Programs Prospective Physics major; taking AP Physics B

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Supplementing AP Physics B with additional study is advisable for students planning to major in physics, especially when the course lacks a calculus component. Since AP Physics B focuses on algebra and trigonometry, using a calculus-based physics textbook like Halliday or Giancoli can provide a deeper understanding of concepts relevant to physics C. This approach allows students to bridge the gap between their current coursework and the more advanced topics they will encounter in college. Self-studying physics C material is also recommended, as it can enhance preparedness for college-level physics and potentially allow students to take the AP Physics C exam. It's important to note that AP Physics B may not count towards a physics degree due to its non-calculus basis, making supplemental study even more critical for a solid foundation in the subject.
DrStrangelove
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Hey PF, I'm in my senior year of high school and I'm taking AP Physics B this year as my school does not offer AP Physics C, and I'm wondering if I should supplement with extra studying as I plan on majoring in physics. I took calculus AB (equivalent of first semester calculus) last year and I'm taking BC this year (it covers first year differential and integral calculus of a single variable along with taylor/maclaurin series). AP Physics B is purely algebra and trigonometry based, and the book we are using is Serway/Faughn College Physics which is of course the algebra and trig version of the book. I wish I could have taken physics C as it uses calculus, but sadly that's not offered at my school. I will review the single variable calculus material at the end of the year (with something like Calculus by Spivak) and then I plan on starting multivariable calculus as a freshman in college if the college allows this. So, what should I supplement my physics B material with in order to learn more physics and get an upper hand in my first year of college? Work with a calculus based physics book like Halliday or Giancoli along with the Serway/Faughn? Thanks in advance!
 
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If you understand calculus and understand kinematics when you do it physics B just self study the physics C material and take the C test along with the B. Most likely Physics B won't count towards your physics degree because it is not calculus based.
 
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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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