Advice for SAT II Physics - timing of test after AP Physics 1

[skieurope]

@GlobalFencingMom

So, funny story (well my kid did not find it super funny at the time). After doing AP Physics 1 I thought that the Physics subject test would be OK to do so I registered. Then my husband informed me that the AP Physics 1 covers about 40% of what is testing in the Physics subject test. Oops. Kid sat the AP Physics 1 (got a 4, believes missed the 5 by blowing one question). Sat the June Physics subject test after doing 3 x 3 hour prep classes. Kid was somewhat amused that I had signed up for test but since we paid our money decided to indulge me - I figured can always take it again. Got a 750. Will take it again as is doing AP Physics C this year so hopefully will have covered the majority of the topics tested. I guess if you want the 800 you may need more prep that the 3 weeks of light prep my kid had

So a couple of things.

I’m impressed that your husband knew that. Not that he’s not intelligent - I’m sure he is - but the average parent is not really in tune with material on a Subject Test

Congrats to your kid on the 750. Unless s/he aiming for super-reachy engineering schools, I’m not sure a 750 is worth the retake. I’m not sure it’s worth it even for the super-reachy schools.

AP Physics C will not cover all the topic, although it will cover more than AP Physics 1. But having take a real test, presumably kid knows what sections to learn on own.