As a private tutor working with high school students across the country, one line has become all too familiar when parents first reach out to me:
“My child understands the physics theory, but just can’t solve the questions.”
It’s the #1 concern I hear, especially with the AP® Physics 1 exam. And it makes perfect sense. AP Physics 1 is not just another high school test, it’s an algebra-based, college-level course packed with concepts, math, and tough real-world applications.
What students need isn’t just another lecture. What they need is practice, structure, and the confidence to break down free-response questions, multiple-choice problems, and every confusing equation the exam throws their way.
Here’s exactly how I help them get there.
What Makes the AP® Physics 1 Exam So Tough?
The AP Physics 1 exam, offered by the College Board, tests students on a wide range of topics, from kinematics and energy to momentum and rotation, but what really trips them up is how the exam questions are asked.
You’re dealing with:
- 40 multiple-choice questions in the first section
- 4 free-response questions (FRQs) in the second section
All while using a scientific or graphing calculator and a formula sheet you need to know how to navigate fast
This exam isn’t just about memorizing content. It’s about applying that content in ways that require deep thinking, clear reasoning, and strong problem-solving skills, especially in the free-response section.
The Real Problem? It’s Not the Theory… It’s the Application
What I’ve noticed over and over is this:
Students may understand the theory, but they don’t know how to apply it. They get stuck on how to start a question, what formula to use, or how to organize a response.
That’s why most of my work focuses on building what I call “physics intuition.”
Here’s how we do it at Your Private Tutors.
My Go-To Resources for Building Confidence and Clarity
Over the years, I’ve created a simple, proven system to help students not just prepare for the test, but actually master the skills needed to score high on the AP Physics 1 exam. I recommend a few key resources to every new student I work with:
1. Start with the OpenStax AP Physics Textbook
When it comes to a solid, free foundation, I recommend OpenStax’s College Physics for AP® Courses.
It’s a free, high-quality textbook that aligns directly with the algebra-based physics 1 curriculum.
We use it to:
- Clarify tricky topics
- Review key equations
- Break down the format of example questions
Many of my students find this more helpful than their school textbook or even some prep books.
2. Learn the Theory Fast with Flipping Physics Videos
For covering theory efficiently, I recommend Flipping Physics on YouTube.
These short, visual, often humorous videos help students learn the format, concepts, and skills needed to understand each topic fast.
A typical week includes:
- 2–3 hours of video learning
- Note-taking and calculator practice
- Reviewing sample multiple-choice questions
It’s the best way I’ve found to prepare for the physics 1 exam theory without burning out.
3. Practice Tests and My Personal Google Drive of Questions
This is where the real growth happens.
I’ve compiled a Google Drive folder, which you can request by contacting us here, filled with carefully selected past questions, especially ones that target areas where students usually struggle. These practice problems are hand-picked from years of tutoring experience.
We focus on:
- Free-response questions (FRQs) with detailed step-by-step solutions
- Common traps in the multiple-choice section
- Mistakes students make and how to fix them
This type of practice builds the exact skills needed to boost AP scores, whether you’re aiming for a 3 or shooting for a 5 on the AP Physics 1 exam.
Past AP® Physics 1 Questions: Your Best Teacher
You don’t just need more practice. You need the right practice. That’s why I always direct students to past AP Physics 1 exam questions released by the College Board.
Check out the College Board’s past free-response questions here.
Each question includes:
- Sample responses from real students
- Scoring guidelines that show how points are awarded
- Clear explanations of what makes a good response
Together, we work through these to build a complete strategy: how to prepare, write clear explanations, and avoid losing points on small mistakes.
My Weekly AP® Physics 1 Study Plan
Here’s the structure I’ve seen deliver the best results:
Weekly Breakdown:
- Watch Flipping Physics videos (2–3 hours)
- Complete guided practice from my Drive (FRQs + MCQs)
- Take one full-length practice test every other week
- Use scoring guidelines to assess and review mistakes
- Get personal feedback (if we’re working together)
This routine isn’t overwhelming, and it works. Students walk into the test confident, knowing how to approach every question format the exam throws at them.
Don't Have AP Classroom Access? I’ve Got You Covered
Some schools don’t fully use the AP Classroom portal. That’s okay. I make sure my students still get high-quality, exam-level questions, including multi-select, quantitative analysis, and experimental design formats.
If your school isn’t providing updated practice resources, we’ll fill the gap with:
- My curated question bank
- Real College Board-style assessments
- Strategy sessions focused on scoring
What Students Actually Learn (Besides Just Physics)
What I love most is seeing students shift from “I don’t get this” to “I know how to tackle this.”
They learn:
- How to manage time during the exam
- How to write strong free-response answers
- How to use the formula sheet effectively
- How to stay calm, even on the toughest test day
Many go on to earn college credit or place into advanced physics courses. But more than that, they walk away with real problem-solving skills they’ll use in every math and science course ahead.
Ready to Build Real Problem-Solving Skills?
If your child is preparing for the AP® Physics 1 exam and struggling with questions, practice problems, or test strategy, you’re not alone. And more importantly, they don’t have to figure it out alone either.
At Your Private Tutors, we offer 1-on-1 AP Physics tutoring focused on:
- Solving tough free-response questions
- Mastering multiple-choice test strategies
- Building strong, confident problem-solving habits
- Reviewing past exam questions and scoring guidelines
- Learning how to think like a test-scorer, not just a student
Want to see how it works before committing?
Try a 30-Minute Private Session for Just $5
Yep, just $5 for 30 minutes. This trial session gives your student a chance to:
- Ask their toughest questions
- Get personalized feedback on real exam problems
- See if our tutoring style is the right fit
No pressure. No long-term commitment. Just real support when it’s needed most.
Book your trial session here and let’s help your student move from stuck… to scoring high on the AP Physics 1 exam.
Let’s get started!
