Letβs get right to it: believe it or not, AP Physics 1 is notΒ *that*Β hard to self-study. You don't have to be Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, or Gustav Kirchhoff to make Physics Fiveable. All you need is hard work and dedication to snag that 5!
Self-studying may seem intimidating. Let's name a couple reasons why:
Self-studying has some perks, though:
The point is that self-studying isn't as daunting as what it seems to be. Knowing the battle you're about to fight, and preparing accordingly, will help you succeed with AP Physics 1, regardless of whether you self-study or take the class π€
Don't be THIS person! I repeat, don't set aside work for way later! Image Courtesy of Reddit.
Now that you're all hyped up and raring to go, where EXACTLY do you go π€
College Board has published a
Course and Exam Description framework for each of its AP classes, including Physics 1.Β Here, you can see how it divides the AP Physics 1 units, how much of the test they comprise, and an overview of the subtopics you are expected to be familiar with under each unit. We recommend looking at the
Course at a Glance section before diving into the specific topics, which is time-consuming.
The AP Physics 2 Course & Exam Description is your best friend when it comes to familiarizing yourself with the curriculum. In fact, you can figure out which units and topics you need to focus on as you prepare.
Use the CED to:
Now that you know what you are doing, you need to know how you are going to do it. Notably, you need resources for two equally important things: content and practice. Letβs talk about acquiring content first. You can achieve this in a multitude of ways.
A textbook is your one-stop-shop for all the content you need for this class.π Check out our recommended list of textbooks and prep books!
Here are a few that are a great source of information and practice questions: π
Khan Academy has great videos over Physics 1. It even has a course dedicated to it, and has some practice questions to go over the videos!
On YouTube, there is a channel called
Flipping Physics that has a playlist of videos going over specific physics concepts.
Individual AP teachers also post PowerPoints and assignments on their classroom websites.
Reddit has awesome communities such as
r/APStudents where you can ask questions and get your questions answered.
Number one rule? Stay organized! Divide your calendar into the 10 units in AP Physics 1.
For reference, here's the weighting of each of the units:
1. Kinematics: 10-16%
2. Dynamics: 12-18%
3. Circular Motion and Gravitation: 4-6%
4. Energy: 16-24%
5. Momentum β 10-16%
6. Simple Harmonic Motion: 2-4%
7. Torque and Rotational Motion: 10-16%
8. Electric Charge and Electric Force: 4-6%
9. DC Circuits: 6-8%
10. Mechanical Waves and Sound: 12-16%
Just by looking at the numbers, you should spend more time with Units 4, 7, and 10 than Units 3, 6, and 9. Laying out the composition of the exam helps to pinpoint what needs to be studied more in-depth.
Physics is inherently a math-based class. You need to practice all aspects of the content. Do as many practice questions as you humanly can. Look over the internet for worksheets from other Physics classes and see if you can solve them.
Besides multiple choice questions or worksheets, be sure to practice FRQs since they constitute 50% of your exam score. Past FRQs with the answer keys are at the bottom at this
webpage.
As you practice, be sure to keep track of the questions you miss. Often, you can identify which units you want to work on by looking at problems you either get wrong or take a long time answering.
With a well-formulated plan and a consistent workflow, you'll be set by the time May comes!
A high AP score is not obtainable with last-minute test prep. It is only possible if you put effort in over the next 9-10 months from the day school starts. It is understandable to lose motivation as the year progresses, but keep in mind that everything will pay off in the finish line. Keep grinding and go get that 5!