% 40.4%Physics 2. 73.3% 14.0%Computer Science Principles. 71.6% 10.9%Psychology. 71.3% 22.4%Computer Science A. 70.4% 25.6%Comparative Government and Politics. 70.2% 24.4%Music Theory.More items...•Aug 31, 2021

When Should You Take AP Physics 1?

Most students take AP Physics 1 during their junior or senior years, enrolling after the completion of standard prerequisites like geometry and alg...

Should I Take AP Physics 1?

Because AP Physics 1 ranks as one of the most difficult AP courses, prospective students often consider whether taking the course is worth a potent...

Is AP Physics 1 worth taking?

For students with an aptitude for math and science, and for those who see college-level physics in their future, tackling the especially rigorous A...

Is AP Chemistry harder than AP Physics 1?

Based on College Board pass rates, AP Physics 1 is more difficult than AP Chemistry. That said, AP Chemistry is not far behind — AP Physics 1 has a...

Do colleges care about AP Physics 1?

When reviewing an applicant's high school transcript, colleges and universities will certainly notice AP Physics 1. Because AP Physics 1 has a repu...

What is AP Physics 1?

AP Physics 1 is meant to test students who are finishing their second year of physics, but most of the topics are well discussed in an introductory level course. And remember, getting a 5 isn't the same as getting an A on a test. It's actually closer to a C-.

Is AP 1 harder than AP C?

AP 1 is much more difficult than AP C Mechanics, and it is not even close. I have taught this course since its inception. This course is substantially more difficult to excel in, get a 5, than not only any other AP course, but I would argue that it is substantially more difficult than most engineering introductory physics courses. ...

What skills do you need to work on?

Skills You need to Work on 1 Practice 2 Practice 3 Practice

What is the minimum score for AP?

Most colleges will require a student to have a minimum score of 3. If you already have a target university, go to the CollegeBoard AP® Credit Policy Search. Key-in your top-3 target universities and see your target score for yourself.

Can you take calculus with physics?

You can concurrently take the calculus with your physics class. A calculus class would first discuss differentiation then integration at a later time. The initial part of AP® Physics C:Mechanics will only demand knowledge in differentiation.

AP Physics 1 (NCAA Approved)

Explore the concepts and methods of physical analysis with a particular focus on classical mechanics and simple electrical circuits. You’ll build and understand the ability to reason qualitatively and quantitatively, with your instructor there as a resource through one-on-one virtual meetings.

Testing and Prerequisites

Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.

Technical Requirements

This course requires a properly maintained computer with high-speed internet access and an up-to-date web browser (such as Chrome or Firefox). The student must be able to communicate with the instructor via email.

About Science and Engineering at CTY

Our Science and Engineering courses bring a variety of science topics to life. By introducing topics not covered in standard science curricula, we build and reinforce your science knowledge.

Newly revised Honors Physics course

Our completely redesigned Honors Physics course features new lessons, conceptual and problem-solving videos, and guiding questions that teach students how to solve each type of problem.

More engaging science enrichment courses!

In the newly revised Inventions in Engineering course, students bring fantasy into reality by creating inventions to solve the problems of favorite fictional characters and the real world alike.

What is AP Physics 1?

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students cultivate their understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts like systems, fields, force interactions, change, conservation, and waves.

What is the understanding by design model?

Based on the Understanding by Design® (Wiggins and McTighe) model, this course framework provides a clear and detailed description of the course requirements necessary for student success. The framework specifies what students must know, be able to do, and understand, with a focus on six big ideas that encompass core principles, theories, and processes of physics. The framework also encourages instruction that prepares students to make connections across domains through a broader way of thinking about the physical world.

What are the easiest AP classes to self study?

The easiest AP classes to self-study are: Computer Science Principles, Psychology and Environmental Science. These are also rated as the easiest and least time-consuming AP classes overall, so you should be OK.

Is physics more time consuming than other classes?

Some reviewers found Physics was relatively less time-consuming than other courses . From my experience, harder physics courses such as the AP exams tend to split classes into two halves: those that “get it” relatively quickly, and those that have to persevere and sweat a bit to figure out what’s going on.

What are the hardest AP classes?

The hardest AP classes to self-study: are Chemistry, and Physics C – Electricity and Magnetism . These are also rated among the hardest and most time-consuming AP exams, so taking these on as self-study is not to be taken lightly – good luck! Whatever you’re studying, wishing you every success in your AP exams!

