Reach a 5 in AP Physics with one-on-one tutoring — Physics 1, 2 and C
One-on-one AP Physics tutoring programme. In a free initial consultation we assess your level and agree the plan and the exact price together. Parents and students are both welcome to reach out.
What is the AP Physics exam?
AP Physics is the College Board's family of four university-level physics courses for high-school students: the algebra-based AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2, and the calculus-based AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. Each course has its own AP exam every May, and since 2024–25 all four run on a revised curriculum and exam format. At Studrise we offer one-on-one online tutoring for each of the four.
Physics is one of the strongest signals of academic readiness in applications to engineering, physics, computer science, architecture and pre-med programs. Which course is right depends on your target program and your math level: for engineering and physics the Physics C pair is the standard; for pre-med, life sciences and general science, Physics 1 and 2 are enough. A high score makes your application stand out and earns credit or advanced placement at many universities.
Our AP Physics subjects
Each subject below has its own one-on-one prep program. Pick yours to see the format, scoring and curriculum.
AP Physics 1
Kinematics, forces, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillations and fluids. The first step into AP physics; algebra and trigonometry are the only math prerequisites. Usually grade 10 or 11.
AP Physics 2
Thermodynamics, electricity and circuits, magnetism, optics, waves and modern physics. The sequel to Physics 1; for pre-med, life-science and general science applicants.
AP Physics C: Mechanics
Mechanics from kinematics to rotation and oscillations, with derivatives and integrals. The standard for engineering and physics; can be taken alongside Calculus AB/BC.
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
Gauss's law, potential, capacitors, circuits, magnetic fields and induction. The natural companion to Mechanics for engineering applicants.
Why prepare for AP Physics with Studrise?
Exam-focused expert tutors
Every lesson is taught by expert tutors who know the AP Physics format inside out and focus on exam strategy.
A plan built around you
After your level assessment, we build a personal roadmap around your strengths and weak spots.
Flexible 1:1 schedule
Lessons run online and one-on-one on days and times that suit you — no clashes with school.
A clear start
It starts with a free initial consultation: level, plan and price are settled before the programme begins.
How it works
Free initial consultation
A short call and assessment to clarify your current level, your goal and your exam date.
Personal roadmap
We build a topic-by-topic weekly study plan and match you with the right tutor.
Reach your goal with 1:1 lessons
Start one-on-one lessons with your tutor and track progress with regular practice tests.
AP Physics exam format
Since 2024–25 all four exams share the same skeleton — 3 hours, 40 multiple choice (1 h 20 min, 50%) + 4 free response (1 h 40 min, 50%), calculator and equation sheet allowed — the difference is the math level and the content:
AP Physics 1
Algebra-based · kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotation, oscillations, fluids
AP Physics 2
Algebra-based · thermodynamics, electricity and circuits, magnetism, optics, waves, modern physics
AP Physics C: Mechanics
Calculus-based · the mechanics of Physics 1 with derivatives and integrals, gravitation included
AP Physics C: E&M
Calculus-based · Gauss's law, potential, capacitors, circuits, magnetic fields, induction
Free response and format
FRQ types: mathematical routines, translation between representations, experimental design and analysis, qualitative/quantitative translation · hybrid digital since 2025 (multiple choice in Bluebook, FRQs on paper)
AP Physics topics
The topic areas on the exam and their weight. Lessons don't follow this order — we start from the area that will move your score the most.
AP Physics 1
Algebra-based · mechanics + fluids · 8 units
- Kinematics, forces and Newton's laws
- Work–energy–power, linear momentum
- Torque, rotational dynamics, energy and momentum of rotating systems
- Oscillations and fluids (added in 2025)
AP Physics 2
Algebra-based · continues Physics 1 · 7 units
- Thermodynamics and gases
- Electric force, field, potential and circuits
- Magnetism and electromagnetism
- Geometric optics, waves, physical optics, modern physics
AP Physics C: Mechanics
Calculus-based · for engineering applicants · 7 units
- Kinematics with derivatives, Newton's laws and drag
- Work–energy, momentum, centre of mass
- Rotational dynamics, angular momentum
- Oscillations and gravitation
AP Physics C: E&M
Calculus-based · after Mechanics · 6 units
- Electrostatics and Gauss's law
- Potential, conductors, capacitors
- Circuits: RC, Kirchhoff
- Magnetic fields, Ampère's and Faraday's laws, inductance
AP Physics question types and strategy
Each question type has its own approach. In lessons we work on these strategies alongside the content.
