Physics Testing
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Physics Testing |
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SAT II and Advanced Placement B and C |
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Physics Home Page Physics Class Physics Testing Math Preparation Rocket Class Math Sheets |
The three options for high school physics testing are SAT II Physics, Advanced Placement Physics B, and Advanced Placement Physics C. These are very different tests and require different kinds of preparation. Which test is most appropriate depends on the student's grade (junior or senior), preparation, and future plans. SAT II PhysicsThe SAT II test does a great job of discerning how well students know the material at an intuitive level. This is best for a junior who would like to show high SAT scores when applying to colleges. No college credits are awarded for the SAT II, but some colleges may exempt a student from certain courses dependent on SAT II scores. The SAT II questions have a very different look and feel than Saxon. To prepare students I sprinkle sample questions from the SAT II in the quizzes starting partway through the course. I also give a practice test towards the end of the course. I recommend that students purchase an SAT II study book and work on this on their own as well. Past experience has shown a close correlation between a student's grade in my class and his or her SAT II score. Students who do A or A+ work in my class can (with work) achieve SAT II scores in the 700s.
Advanced Placement Physics BThis is a very difficult non-calculus based physics test. There is a big premium on creative and insightful application of the concepts to unfamiliar problems. This test is of value to a non-science major, as it may both give college credit and exempt the student from taking a required college science course. This test is of little value for a science or engineering major, as those programs expect a solid non-calculus based physics course in high school anyway. The Advanced Placement Physics B questions have a very different look and feel than either Saxon or the SAT II. Students have told me that the "special problems" I give as part of the homework are excellent prepartation for this, but that they must also purchase the Advanced Placement Physics B study book and do practice tests on their own.
Advanced Placement Physics CThis course requires a calculus-based physics course and is appropriate for students who are planning on a science or engineering major. Generally students who take this test must take physics twice in high school. The first time might be as a junior without calculus, the second time would be as a senior with calculus. Thus a student who takes this will usually be a senior. A high score may both exempt the student from freshman physics and allow college credit as well (this is up to the college).
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