Is AP physics & AP US history hard?

Question

during my junior year i'll be taking Spanish 4, English, AP US history, AP Physics, and HP Pre-Cal. i just want some opinions about this. Should i take both AP US history and AP physics or only one of them? I heard AP US history is the hardest AP class. I'm scared of the AP exam. I love history, but I'm really bad in remembering dates. I really want to join this class. I also got into AP Physics, but i'm not sure am i going to do good in it. I heard the problems and math is very hard...Which class in harder??
Any thoughts? thanks..

i want a detailed answer. don't waste your time spaming or writing yes or no.

i want to be a doctor, designer, or model when i grow up

Answer 1

It's been quite a while since I took AP History. From what I remember it was challenging, but not the hardest AP class I took. I don't do well with dates either. I'm better at remembering trends and general concepts about events than the exact date they occurred. I passed with a high enough score to earn credit at most colleges, but not the highest score possible.
I'd think AP physics would be more difficult. I have a harder time with numbers than with words. Maybe you aren't the same, but it's much easier for me to write an essay like AP History requires, than to grind out abstract mathematical equations. Also, depending on what you want to study in college the classes may not transfer and you might have to take them again.
I think AP History is an easier course to transfer than Physics. For example, several Medical Schools require college level Physics for entry but won't accept AP Physics.
I also think it would be easier for you to find like minded students to study Physics with in a college environment rather than a high school one.
Now the case FOR Physics: If you can handle the demanding schedule you have planned and do it well, it would look fantastic on your college applications!
Best of luck!

Answer 2

I took both a LONG time ago (we're talking about mid-90s here) and I have to say AP History is MUCH easier than AP Physics.

I love history, too, just like you. AP History is fairly easy largely because you probably have already been exposed to much of the material already. On the other hand, most students who take AP Physics are learning the material for the first time.

A second consideration here, which some people mention, is the relative capabilities you have in history versus physics. Physics isn't completely math-based (you must also understand the concepts), but if you are fairly weak in math and more strong in writing, AP History is probably your forte.

Your workload is tough but if you study well you can do both. But if you want to drop the harder class, drop AP Physics.

Finally, what do you intend to major in in college??? If you plan on a science, math, or engineering field, take AP Physics. But if you want to enroll in a humanities major (history, poli sci, sociology) then take AP History.

Answer 3

Here's a tip. Only take AP classes that are necessary or you have an interest. AP US history is not all about dates. Just remember chronology of important events as in which one came first and what order they came in. Also be able to identify people and firsts. The rest is just being able too understand the differences and changes in each era of US history. AP physics is basically just first year college physics and isn't that hard really. Its mostly a bunch of formulas and laws of physics you have to memorize. Its your choice based on what you think you can do, but I have faith since you're actually taking Spanish 4.

Answer 4

I took APUSH last year as a sophomore and was lucky enough to have a good teacher. If your teacher correctly does his or her job, then the class is less about the dates of events and more about the connections between events and the reasons for their happening. The class requires a lot of reading and hard studying, but if you give it a good effort you will do well.

As for AP physics, I'm sure that will be a very difficult class, but i commend you for giving it a go! Many math types enjoy it thouroughly and say that it connects to the "real world" more than other maths.

I hope it all goes well!!! Good luck on the exams!!!

Answer 5

Us History Answers

Answer 6

I took AP Physics senior year in high school. It was very hard but I love math. Judging by your schedule above you are not good at math since you aren't taking it your senior year.

AP History is a chimpy cake walk class. Sure the reports are longer and you go a little in depth, but it's not any more grand than history really.

It seems like you fear challenge and are just looking to preserve your GPA. Therefore, take the cheesy AP History and wimp out of AP Physics.

Answer 7

You will be able to get into a lot of great schools, but probably not any Ivies or other "top schools". You will need a 2200+ on the SAT for those schools and NO B's junior year! Awesome job so far though, and I would definitely try to get ranked in state or national for soccer and lacrosse; sports have the potential to be a HUGE boost.

Answer 8

AP US History... it's a challenge... but do the work, read, study... live it! it's fun and you learn SO MUCH MORE!

Answer 9

if you're good at math, physics is relatively easy and test isn't too bad.

Ap us is a biatch! get ready to do work