Did you know that among the many rigorous AP classes offered by high schools in the
Temecula and Murrieta area, AP Physics is one of the most popular courses? You might have heard that it may be a really difficult course to take and that you should only take it if you are academically strong in science. So, as high schoolers from Great Oak, Caidyn and Daniel will address these concerns based on their personal experiences and advice.

Course Overview

To start, what topics and subjects are primarily focused on in AP Physics? AP Physics is a class that combines science with mathematical concepts. Many of the problems given are math-heavy questions that require manipulation and use of Physics equations that students are given. These types of questions are common in Free-Response Questions. From our perspective, students must have at least completed geometry by the time they take Physics and be enrolled in Algebra 2 as many of the problems include trigonometry, vector problems, advanced algebra, and more. Although this may seem relieving, it does not mean Physics is automatically easy. Many of the Physics problems require critical thinking in math, not just plugging in numbers into equations. Students must understand the relationships between equations and have a proficient understanding of what formulas to use and what each variable means. We recommend that students build confidence in their math skills before taking the course.

Now, let’s transition into the science portion of the course. You might be asking yourself: if Physics is a lot of math, what part of it is science? Although many of the problems are just numbers and calculations, many conceptual problems are also included. Questions like these are typically shown in Multiple-Choice Questions. These questions require students to understand not only how to use formulas in calculations, but also the ideas behind those formulas. In addition, many formulas throughout the course are reused in other supplementing units, so having a complete understanding of each and every formula is important to finding success. Problems like these contain no numbers and will ask students to explain relationships, make predictions, justify outcomes, and more. Because many of these questions cannot be answered with math, it is important that students pay close attention in class and seek help if they do not understand the concepts taught.

When to Take the Course

So, when do students usually take this course? This course is especially popular with
junior and senior classes, whereas freshmen and sophomores are much less common.
Depending on the location, this course may not even be available for freshmen and
sophomores. Since this class includes math, many students are better prepared after they have taken more advanced math classes. From our perspective, junior or senior year is usually the best time to take this course because students at these grade levels often have a stronger understanding of both math and science concepts. However, everyone’s case is different, so students should heavily consider their schedule because AP Physics could be difficult to manage if combined with other rigorous AP or IB courses. Overall, we recommend taking AP Physics to juniors and seniors who feel prepared in math, willing to work extra hours, and asking for help when needed.

Comparing Rigor

Now, how does this course compare to AP Biology and AP Chemistry? Although many
may disagree, we strongly believe that this course is the most manageable among the three. AP Physics can definitely feel very challenging, but its difficulty comes mainly from problem solving, equations, logical concepts, and more. Because many students already have experience with the math concepts in the course, many students find it easier. AP Biology requires a lot of memorization, critical thinking, and advanced understanding of the rigorous concepts in the course, whereas AP Chemistry combines math with abstract concepts like chemical reactions, bonding, and more. Because math is a required subject throughout high school, it explains why AP Physics is more popular among students and feels more manageable.

In conclusion, AP Physics is not an easy course, but it is also not a course that students should automatically avoid. While it requires strong math and conceptual understanding, students are guaranteed success if they stay focused, practice their skills constantly, and ask for help when needed. Based on our experiences, we believe that students who are prepared and willing to put in the work should strongly consider taking AP Physics.

© 2026 KAYO. All rights reserved.