Achieving a Good Grade in an AP Physics Test with Self-Study

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Self-studying for the AP Physics test is feasible, especially for motivated students with a solid foundation in honors physics. Success hinges on the willingness to work hard and the ability to cover a broad range of topics quickly, as AP Physics B encompasses general knowledge across various subjects. Time management is crucial; starting preparation too close to the test date may not allow sufficient study. Investing in quality resources, such as textbooks and reputable study guides like Barron's or Princeton Review, is essential. Completing all exercises in these materials can significantly enhance understanding and retention. Personal experiences indicate that with discipline and a strong grasp of the material, achieving a high score is attainable through self-study.
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Is it possible to get a good grade in AP Physics test through self studying?

with only based on honors physics class...
 
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If youre willing to work hard. AP Physics B tests general knowledge of a wide range of subjects, so you might have to go faster than your honors physics class. What are you up to now?
 
There are some things to consider. If you take the AP test this May, that doesn't leave you nearly enough time to prepare, in my opinion. Although I took AP Physics C, I don't know much about the B test. And if you spend $80 on the test, you better be sure an appropriate lower score can get you any credit at the universities you're thinking of attending.
 
everything is possible. Hey, I self studied chem AP and computer science AB when I was in high school. If you focus on physics, you can do it!

(make sure to get some books though... get a barons, princeton review or something like that for self-studying... do every problem in the exercise, and you shall be fine)
 
I self-studied both AP Physics C tests (mechanics + E&M) and a couple more AP's also...and I did get 5's on them, so it's possible. It depends on how comfortable you already feel with the material, how disciplined with the self-studying you are, and how much experience you have with self-study.

Make sure you get a good physics textbook, but also, get a really good set of AP physics study guides (especially the Barron's)
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...
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