Is Physics C Electricity and Magnetism worth taking if going into engineering?

Colleges & Universities Penn State
1

I have successfully passed the Physics C mechanics class, but have not yet taken the AP test. I scored a 2 on the AP physics 1 exam, and so I’m not sure if I will be able to pass the Physics C mechanics AP test. I have the choice of continuing with Electricity and magnetism or doing something else in its place.

In the fall I plan on studying Mechanical engineering at University Park (which might change to a different engineering discipline) and both Mechanics (phys 211) and Electricity and Magnetism (phys 212) are required. On the college board website, a 4 on both AP exams is accepted for phys 211 and 212 at penn state, but is it worth it to test out of those classes? I know they are important for the degree, and I’m not even sure if I would be able to pass the AP tests for either of them.

2

My daughter is a freshman engineering student at another school. She said Physics C (both mechanics and E&M) was the single most relevant course she took in HS. The exposure to the material in HS is helping her tremendously. She said those students that didn’t take it are really struggling.

3
  1. Is AP Physics C EM going to help for Engineering - Yes, undoubtedly.
  2. Should you take it ? I am not sure you are ready for this class, if you scored only 2 in Phy 1 and may fail out of this class. Can you take something else ?

Even those who scored 4s or 5s in Phy C, still find college Physics much more challenging.