Which AP Physics?
Four exams, two maths levels. Physics 1 and 2 are algebra-based and complementary; C: Mechanics and C: E&M require calculus and carry the most weight in engineering and physics applications.
Pre-med, biology, architecture: Physics 1 (+2). Engineering, physics, computer engineering: Physics C Mechanics, with E&M if possible. Without calculus yet, Physics 1 in grade 11 and Physics C alongside AP Calculus in grade 12.
Multiple choice (40 questions, 80 min)
Half the exam. Single-answer items plus some multi-select questions with more than one correct option. A calculator and the equation sheet are allowed throughout.
Two minutes a question. Draw the physical situation first (free-body diagram, energy bar chart, field lines), then pick the equation. In multi-select items judge each option independently as true or false.
Free response (4 questions, 100 min)
Half the exam; four fixed question types: Mathematical Routines: setting up and deriving equations; Translation Between Representations: moving between graphs, diagrams and equations; Experimental Design and Analysis: designing an experiment and interpreting data; Qualitative/Quantitative Translation: linking verbal reasoning to mathematics. Points go to the reasoning shown.
Open every answer with a principle sentence ("Energy is conserved because…"). In experimental design name the independent and dependent variables, controls and instruments; in graph questions state the meaning of the axes and slope.
Scoring and target scores
All four exams are scored on a 1–5 scale; a 3 is generally treated as passing, while competitive programs such as engineering and physics expect a 4 or 5. The multiple-choice and free-response sections are combined with equal weight and converted to the scale; on free-response questions, clear physical justification is scored, not just the result. Score distributions differ sharply by course: AP Physics 1 has one of the lowest shares of 5s of any AP exam, while the Physics C exams have a far higher share — not because they are easier, but because a more prepared, calculus-ready profile sits them. Credit policies vary by institution; engineering faculties usually recognise Physics C scores, other programs Physics 1 and 2.
The right course depends on your math level and your target program. If you have not taken calculus, or are not taking it concurrently, AP Physics 1 is the natural start, followed by Physics 2. Alongside or after Calculus AB/BC, if you are aiming for engineering or physics, Physics C: Mechanics and then (or in the same year) Electricity and Magnetism set you apart. Because the exams are held in May, preparation spans the school year; for a student starting from scratch, 6–9 months per course is realistic, and taking the Physics C pair in one year needs a balanced plan in the final 3–4 months before May. In the initial consultation we work out together which course fits you and how much time it needs.
What we cover in AP Physics lessons
Course selection by target program and math level: Physics 1, 2 or C
Kinematics, Newton's laws, work–energy–power and momentum
Rotational dynamics, oscillations, gravitation and fluids
Electric field and potential, circuits, magnetism and induction
Physics C-specific: physical models built with derivatives and integrals, differential equations
FRQ types (experimental design, qualitative/quantitative translation), calculator strategy, practice exams and error analysis
What sets the price of AP Physics tutoring?
There is no single list price; the fee depends on the programme. You get a clear quote in the consultation — nothing is added later.
Lessons per week
One, two or three lessons a week — set by the time until the exam and the score gap.
Total duration and package
Lessons are priced as a package; longer programmes lower the per-lesson cost.
Scope
One section (say, Math only) or the whole exam? A narrower scope means a shorter programme.
Tutor and level
The tutor you're matched with and your starting level shape the plan, and therefore the fee.
Adding coaching?
Coaching and application counselling is an optional, separately priced programme.
