Comparison of Top AP Physics 1 Review Courses
If you are taking the AP Physics exam and thinking about which prep course to use, then you’ve come to the right place. Here, we will review popular prep courses in terms of their study resources, standout features, and price to help you make the right decision.
| Features | UWorld | Princeton Review | Kaplan | Prep Scholar | Albert.io |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practice Questions | 400+ AP Exam-level Questions with step-by-step detailed answer explanations. | 380+ practice questions and additional drills. | No practice material available. | Provides tutoring but has no specific set of practice questions. | 700+ practice questions with detailed answer explanations. |
| Video Lessons | 100+ fun, short, and focused video lessons to simplify your prep. | Pre-recorded group tutoring session video lessons with replays available for review. | Doesn’t provide video lessons for AP Physics 1. | No video lessons. | Outdated video lessons. |
| Progress Tracking | Real-time performance checker with topic-wise progress analytics and score predictor. | Basic progress reports with no detailed insights into performance. | Doesn’t provide progress tracking for AP Physics 1. | General feedback after each topic. | General feedback of quizzes but no detailed insights. |
| Study Resources |
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| Customizability | Fully custom practice tests with Smart Planner to suit unique study needs and habits. | Pre-set syllabus, limited customizations. | No personalizations available for AP Physics 1. | Highly customizable to each student. | Limited customization; Follows pre-set path. |
| Standout Features | Interactive digital tools like Notebook, flashcards, in-built timer, and more. Seamless progress syncing across all platforms, letting you study anytime & anywhere. | Group tutoring for reviewing classroom material, including general AP Physics 1 practice and general test-taking tips. | No standout features for AP Physics 1. | One-on-one tutoring service to help stay motivated and on track. | Gamified learning. Ideal for students who enjoy interactive learning. |
| Price | $149 for print & digital study guide, QBank, videos, and study tools, valid through June 15, every year. | Starts at $499 for live sessions on a fixed schedule, class recordings, and general topic coverage with little room for personalized, focused learning. | NA | Starts at $480 for fixed weekly time-consuming tutoring sessions with limited hands-on learning and practice. | $19-$79 per subject for a question bank created by general freelancers instead of AP experts and specialists. |
Princeton Review’s AP Prep Course
Princeton Review is a good choice if you are looking for a thorough and user-friendly resource, however, it has a few limitations.
Pros:
- Both textbook and online resources are available, making it easier for students to study at their convenience.
- Comprehensive coverage of the curriculum with 380+ practice questions and additional drills.
- Provides guidance for handling different types of questions and test taking strategies.
Cons:
- Priced at $499, it may not be feasible for some families.
- The explanations of practice questions and answers lack depth.
- Basic performance tracking. No detailed analytics about your areas of improvement.
Kaplan’s AP Prep Course
Kaplan doesn’t provide any AP Physics 1 course, study resources, and video lessons, making it an unwise option for students preparing for the exam.
Prep Scholar’s AP Prep Course
Prep Scholar provides one-on-one support, tutoring, and topic-wise feedback.
Pros:
- Includes thorough converge of the content with an extensive question bank.
- Offers focused feedback to students after every class and topic.
- Very flexible, allowing students to study at their own pace.
Cons:
- Heavily text-based with no in-depth notes on topics and concepts.
- Very pricey, ranging between $499 to $3200.
- No video resources, which is a disadvantage for visual learners.
Albert.io’s AP Prep Course
Albert.io offers a large number of practice and assessment questions, and emphasizes on practice-based learning for students.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing: $19 to $79 per subject.
- 700+ practice questions and 200+ assessment questions for a comprehensive study experience.
- Self-paced, letting students study at their own pace and time.
Cons:
- Content written by freelance experts with no involvement of AP specialists.
- Limited video resources and no additional study resources apart from practice and assessment questions.
- General feedback about the quizzes. No detailed insights into your strengths and weaknesses.
Why UWorld Is the Best AP Physics 1 Review Course
UWorld’s AP Physics 1 prep course offers a comprehensive coverage of the content, digital and print study guides, video lessons, a question bank, and customizable study tools with a thorough focus on the unique learning styles and needs of students.
Engaging and Comprehensive Video Lessons
UWorld’s video lessons are created by subject matter experts to help students master AP Physics 1 concepts with ease.
- Short, fun, and focused content to break down complex concepts into simplified portions.
