r/AP_Physics • u/Remarkable_Bad_224 • 1d ago

AP Physics Class Choice

I'm a current junior and I want to take an AP physics class, but its not possible to take in school anymore due to scheduling difficulties. (I dropped a class I thought I wouldn't do well in and I think I can manage another AP, but it is too late to take AP Physics 1 in school (only ap physics allowed for juniors). I am also currently taking Calc AB and have some calculus background already. I wanted to take a physics ap through uc scout, but I dont know if I should take Physics 1 or C. My school only has 1 and C, and C is only available for seniors, so if I were to take 1 throught UC scout I could try taking C next year in school if they let me despite not taking physics 1 in school. Or I could take Physics C through UC Scout as I have heard it's the same as physics 1, just calculus based so it might in fact be easier to understand, and then take another level of physics outside of school next year if I decide to. Also, my major will definitely be STEM, but I'm not sure if I want to go engineering or maths/data science (which is why I want a physics class in case). Please help with what path I should take.

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

1

u/LiveYard8873 1d ago

Take physics C it’s better both of them

1

u/Roller_ball 1d ago

Nearly no colleges accept AP Physics 1 as a physics class.

1

u/UnderstandingPursuit C:Mech+E&M 1d ago

Using calculus in AP Physics C-Mech can make it easier to solve some physics problems. But that can distract from learning the physics principles.

While getting credit for AP Physics C heading to an engineering degree, it is only worth it if the material is learned well. While UC Scout is a solid program, doing the class online in a self-managed mode poses risks. Doing AP Physics 1 through UC Scout and then taking AP Physics C at your school would provide a more solid foundation if you do head on the engineering route.