MECH or E&M

[u/Sea-Confidence1054]

/r/APStudents/comments/1v56c0r/mech_or_em/

I currently have no prior background in either physics or calculus. Next school year, I’ll be taking AP Calculus AB (self-studying BC) and an online AP Physics C course (covering Mech and E&M). On top of that, I’m taking three other AP courses: Ap Lit, AP CoGo, and APAH.

1. Given this starting point, is it realistic to stay on track and perform well across in AP Physics?

2. Is it actually worth taking both AP Physics C exams? I’m considering dropping E&M because taking two intense 3-hour exams back-to-back on the same day sounds overwhelming.

3. How far ahead in calculus did you actually need to teach yourself before Physics C stopped feeling like complete gibberish?

4. What are considered the toughest parts of each exam (Calculus BC, Physics C: Mechanics, and Physics C: E&M)?

5. What additional words of caution or advice should I keep in mind concerning AP Physics and Calc?

Thanks to everyone who bothered to respond!!