AP Physics 1 Exam Format
The first step in creating a study plan is to understand the exam format.
The new AP Physics 1 exam consists of:
- 40 multiple-choice questions (MCQ) – 80 mins
- 4 free-response questions (FRQ) – 100 mins
3 Steps for Success
- How to Ace the MCQ section:
- Solve each questions under 90 seconds or mark it wrong.
- Understand concept pairing and how to prepare for it.
- Understand common questions types and how to tackle them
- PRO TIP #1: You can find over 1000 AP Physics 1 questions on UBQ.
- How to Crush the FRQ section (Step-by-Step Strategies and Examples):
- Understand the 4 main types of FRQ questions and common questions associated with each.
- Understand exactly what you will and won’t be given points for.
- Understand how college board wants you to provide evidence.
Concept Pairing – PRO TIP #1: #2
Concept pairing is the single most important thing understand before taking the exam.
This involves using a combination of topics/laws to solve a single problem. For example, momentum and center of mass.
Another popular combination is forces (unit 2) and momentum (unit 5).
So while you practice questions, identify concept pairs. Become extremely good at choosing which topics college board is asking you to use for each question.
If you’re looking for questions with concept pair checkout out UBQ – a free physics question bank.
Topics to know
We’ve reviewed the course outline provided by the College Board so you don’t have to.
Here are the topics you need to know. Click each link to read a speed review of the unit and test your knowledge.
- Kinematics (12-15% of the exam)
- Dynamics (16-20%)
- Circular Motion and Gravitation (6-8%)
- Energy (18-20%)
- Momentum (12-16%)
- Torque and Rotational Motion (12-18%)
- Simple Harmonic Motion (5-8%)
- Fluids (6-10%)
PRO TIP #3: Right now, grab a half sheet of paper. Jot down as many concepts, topics, and formulas you remember for each unit. Then click on each speed review and see how many laws, formulas, and topics you were able to get right.
PRO TIP #4: You can get a 5 with just 15 equations and 20 concepts.
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Gather Study Materials
Don’t spend hours reviewing notes or watching youtube videos.
To be successful in AP Physics 1, you must do two thing:
- Take Mock Exams
- Review Missed Questions
Mock Exams
I’ve worked with many students that have scored 5s. All of them did 100s of question and mock exams before taking the exam.
PRO TIP #5: Practice 100 AP level questions per unit. AND full understand the ones you missed.
Don’t understand what you did wrong? Phy, the most advanced problem solver, can help with that.
Supercharge Your Study Schedule
Let’s create a study schedule based on the things we just discussed.
Dedicate the next 5 to 8 weeks:
- for taking mock exams
- for reviewing challenging areas
First take a mock exam to establish a baseline score. You’re initial score will likely be low (<50%) — and that’s okay.
Your goal is to increase your baseline score by 5-8% each week.
Allocate 4 hours a day, 4 days a week, solely to review and understand missed questions.
Remember this is a sprint, with no breaks.
If you’re having difficulty sticking to a schedule or need motivation, Nerd-Notes provides a five-week program that increases your chances of scoring a 5. The program includes all materials, a personalized learning schedule, and has helped over 500 students score a 5.
Example Schedule
| Week | Task |
| Week 1 | Take a mock exam. Determine your baseline score. Identify specific areas of weaknesses. Go over every missed question, in depth, understanding why it was missed. |
| Week 2 | Take a second mock exam. Aim to score at least 10% higher than you baseline. Once again, identify specific weak points in each missed question and do an in depth review. |
| Week 3 | Repeat the process from week 2. This time aim for not only accuracy, but speed. Time your self, and aim for a 10%+ improvement in score. If you miss this target, practice with a tutor or teacher that can teach you problem solving strategies, specific to AP Physics 1. |
| Week 4 | Take the 4th mock exam. Repeat processes above. You should see another 5-10% improvement in score. Make some notes on frequent question types you see, strategies that work for you etc. |
| Weeks 5 – 8 | Watch review videos at this point to ONLY to fill in knowelge gaps. and go back and use ADVANCED questions from UBQ to enhance understanding. Take as many more timed mock exams as possible. |
Practice with Realistic Questions
Practice makes perfect, and practicing with realistic AP Physics 1 questions is essential for success.
- Use College Board’s offical papers for FRQs
- Ask your teacher for College Board’s practice MCQs
- Use Nerd-Notes Physics UBQ for both FRQs and MCQs
Get professional coaching
PRO TIP #6: Don’t be afraid to reach out for support when you need it.
Consider forming a study group with classmates or seeking help from a tutor or teacher.
Discussing and solving problems with others can help solidify your understanding much faster and easier.
