Should I Use My AP Physics Credits to Skip Introductory Classes in College?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether a student should use AP Physics credits to skip introductory physics classes in college, particularly when majoring in Physics and aiming for graduate studies. The scope includes considerations of educational value, financial implications, and course structure.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the decision to skip introductory classes depends on the quality of the high school AP classes, implying that AP tests may not fully reflect preparedness.
  • Another participant argues against using AP credits for Physics B, stating that Physics C does not encompass all material covered in introductory courses, and emphasizes the potential benefits of retaking these courses.
  • Concerns are raised about the logistics of course offerings and the importance of continuous engagement with physics courses throughout the college years.
  • A participant references a previous discussion that highlighted a divide in opinions, with some asserting that introductory classes are unnecessary while others believe they provide valuable foundational knowledge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and value of introductory physics classes, indicating that there is no consensus on whether to skip these classes based on AP credits.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors that could influence the decision, such as the quality of prior education, course availability, and the financial implications of retaking classes, but these factors remain unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering the use of AP credits for college physics courses, particularly those majoring in Physics or related fields, may find this discussion relevant.

fissicky
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AP Physics and college major...

Hi, I need to know something about college...

Assume I score 5s on both the AP Physics B and C test, and in college I want to major in Physics and go on to grad school for some area in Physics. I plan to take Honors Physics BTW.

Is it recommended that I use the college credit gained from the B and C test to skip many of the introductory classes in college? If not, how about just skipping the classes whose credit was gained from the B test, since C is like a repetition of B except more in depth with calculus? I.e., I should take the classes that Physics C WOULD have skipped.

If it really matters that I get a college re-education in those introductory levels of Physics, then OK I'll just take the AP Physics credits off. But if it really doesn't matter that much, I won't take them again because I'm not exactly rich, and 3-6 classes gone saves quite a bit of money.

Thanks a lot, PF.
 
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It really depends on how good your high school classes were. AP tests really don't mean anything.
 


Skip the credit you would get for B physics majors don't take those anyway. Physics C does not cover all the matrial of an introductory course, even with both parts of (I and II). Most students pricing is not on a per couse or per unit basis, it is quite possible that retaking physics would not cost more, though it may stop you from taking substitution courses. You would no doubt benifit from retaking them, how much is hard to say. As a physics major you should take physics each term (maybe more than one). Introductory courses very from one to two years, and due to logistics all parts are not offered each term. If the course does not start until later in the fist year, then placing into the second year would keep you from being physics idle most of the year and really open up your schedule. This would likely not work with honors as most honors classes start at the beginning of the first year and are morse difficult to join in progress. You may also be able to place into some elective or sequel course. Also be sure to learn as much math as you can as soon as possible.
 

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