Should I take both Physics C?

Yes, you should take both AP Physics C courses (Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism) if you're serious about STEM (Engineering, Physics, etc.) as they offer substantial college credit and better prepare you for university-level physics than AP Physics 1/2, but be prepared for a heavy calculus-based workload, ideally taking them after or with AP Calculus. Taking both in one year is common and manageable for strong students, but taking them sequentially (Mechanics first, then E&M) is also a good strategy if you need to focus.

Do you need Physics 1 and 2 for Physics C?

There are no formal prerequisites for the class, but before taking AP Physics C: Mechanics, students should be prepared for college-level calculus-based work and must at minimum have taken or be concurrently taking calculus.

Should I take both AP Physics C exams?

Short answer: Rarely necessary -- take both only if you have the math background, the time, and a clear academic or college-credit benefit. Otherwise choose the one that best matches your skills and goals.

What is the difference between AP Physics C and 1 and 2?

AP Physics 1 is an introductory physics class that requires students be proficient in geometry and Algebra II. In comparison, AP Physics 2 builds upon pre-calculus concepts. Both AP Physics C courses are more advanced and, fittingly, require students to have a more specialized background in calculus.

Are there two Physics C exams?

The AP Physics C exam is broken down into two separate, 90-minute tests: AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism.

Episode 27 - Should You Take AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C?

Is Physics C the hardest AP?

Yes, AP Physics C is widely considered one of the hardest APs, especially AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism (E&M), because it combines advanced physics concepts with calculus (derivatives and integrals), making it significantly more demanding than algebra-based Physics 1 & 2 and often ranking among the toughest AP exams overall due to its depth and mathematical rigor.
 

Is a 50% a 3 on the AP test?

A 50% on an AP exam often translates to a score of 3 (Qualified) or sometimes a 2, but it depends heavily on the subject and the specific year's test difficulty, as scores are curved; 50-60% raw can often land near a 3, especially in harder subjects like STEM, while some exams might require more for a 3. A score of 3 is generally considered passing and may earn college credit. 

Is Physics 2 or physics c harder?

Yes, AP Physics C is generally considered harder than AP Physics 2 because it's calculus-based, offering deeper dives into fewer topics (Mechanics and E&M) with higher mathematical rigor, while Physics 2 covers broader, conceptual topics (fluids, thermo, optics, etc.) with algebra, making it less mathematically intensive but still challenging. Physics C is best for strong math/physics students wanting calculus application and better college credit, while Physics 2 suits those needing broader concepts or lacking calculus. 

Do colleges like AP Physics C?

If a student is applying as a physics or engineering major, I want them taking as much physics in high school as possible, ideally, AP Physics 1 and 2, or even better, AP Physics C. These higher level physics classes are the best preparation for engineering programs.

Is AP Physics C-1 and 2 combined?

AP Physics C covers similar topics to AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2, but it uses Calculus to explain them, rather than Algebra. There are actually two AP Physics C courses—AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism—but they are usually taught together during one school year.

What is the #1 hardest AP class?

While it varies by student, AP Physics 1 is frequently cited as the #1 hardest AP class due to low pass rates, complex algebra-based concepts, and intensive lab work, with other top contenders for difficulty including AP U.S. History, AP Environmental Science, and AP English Language. The difficulty often comes from content overload, conceptual depth, and demands for hands-on application, making it challenging for many students to score high. 

Why are there two AP Physics C?

Depending on their math level, students can now take AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C: Mechanics their junior year. Both courses allow students to move on to AP Physics C: E&M their senior year. This change was implemented out of concerns for curriculum pacing and students' own mathematical needs.

Can you take AP Physics C without taking Physics 2?

Because of this, AP Physics C is highly recommended to be at least a second-year physics course. So while you don't have to take Physics 1 or Physics 2 before you take Physics C, taking one (or both!) introductory physics courses is recommended. You can read a full description of Physics C at the AP website.

Do med schools want Physics 2?

Physics: We recommend that medical school students take Physics 1 and 2. Biochemistry: Biochemistry is crucial for successfully taking the MCAT as it takes up about 25% of the topics on the exam.

Is AP Physics C double period?

AP Physics C – Physics C Mechanics + Electricity and Magnetism. This is a double period course.

Is AP Physics C hardest AP?

Yes, AP Physics C is widely considered one of the hardest APs, especially AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism (E&M), because it combines advanced physics concepts with calculus (derivatives and integrals), making it significantly more demanding than algebra-based Physics 1 & 2 and often ranking among the toughest AP exams overall due to its depth and mathematical rigor.
 

What is a 75% in AP?

A 75 on an AP exam is usually a scaled score of 2, meaning "Possibly Qualified," though sometimes it might be a low 3 on a harder test, representing a score of 50-75 on the composite scale, while a 75% raw score (75/100) is often enough for a high 3 or even a 4, depending on the exam's difficulty and subject curve. The final score (1-5) depends on a scaled conversion, not a direct percentage, with a 75 composite score often falling into the "2" range (50-75), but a good raw score can get you higher.
 

How hard is it to get an A* in physics A level?

Is it hard to get A* in A-Level Physics? Yes, achieving an A* in any subject is meant to be challenging. For Physics, it demands excellent memory recall skills and for students to have applied learnt concepts to a variety of questions before stepping into the exam hall.

Is a 4 on AP Physics C good?

What is considered a “high score” for the AP Physics C: E & M exam? Scores of 3, 4, or 5 are considered acceptable scores. According to the College Board, “a 3 is 'qualified,' a 4 'well qualified,' and a 5 — the highest score, is 'extremely well qualified.”

What is the hardest physics class in college?

The hardest college physics class varies, but common contenders are Quantum Mechanics/Physics (abstract, math-heavy), Electromagnetic Theory/Electrodynamics (complex math, fields), and advanced Classical Mechanics (Lagrangian/Hamiltonian, rigid bodies), with some citing Quantum Field Theory (QFT) or specialized theoretical courses as the ultimate challenge due to conceptual depth and advanced mathematics. The difficulty often depends on a student's math background and professor, but these advanced topics demand significant critical thinking beyond introductory physics. 

Why is Physics 2 so hard?

The level of difficulty of AP Physics 2 can be attributed to five key factors: conceptual understanding, mathematical aptitude, problem-solving skills, students' background and knowledge, and quality of instruction.

Does UCLA accept 3 on AP?

Credit from Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

UCLA awards college credit for AP exams with scores of three or higher. The specific credit you receive depends on the college/school your major belongs to: AP Credit for the The College.

Is 9 aps enough for the Ivy League?

Nine APs can be strong for an Ivy League application, but it's not a magic number; admissions focus on taking the most rigorous courses available at your school, so 9 is competitive if it represents maximizing your opportunities alongside excellent grades, scores, and extracurriculars, while many successful applicants take 10-14+ APs, often in core subjects. Quality, balance, and demonstration of intellectual curiosity matter more than just quantity. 

What is a 75% on an AP exam?

A 75 on an AP exam is usually a scaled score of 2, meaning "Possibly Qualified," though sometimes it might be a low 3 on a harder test, representing a score of 50-75 on the composite scale, while a 75% raw score (75/100) is often enough for a high 3 or even a 4, depending on the exam's difficulty and subject curve. The final score (1-5) depends on a scaled conversion, not a direct percentage, with a 75 composite score often falling into the "2" range (50-75), but a good raw score can get you higher.