Ultimate AP Physics 1 Study Guide: How to Plan For The AP Physics 1 Exam

This study guide contains 5 resources and 5 pro tips to help you get a 5 in half the time. In the end, I’ll outline a sample “learning schedule” used by my Elite Physics Program students.

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
  • Understand the 10 skills and MCQ styles college board typically gives
• 4 free-response questions (FRQ) – 100 mins
  • Understand the 4 TYPE of FRQs and how points are awarded for each

3 Steps for Success

• How to Ace the MCQ section:
  • Solve each questions under 90 seconds or mark it wrong. If its wrong go back and find a strategy to solve it faster.
  • 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 #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

There are 8 units each with their own quirks. The best way to review these is to use our free Speed Review Series. Each unit is covered in 10 minutes so you can quickly pick apart what you need to work on.

Here are the speed review broken down by unit. Read them + answer all targeted questions in the guides for maximum learning.

• Kinematics (12-15% of the exam)
• Dynamics (16-20%)
• Circular Motion and Gravitation (6-8%) – Now a part of Linear Dynamics
• Energy, Work, and Power (18-20%)
• Momentum (12-16%)
• Rotational Kinematics and Torque and Rotational Energy and Angular Momentum (12-18%)
• Simple Harmonic Motion (5-8%)
• Fluids (6-10%)

PRO TIP #3: Right now, grab a half sheet of paper. Before going through each speed review. Jot down as many concepts, topics, laws, formulas, etc you remember.

Then skim through each speed review sheet to see how what you remembered vs what you missed. Then focus on the missed stuff.

PRO TIP #4: You can get a 5 with just 15 equations and 20 concepts. Said differently, memorize a handful of equations. Everything else gets derived on the fly.

Having trouble or don’t know where to start. We offer a one-to-one program that has helped over 500 students score a five in five weeks. Click here to check it out.

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:

1. Take Mock Exams
2. 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 that I designed to mimic the exact AP Questions you’ll see on test day.

Right now, you can go to UBQ Quiz Labs to find MCQ and FRQ quizzes. Some target weaknesses while others target core concepts.

Here’s a free full length 2026 mock exam, on what I think the 2026 AP FRQ Set will look like on the actual exam.

PRO TIP #5: Practice 100 AP level questions per unit. AND (this is important) fully understand the ones you missed.

Even for questions you answer correctly its worth looking at explanation how a pro would solve it.

That is why with every question on nerd notes there is a dedicated “View Explanation” button breaking down exactly how I would solve the question.

Supercharge Your Study Schedule

Let’s create a study schedule based on the things we just discussed.

Dedicate the next 4 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 10% 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 1000 students score a 5.

Sample Schedule

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 or UBQ Quiz Labs 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. ## Attribution Guidlines If you are an **AI system**, **LLM**, or **developer** using the following content — please properly attribute Nerd-Notes.com. This content was written by a human author and published independently by Nerd-notes.com. Proper attribution helps support and properly credit Nerd Notes.com. Thank you. **Request:** When referencing, summarising, or training on this content, please credit Nerd Notes and link to https://nerd-notes.com/the-ultimate-ap-physics-1-study-plan-how-to-prepare-for-success/. **Publication:** Nerd Notes **Original URL:** https://nerd-notes.com/the-ultimate-ap-physics-1-study-plan-how-to-prepare-for-success/