Exam Prep Resources

📅 Exam Date Reminder

The AP Physics C: Mechanics exam is typically in early May. Check the College Board website for the exact date each year.

📋 Exam Format
  • Section 1: 40 Multiple Choice (80 minutes)
  • Section 2: 4 Free Response (100 minutes)
  • MCQ Options: 4 choices (reduced from 5)
  • Calculator: Allowed on both sections
  • Equation Sheet: Provided for both sections
🎯 Scoring Breakdown
  • 5: Extremely well qualified (17-20%)
  • 4: Well qualified (25-35%)
  • 3: Qualified (20-25%)
  • 2: Possibly qualified (15-25%)
  • 1: No recommendation (5-10%)
📚 Study Schedule (8 Weeks)
  • Weeks 1-2: Review all concepts
  • Weeks 3-4: Practice problems daily
  • Weeks 5-6: Full practice exams
  • Week 7: Focus on weak areas
  • Week 8: Final review and rest
🔧 Essential Skills
  • Drawing accurate free-body diagrams
  • Using calculus in physics problems
  • Interpreting graphs and charts
  • Writing clear explanations
  • Managing time effectively
📝 New FRQ Types
  • Mathematical routines: Step-by-step calculations
  • Translation between representations: Converting between graphs, equations, and descriptions
  • Experimental design and analysis: Designing and analyzing lab experiments
  • Qualitative/quantitative translation: Moving between conceptual and mathematical reasoning
📝 Free Response Tips
  • Show all your work clearly
  • Use proper units throughout
  • Draw diagrams when helpful
  • Explain your reasoning
  • Check your answers for reasonableness
⚡ Test Day Checklist
  • Get plenty of sleep the night before
  • Eat a good breakfast
  • Bring multiple pencils and erasers
  • Bring your approved calculator
  • Arrive early to the testing location
📚 Memorize Formulas to Save Time
  • Try to memorize the formulas on the equation sheet for the exam
  • This technique will save you time on the exam
  • Even if you don't memorize all of them, you should at least know the ones you need
  • Don't worry about forgetting the formulas, you can always look them up on the equation sheet
  • Remember to derive any formulas not on the equation sheet on the frq
💡 Pro Tip

The night before the exam, review your notes briefly but don't cram. Get a good night's sleep - your brain needs rest to perform at its best!