- Aligned with the AP Physics 1 course and exam description (CED) to reflect the latest exam trends.
- Comprehensive coverage of all the key concepts such as Mechanical waves and sound, Rotational motion, Thermodynamics, Fluid mechanics, Electrostatics, and more.
Unmatched Question Bank with Real Exam Simulations
UWorld’s AP Physics 1 question bank and practice questions are designed to suit students’ unique learning styles, offering a personalized study experience.
- Hundreds of questions mirroring the format and difficulty-level of the actual exam.
- Fully-aligned with the AP Physics 1 curriculum to help students understand what to expect on the exam day.
- Includes a real-time progress tracker for students to evaluate their performance and areas of improvement.
Detailed Study Guide Book
Available in both print and digital versions, UWorld’s AP Physics 1 study guide is a comprehensive resource to solidify the grasp of students on key concepts and topics.
- Seamlessly complements the video lessons, question bank, and practice tests to provide students with a well-rounded study experience.
- Provide an in-depth coverage of all the key topics such as Kinematics, Dynamics, Energy, Momentum, Electric circuits, and more.
- Equipped with colorful, illustrative, and engaging visual aids for clear understanding of graphs, charts, and diagrams.
Expert-Led Content and Constant Updates
UWorld’s content is created by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and relevance.
- Crafted by a team of PhDs and AP specialists to put together top quality content, aligned with the AP Physics 1 CED.
- Constantly updated content to match the latest trends and standards of the AP Physics 1 curriculum.
- Created with attention to detail and precision to simplify complex topics and concepts.
Superior Digital Tools and Interactive Learning
UWorld’s interactive digital tools are designed to provide students with an effective learning environment and promote active learning.
- Smart Study Planner: To design your study schedule depending on your available time to balance your high school and AP exams prep.
- Flashcards: For hassle-free last minute reviews of concepts, formulas, and definitions.
- Digital Notebook: For creating structured and organized notes with the options of adding annotations and highlighting key information.
Real-Time Performance Tracking
UWorld provides a real-time performance dashboard to students to monitor their progress and knowledge of each topic.
- Evaluate areas of strengths and weaknesses to identify topics that require more attention.
- Detailed performance analytics to check your knowledge of different topics, helping you make adjustments to your study schedule.
- Use these performance metrics to check your progress over time and refine your study strategies as per need.
Additional Benefits of UWorld
UWorld is a well-established name in education, recognized not only for its AP exam prep but also for its resources across various fields:
- Established Success: UWorld is a trusted choice for students pursuing careers in fields such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, law, and accounting, providing them with the tools they need to thrive.
- All-Inclusive Study Materials: UWorld offers in-depth study guides for everything from board exams to professional licensure tests, setting a high standard for exam preparation.
Backed by more than 20 years of experience, UWorld has helped students in diverse disciplines to secure top scores and achieve long-term success.
Why Is It Important To Study AP Physics 1?
Taking AP Physics 1 in high school helps strengthen your high school transcript and develop essential skills that are beneficial for higher education and future job opportunities.
Earn College Credits and Save on Tuition
Scoring high on the AP Physics 1 exam can earn you college credit, helping you bypass some courses in your undergraduate and reduce the tuition fees.
Skill Development for Future Success
Studying AP Physics 1 can build up your analytical, critical, and problem solving skills, ensuring that you are well prepared for the rigors of college and future careers.
Competitive Edge in College Admissions
There are a lot of factors that sets your college application apart: high school GPA, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and, most importantly, AP scores. Scoring high on the AP Physics 1 exam demonstrates your capability to handle a challenging course load, thus making you an ideal candidate for handling complex college coursework.
Prepares Students for Careers in Engineering and Technology
AP Physics 1 provides you with a knowledge base to excel in careers in engineering and technology. It helps you develop all essential skills to have a solid career in STEM, data science, research, architecture, astrophysics, and more.
Fosters Global Awareness
AP Physics 1 fosters an understanding of key global issues, from energy sustainability to technological advancements, empowering students to contribute toward solving these challenges through a scientific lens.
Conclusion
UWorld is one of the best AP Physics 1 resources due to its comprehensive and high-quality resources, including print and digital study guides, a question bank, video lessons, and study tools. Its real-time performance dashboard keeps you on track by highlighting your areas of strength and improvement. Invest in UWorld today and take your next steps towards achieving your dream score and college goals.
