I was a junior and managed to self-study AP Physics 1 and C Mech this year and got a 5 for both. I didn’t take any Physics class before. I seriously dunno how I got this score esp. for Physics 1 (thought I would get a 3 at first coz the MCQ was absurd…) I hope this would be helpful.
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The topics covered in Physics 1 are not too bad, but then the actual exam was really difficult. Since there are only a bit of released questions, the best thing to do is to really try out a variety of practice questions. Make sure to get a textbook (I personally used Halliday Physics to study Physics C Mech while studying for Physics 1… though it has lots of calculus, I really liked it. My friends also recommend the Serway Physics and Giancoli). These textbooks also have some concept problems on the back of each chapter which will be crucial to Physics 1. If can, I would recommend finishing studying all the topics by February next year.
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Don’t only rely on the prep books. I feel like they were too basic - used them as supplements only. The best probably is the Princeton Review, although I would recommend buying PR for Physics C too (you need to know the rotations part definitely - it came out a lot in Physics 1 too). 5 steps was also good. Buy ALL three of these if possible…
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Lectures on Youtube were also helpful. Flipping Physics was my favorite.
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If you have a teacher, ask them for the released practice exams!!! Make sure to take them so taht you have a feel of what the questions are like. Self-study ppl… I know your feels…! T.T Also, dig into Google for many many maaaannyyy practice questions on Physics (dun have to be AP). The PhysicsBowl Qs were somewhat helpful to me… Lastly, make sure to try ALL FRQs from 2000 to 2016. Find the relevant topics from Physics B FRQs. Do them when you are fully ready. I also did the Physics C Mech FRQ, which were helpful (but then they need calculus so nkt recommended if you dunno calc).
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Physics 1 vs. Physics C (Mech)? - Honestly, Physics C was easier for me since it was more math intensive (I like math related Qs better than conceptual Qs… C needs calculus and I managed to do it since I was simultaneously studying for Calc BC) but the Physics 1 has an easier FRQ. Physics 1 demands your full understanding of Physics!! Dont just memorize how to do a problem but know the why (make sure to do labs to be good at this). To be really really honest, dont self-study Physics 1 xD… it was a nightmare for me…
So… i guess thats it… good luck people!! T.T