Schools Majoring in Petroleum Engineering, No Physics in High School

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Attending Texas A&M University to major in petroleum engineering raises concerns about a lack of AP physics background. Despite excelling in Physics PAP, there is a feeling of inadequate preparation. The discussion emphasizes that prior AP courses are not strictly necessary for success in college physics. Participants share personal experiences of entering university without advanced physics or calculus, yet still thriving in their programs. The consensus is that dedication to learning physics over the summer can effectively bridge knowledge gaps, and the primary focus should be on adapting to college-level coursework rather than stressing over high school prerequisites.
Fullmetalx
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I am attending TAMU this fall hoping to major in petroleum engineering. The problem is though that I never took AP physics B or C in high school. I did take Physics PAP junior year and received an excellent grade, but I still feel like I didn't learn a thing in the class.

This senior year I did take Calc AB/BC and Chem AP and feel like I did learn quite a bit in each class. I'm just worried that my lack of physics exposure will really set me back. This summer I want to dedicate myself in learning physics. Does anyone have any advice or recommendations on how to prepare for college physics?
 
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As long as you get into college/university you'll be fine. When I was in high school the highest level of math I took was Algebra 1 and I never had a physics class. I'm attending university right now as a physics major and, while I have to take some lower level math classes before I can get into calc, I'm still in school for physics. You don't *have* to have AP physics or an excellent score in this or that. Ultimately, all that matters is that you get into school and do what you have to do.
 
I agree with Eleknar. I'll be starting my junior year of physics in the fall. I didn't have calculus in high school and only took one semester of physics (no AP or honors at my hs). You have nothing to worry about.
 
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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