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Which AP® Physics?

  • Discussing AP® Physics is complicated by the numerous physics courses offered by the CollegeBoard: AP® Physics 1, AP® Physics 2, AP® Physics C: Mechanics, AP® Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. The first distinction in this class is the level of mathematics. The AP® Physics C classes fully incorporate calculus into the curriculum. In addition to using calculus to …
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by The Numbers

  • In any science class, you will use data to justify conclusions, so let’s use that mindset in answering our question: Is AP® Physics Hard? The data below is a compilation of score distributions for AP® Physics 1 & 2 exams since their introduction in 2015. Since there is not much data for this exam, scores for the previous incarnation of these exams from 2011-2014 ha…
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Exam Structure

  • The AP® Physics classes might be tough, but the format of their exams are fairly simple. Both exams have a multiple choice section and a free response section, which each make up 50% of your score. Multiple Choice: 50 Questions, 90 minutes 50% of Score, calculator allowed The multiple choice is mostly standard in format, but the types of information tested will vary greatly …
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Content

  • Physics is concerned with how and why things move. This requires learning the various forces that dictate motion, where these forces come from, and how objects react to these forces. Describing the content of AP® Physics 1 & 2 can be a little trickier. The CollegeBoard has adopted an expansive curriculum that describes the contents of the course very differently than previous …
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Skills Required For AP® Physics

  • Regarding prerequisites, the CollegeBoard states that you can take AP® Physics 1 with no previous physics classes. There are math requirements, so you will need to have taken geometry and algebra II before trying AP® Physics 1. This is technically only a suggestion, but you should consider it an absolute requirement. Going into a physics course with weak math skills is like goi…
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Is AP® Physics Worth It?

  • AP® Physics will most likely be a very challenging course, but it will also be very rewarding. If you can score high enough, you will be able to save time and money by receiving credit for physics classes while you are still in high school. Even if you don’t get credit, taking college-level physics in high school will make your college physics classes much easier. Even though AP® Physics 1&…
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Next Steps

  • Taking AP® Physics is a big decision. If you’re going to do it, make sure to prepare properly. Speak with guidance counselors and physics teachers at your school to verify your school’s policies for admittance to AP® classes. While the CollegeBoard does not have specific requirements for the class or exam, your school might. Be sure you can meet these requirement…
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Getting Insights from Previous Examinees’ Performance

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Before jumping to the statistics, let us first talk about how the exams are rated. Below is the 5-point scale scoring for any AP® exam as mandated by the CollegeBoard: 1. Score of 1: No Recommendation 2. Score of 2: Possibly Qualified 3. Score of 3: Qualified 4. Score of 4: Well Qualified 5. Score of 5: Extremely Well …
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AP® Physics C Exam Coverage

  • The AP® Physics C Development Committee encourages the following core strengths to be imparted to a student: 1. Physics knowledge; 2. Problem solving skills; 3. Fostering of student attributes; and 4. Connecting Physics to other disciplines. The latter two core strengths are intended to equip the student with his or her social responsibility and encourage collaborations …
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Visualizing How The Exam Goes

  • Now let’s imagine that you are taking the exam. There’s no need to differentiate whether you take the Mechanics exam or Electricity and Magnetism exam as both have the same exam structure. Inside the test area, you should have with you No.2 pencils, black or dark blue ink pens, your school photo ID or government issued ID and a four-function, scientific or graphic calculator. Ar…
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Skills You Need to Work on

  • As mentioned earlier in this article, AP® Physics C courses are calculus-based. The calculus used here is basic, and nothing too hard. You can concurrently take the calculus with your physics class. A calculus class would first discuss differentiation then integration at a later time. The initial part of AP® Physics C:Mechanics will only demand knowledge in differentiation. As any p…
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Other Things You Should Consider

  • Aside from the content itself, the difficulty level of your AP® Physics class will depend on other factors. Here, we will cite two. First, consider the concurrent classes you will be taking alongside with your Physics class. Sure, having many AP® classes may look impressive on your record but if your GPA is jeopardized, you may lose opportunities for scholarships and college admissions. A…
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Conclusion

  • If you reach the top of the mountain and know how hard the way was, the feeling on top is awesome and rewarding! That is just how your AP® Physics C class will be. It’s worth all the effort and possible sleepless nights. Regardless of the score you get in AP® Physics C exam, whatever you learn will come handy in college. If your high school physics is strongly founded, your entry-…
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