Every lesson you pay for is 1:1
No crowded classroom, no idle hours. Keep that in mind when comparing with group-course prices.
In the free initial consultation we assess your level, draw up the plan and give you the exact price. No surprises.
A guide to choosing among the AP Physics courses
All four exams share one format; the differences are content, maths level and the weight universities give them.
Since 2025 all four AP Physics exams share one structure: 40 multiple choice (80 min) + 4 free response (100 min), 3 hours in total, the two sections equally weighted; a calculator and the equation sheet are allowed throughout. The differences are content and maths level.
| Exam | Maths | Content | College equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics 1 | Algebra, trigonometry | Mechanics, rotation, oscillations, fluids | Algebra-based physics I |
| Physics 2 | Algebra, trigonometry | Thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, optics, modern | Algebra-based physics II |
| C: Mechanics | Derivatives, integrals | Mechanics (in depth) | Calculus-based physics I |
| C: E&M | Derivatives, integrals | Electricity and magnetism | Calculus-based physics II |
- Pre-med, dentistry, pharmacy, biology, architecture: Physics 1; Physics 2 in grade 12 if time allows. These majors do not require calculus-based physics.
- Engineering, physics, astronomy, computer engineering: Physics C: Mechanics is effectively expected; adding E&M strengthens the application and earns two semesters of physics credit at most universities. Taken in the same year as, or after, AP Calculus AB/BC.
- A note for applicants from Turkey: Physics 1 has one of the lowest shares of 5s of any AP (about 8–10%), while Physics C Mechanics is above 25%. That gap reflects the cohort, not the difficulty; Physics 1 is open to a far broader group.
C: Mechanics and C: E&M are held on the same day in consecutive sessions and can be taken together. Physics 1 and 2 are on different days. See the AP courses page for all AP choices.
The 2025 AP Physics format and the four FRQ types
The exam-day structure shared by all four tests and the free-response habits that earn points.
In every AP Physics exam Section II consists of four fixed question types, each represented by one question every year:
- Mathematical Routines (10 points). Deriving an equation from a situation and producing a numerical result. Points go to stating the principle used, showing the algebraic steps and giving the unit.
- Translation Between Representations (12 points). Carrying one situation between diagram, graph, equation and words; for example from a free-body diagram to a motion graph. Arrow lengths and labels on diagrams are scored.
- Experimental Design and Analysis (10 points). Designing an experiment to test a claim, reading a data table, extracting a quantity from a linearised graph. The trio "what is measured, how, which variable is held constant" must be complete.
- Qualitative/Quantitative Translation (8 points). A verbal physical explanation followed by the mathematics that supports it, or the reverse. Readers look for the two parts to be explicitly connected.
The 40 FRQ points and the 40 multiple-choice points are scaled with equal weight. In lessons one of the four types is practised every week with past questions; from the second month students read their own answers against the scoring rubric.
Round out your AP Physics prep with coaching
Tutoring teaches the material; coaching manages the process. Your Studrise coach brings your study routine, goals and application timeline into one plan alongside your AP Physics lessons — so what you learn in class turns into results.
Weekly plan & check-ins
A study plan with regular progress check-ins.
Data-driven strategy
Targets and plans updated from practice-test results.
Motivation & test anxiety
Support with time management, motivation and exam nerves.
Aligned with applications
Planning built around your university and program goals.
ADD-ON PROGRAMME
How do I get started?
Coaching is a separately priced programme alongside your lessons. In the initial consultation we agree its scope and price and build a coaching plan that fits around your lesson schedule.
Initial consultation is free
Our tutors
SAT, IELTS, AP, IB and more — you'll work with experienced, exam-focused tutors in every subject.
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Mesut Mızrak
Physics Teacher
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Şule Çağlın
Physics Teacher
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Frequently asked questions
Start working toward your AP Physics goal today
Fill in the form; in a free initial consultation we settle your level, programme and exact price together. No crowded classroom, no idle hours: every lesson you pay for is one-on-one.