AP Physics 2 without AP Physics 1?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of a high school senior self-studying AP Physics 1 concepts over the summer in order to take AP Physics 2, given that AP Physics 1 is a prerequisite typically taken in the junior year. Participants explore the challenges and alternatives related to this situation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong belief that self-studying AP Physics 1 over the summer is a "terrible idea," citing time constraints and the difficulty of the material.
  • Another participant suggests exploring other physics courses available in the fall as an alternative.
  • A different viewpoint encourages the original poster to consider talking to the teacher about the possibility of entering AP Physics 1, emphasizing the importance of foundational knowledge for AP Physics 2.
  • One participant simply suggests that the original poster should take AP Physics 1 as a senior instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the feasibility of self-studying AP Physics 1. Some express skepticism about the original poster's plan, while others suggest alternative pathways without reaching a consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

There are concerns about the time available for self-study and the potential difficulty of mastering the material independently before taking AP Physics 2. The discussion does not resolve whether self-study is a viable option.

Who May Find This Useful

High school students considering advanced physics courses, educators advising students on course selections, and individuals interested in self-study strategies for complex subjects.

Emiliano Carrillo
Hey, all!

My situation is as follows: I'm an upcoming senior in high school and in the middle of my junior year I developed an interest in physics. However, at my school, AP Physics 1 is taken junior year and AP Physics 2 is taken senior year. I didn't take AP 1 because I was indifferent to physics at the time, but I now am interested in taking physics. Only AP 2 is open to seniors, so this puts me in a tough spot.

My idea is that if I could successfully self study AP 1 concepts over the summer and do a variety of practice problems, I could succeed in AP 2 next year. My question is: would this be a feasible option? I think so, but many people at my school struggled greatly in AP 1, so to tackle it on my own over a summer is a bit intimidating. I'd like to get some outsider perspective, though.

Thank you!
 
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This sounds like a terrible idea. Given that the summer is already half gone, that makes it sound even more terrible.
 
Are any other physics courses open to you this fall?
 
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Likes   Reactions: Emiliano Carrillo
Hmm, I'll find a more rational step to take, maybe different courses. Thanks again.
 
Have you tried talking to the teacher? Are they even willing to let you into the course if you can pass a practice exam or something? It's very unlikely you'd be able to teach it to yourself in such a small amount of time, and you absolutely need to know that material before starting AP physics 2. They build on each other. You'd be better off trying to get into AP physics 1 instead with the juniors.
 

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