AP Physics B Test: Self-Studying and Exam Prep

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of self-studying for the AP Physics B test without taking the official class. Participants share their experiences and opinions on whether self-study is sufficient for success on the exam, as well as suggestions for study materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that self-studying for the AP Physics B test is possible, citing personal experiences of success without formal class instruction.
  • One participant mentions that a significant number of questions can be missed and still achieve a high score, indicating a potentially lenient grading scale.
  • Another participant notes that while AP Physics B covers more material than AP Physics C, the depth of coverage and mathematical rigor is less demanding.
  • A participant shares their experience of passing the exam with minimal preparation, emphasizing that basic class attendance and homework were sufficient for them.
  • There is a suggestion that a score of around 60% may be sufficient for a high score on the AP Physics B exam, similar to the grading for Physics C.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that self-studying for the AP Physics B test is feasible, but there are varying opinions on the level of preparation required and the effectiveness of different study methods.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference their own experiences with the exam and the material, which may not fully represent the current structure or expectations of the AP Physics B test.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering self-study for the AP Physics B exam, educators looking for insights on student preparation, and individuals interested in alternative study methods for AP courses.

logickills
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Currently I am enrolled in a regular physics class because their was only one AP Physics B class period and it affected my Latin II course. So I took Physics at a votech where I am also taking an engineering class.

My question to all you physics pros is do you think I could self study and take the AP Physics B test? Or is it too much without the class?

If you do think I should give it a shot do you have an suggestions for way/websites/ebooks/textbooks I could learn from .

Thank You
 
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logickills said:
Currently I am enrolled in a regular physics class because their was only one AP Physics B class period and it affected my Latin II course. So I took Physics at a votech where I am also taking an engineering class.

My question to all you physics pros is do you think I could self study and take the AP Physics B test? Or is it too much without the class?

If you do think I should give it a shot do you have an suggestions for way/websites/ebooks/textbooks I could learn from .

Thank You

Go for it. You can miss a large number of questions and still get a 5. I don't have any recommendations for specific study materials, but it doesn't hurt to give it a shot. I ended up getting college credit for the AP B exam without taking an official AP course or studying much at all (although I had 3 semesters of relevant high school physics).
 
Last edited:
Do it and become my AP Physics B Buddy.

Although I am taking the course...
 
logickills said:
Currently I am enrolled in a regular physics class because their was only one AP Physics B class period and it affected my Latin II course. So I took Physics at a votech where I am also taking an engineering class.

My question to all you physics pros is do you think I could self study and take the AP Physics B test? Or is it too much without the class?

If you do think I should give it a shot do you have an suggestions for way/websites/ebooks/textbooks I could learn from .

Thank You

A lot of people self study for AP tests, so it can be done. Even though AP Physics B covers more material than C, the topics are covered without much depth, and the mathematics is definitely watered down (or absent at all).

I didn't personally take the B exam, but I tutored a couple of kids for the test, and it seemed to me like someone can definitely self study for the test, considering the difficulty of the exam and the material covered.
 
I took the normal physics course last year and decided to take the AP exam just for the heck of it. I barely passed with a 3, but it can be done. I didn't do anything special other than listen in class and do the homework assignment. Good luck!
 
Also, a 60% in the AP test (Physics C) is a 5. I'm pretty sure it should be close to that for the B test. So it's certainly do-able.
 

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