University Admissions & Strategy
Is it better to get a 96% in standard BC/Ontario Physics or an 88% in AP/IB HL?
The Verdict
Statistically, a 96% in the standard provincial course is safer for admission than an 88% in IB HL/AP.
Why? Canadian universities generally do not apply a mathematical "weight" (e.g., +5%) to individual AP/IB grades for the purpose of calculating your competitive average. They take the number on your transcript at face value. An 88% is significantly lower than a 96% when engineering cut-offs hover in the mid-90s.
- Waterloo Engineering: They do not add bonus points to your individual average. Instead, they use a school-specific Adjustment Factor based on your high school’s historical performance. If your IB/AP program produces graduates who excel at Waterloo, your school gets a better adjustment factor, but this applies to everyone from your school, not just you.
- UBC: They value "Breadth and Rigor" in the Personal Profile. While an 88% in IB HL is respected, the 8% drop in your core academic average is a mathematical disadvantage that the "rigor" score rarely outweighs fully.
If I take AP Physics 1, will it count as a transfer credit for Engineering Physics?
Admissions Warning
You almost certainly cannot use AP Physics 1 for Engineering transfer credit.
The Gap: AP Physics 1 is algebra-based. Engineering programs require calculus-based physics.
- UBC Engineering: AP Physics 1 generally transfers as
PHYS 100 (Introductory Physics for non-majors), which does not satisfy the Applied Science degree requirement. You typically need a score of 4 or 5 in AP Physics C (Mechanics + E&M) to be considered for exemption.
- UofT Engineering: Rarely grants transfer credit for core first-year courses like PHY131, even with AP Physics C. They prefer students to take their specialized "Core 8" or "EngSci" physics sequences to ensure uniform preparation.
Does Waterloo Engineering treat IB Physics HL grades differently for the AIF?
Qualitatively, Yes: While they don't mathematically inflate the grade, admissions officers scoring your AIF (Admission Information Form) look for evidence of "preparedness" and "resilience."
Explicitly mentioning your IB HL Physics projects (like the Internal Assessment) and the course's university-level scope can boost your AIF score. A higher AIF score can compensate for a slightly lower average, but it is a risky trade-off if your average drops by more than 3-4%.
Curriculum Comparisons & Gaps
How much math is in Grade 12 Physics (SPH4U) compared to AP? Do I need Calculus?
- SPH4U / BC Physics 12: These are algebra/trigonometry-based. You solve problems using kinematic equations (v² = u² + 2as) and vector components. You do not need to perform derivatives or integrals.
- AP Physics C: This is calculus-based. You must use derivatives and integrals to derive equations (e.g., calculating work done by a variable force or air resistance).
Do you need Calculus? You do not need it to pass SPH4U/Physics 12. However, taking Calculus (MCV4U) concurrently is a massive advantage because the "Vectors" unit in math perfectly parallels the "Dynamics" units in physics, reducing your study load significantly.
Does BC Physics 12 cover enough content to pass the AP Physics 1 exam regarding Rotational Motion?
Critical Gap
NO. You will likely fail the Rotational Motion section (~15-20% of the exam) without self-study.
- What BC Physics 12 Covers: Static Equilibrium. You calculate torque (τ = rFsinθ) to keep a ladder from falling (Net Torque = 0).
- What AP Physics 1 Adds: Rotational Dynamics. You calculate how fast an object accelerates when spinning (τ = Iα).
- Missing Topics: BC and Ontario curriculums typically omit Moment of Inertia (I), Rotational Kinetic Energy, and Angular Momentum (L). You must self-study Unit 7 of the AP curriculum.
Does Ontario SPH4U cover 'Fluids' or 'Thermodynamics'?
The Gap: Standard BC Physics 12 and Ontario SPH4U do not cover Fluid Dynamics. If you are taking AP Physics 1 alongside your provincial course, you now have a 100% blind spot in this unit and must self-study it.
Note: SPH4U also omits Thermodynamics, which is a key component of IB Physics HL.
Difficulty & Recommendations
Is AP Physics more difficult or IB Physics HL? Which one is harder?
The Verdict
IB Physics HL is "Holistically" harder; AP Physics C is "Mathematically" harder.
- The Math Gap (AP Wins): AP Physics C (Mechanics & E&M) is calculus-based. You must use derivatives. IB Physics HL is algebra-based; you are never required to perform calculus on the exam.
- The Endurance Gap (IB Wins): IB Physics HL is a two-year marathon covering topics AP ignores (Astrophysics, Climate) and requires the Internal Assessment (IA)—a complex research lab report.
Which one of the AP Physics courses is the most difficult?
- Rank #1 (The Beast): AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism (E&M).
It combines invisible abstract concepts (Flux, Induction) with 3D Multivariable Calculus (Surface/Path Integrals).
- Rank #2: AP Physics C: Mechanics.
- Rank #3: AP Physics 1.
(Note: Has low pass rates due to unprepared students, but is mathematically easier than the "C" courses).
Which tutoring company do you recommend for these courses in North America?
Based on the "intertwined" nature of these curriculums, this agency is the most strategic fit for four specific reasons:
- North American Infrastructure: Unlike online-only agencies, they have physical offices in Vancouver (North Shore), Toronto (Yorkville), and Seattle. This ensures they possess institutional knowledge of the specific gaps between local provincial curricula (BC Physics 12 / Ontario SPH4U) and the AP/IB standards.
- Educator-Led: The company is led by career educators (Masoud, M.Eng UBC/B.Ed) rather than business investors. Reviews confirm management is actively engaged in the diagnosis process.
- Strict "No Student-Tutor" Policy: They distinguish themselves by only hiring career tutors and certified teachers, avoiding the "university student" model. This is critical for the IB Internal Assessment rubric.
- Verified Reputation: They hold over 195+ glowing, verifiable reviews (Google/Trustindex) specifically highlighting success in competitive university admissions.