Self learning physics 2 vs summer session

[MedicineMan94]

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Hey guys,

I'm about to finish the first session of summer physics while following the SN2ED schedule. I'm in a back and forth debate of whether to continue to my physics 2 session while studying for the MCAT or to teach myself physics along the way. I'd really appreciate some opinions. I have absolutely no trouble with physics 1 and am doing very well in the class with minimal effort. The problem is the class cuts a chunk of my day out and makes for an awkward MCAT schedule. It caused me to fall almost 10 days behind (I have a 2 week buffer) and I'm seriously contemplating just teaching physics 2 to myself. I've taken physics in HS and am a very proficient self-learner. Would a combination of Khan Academy, Chad's videos and BR physics be enough to prepare for the physics 2 portion of the MCAT?

Thank you for the help.

 

[GBurdell]

You can definitely teach it to yourself - that's what I did this summer. MCAT really only covers optics and basic electricity from Physics II, which I both found pretty straightforward.

 

[Gauss44]

I took Walter Lewin's class which is on this link and thought it was great: http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/free-stuff/1247592/ That class requires some calculus though. If you haven't had calculus, you should consider a different physics course.

 

[MedicineMan94]

I took Walter Lewin's class which is on this link and thought it was great: http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/free-stuff/1247592/ That class requires some calculus though. If you haven't had calculus, you should consider a different physics course.

This is a very useful link, thank you. I may try for an MCAT specific physics lecture though instead of one that may go beyond its scope. But you didn't feel self-learning physics held you back at all?

 

[WhippleWhileWeWork]

I'm going to disagree with the leaning here so far and say that I think E&M takes time to really sink in, similar to the way organic 1 does. Lots of abstract concepts that need to be worked through by doing many problems over time. I think you'd sell yourself short by trying to cram it in there and hope you got enough depth before your MCAT. In addition to saying that, I'd caution you against taking other people's experience for what you'll see on the MCAT based on what they saw on the MCAT.

 

[mik30102]

There were many topics on the mcat that I never covered in physics 1 and 2. I self taught myself just fine... Take it as you will.

 

[hmockingbird]

The only thing I would worry about is whether you are applying to schools that require you to take Physics 2. Of course you could always teach yourself now and do that later after you take your MCAT.