Should DS self-study for AP Physics I exam after rigorous summer physics course?

[Anonymous]

DS took a rigorous summer Physics course at CTY (residential). He is trying to self-study for the AP Physics 1 exam, but this is one of the harder exams to do well on. DS enjoys math/science and is enjoying learning this material (got an online tutor), but is now questioning whether he can actually score a 4 or 5 on this exam.

I guess for Stanford and MIT you have to report ALL AP scores? DS is a freshman so things could change in a few years. I told him to keep going if he's enjoying it, and that he can just not take the exam this Spring if he decides against it.

Has anyone's child had experience self-studying for the AP Physics 1 exam?

[Anonymous]

Is he planning to take Physics C: Mechanics in the future? If so, don’t bother with the Physics 1 exam.

As you already know, physics 1 is one of the harder courses and exams—it’s because it’s algebra based rather than calculus based. Calculus is the language of physics.

[Anonymous]

Yes, he will probably take Physics C in the future. I was aware that the Physics I exam is hard, but did not understand the reason for it. I am not a science person.

Is there any intellectual value to self-studying for the AP Physics I exam? (Like could it help DS for better conceptural understanding of complex physics topic down the road)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, he will probably take Physics C in the future. I was aware that the Physics I exam is hard, but did not understand the reason for it. I am not a science person.

Is there any intellectual value to self-studying for the AP Physics I exam? (Like could it help DS for better conceptural understanding of complex physics topic down the road)?

Im sure there is some "intellectual value" but your school would know your kid better than DCUM.
Algebra should be easier than Calculus. Physics I "appears" more difficult because 3x the number of students and is some students introduction to Physics. C is for the "serious" students.

[Anonymous]

There’s no point in taking the P1 exam if he is going to take PC-Mech. Many colleges do not award credit for P1. Often if they do, it’s a lower level elective rather than for the 4 credit physics class. PC will get him the 4 credit physics class in college

[Anonymous]

The Physics 1 exam is not harder. The quality of the average student taking it is lower.

[Anonymous]

I agree that there's no point in taking physics 1. Many stem schools/majors won't even give credit for it because students need calculus-based physics. But if he still wants to consider taking it, he can do a practice test and see how much of the material he knows.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is he planning to take Physics C: Mechanics in the future? If so, don’t bother with the Physics 1 exam.

As you already know, physics 1 is one of the harder courses and exams—it’s because it’s algebra based rather than calculus based. Calculus is the language of physics.

I’m confused. Are you saying algebra-based physics is harder than calculus-based physics?

AP Physics 1 is not that hard (as far as core AP sciences go). You don’t need any preliminary physics class to take it and do well.