Ambika Sekar
Data based on 11 reviews.
What kind of test questions does this teacher use most often (choose one):
Multiple ChoiceIs the teacher available for extra help during study halls, lunchtime, before or after school, etc.?
Almost AlwaysThe teacher responds to emails promptly. Do you...
Strongly AgreeThe teacher posts in-class materials online for reference (slides, etc.):
Almost AlwaysThe teacher lets us know at the beginning of the course and along the way how much each part of the class (homework, papers, quizzes and tests) counts towards our total grade:
Strongly AgreeHow much homework does this teacher assign?
Way too muchThe amount of writing required in this class is:
Very HighThe teacher allows us to use technology in class (e.g. laptop, calculator, smart pen, etc.)
Almost AlwaysHow much memorization is required to do well in this teacher’s course?
Very HighWhat advice would you give yourself if you were just starting the class now?
Class of 2026
When you take AP Physics 1, know that the course itself is difficult, but Ms. Sekar is passionate about teaching AP Physics 1. She accepts for lab re-do's as many times as you need and caps your labs at 80% so there's no reason to skip labs, pay attention to her lectures and DO THE STUDY GUIDES, she goes over study guides in class and it will be VERY useful with not being left behind. Her exams are typically more difficult than the AP exam, so you can be sure that you'll be overly prepared, and to do well on her exam practice conceptual type problems and understand when to use what formulas.
Class of 2021
Simply do your work on time and you'll be fine. It is nice to participate as you can get hands in on the work, and it makes learning the material easier. Pay attention to the class and you'll do fine.
Class of 2022
One tip I would give for students in Physics is to write down all the different formulas you learn about. This will be very useful on the day of the test. This is because there are a bunch of formulas in this class and it is near impossible to remember them all.
Class of 2022
I'm writing in regards to the AP Physics One class. The class is incredibly difficult, not just because of the material, but also because of the format of the class. The class is incredibly fast paced, and material is shot out like bullets. To succeed, realize that you must do the homework thoroughly as well as thoughtfully. If there is a single piece of information that you don’t understand, drill it over and over. Look things up on the internet, and make sure that you understand it. Not only will it likely show up on a test, but each piece of physics builds upon each other, so not knowing foundation or concepts will not save you time in the long run. Tests and exams are heavily weighted in this class. Even if you complete all the homework, it does not mean that you will get a good grade in the class. The tests and quizzes are heavily weighted in the class. Quizzes are in the same category as tests, so when studying, keep that in mind. When studying, I highly recommend using the textbook and going word by word. Do not skip the example problems! Try the problem on your own, then just the explanation to double check. If you look over the example problems and assume that you’ll be fine or know them, things will not end well for you. Concepts are not explained in depth during class very well, so it is incredibly important that you use your resources: textbooks, AP classroom, YouTube, and your peers. Do not procrastinate and try to cram for tests. It does not work. The best method is starting four to three days in advance of the test, and writing notes on each section of the chapter, with diagrams and examples solved out, then redoing ALL of the homework assignments. The final two days should be spent on the review that Ms. Sekar provides. This method is very difficult and requires heavy amounts of commitment (as well as coffee), but it is essential to pass the class.
Class of 2021
If you are thinking about taking this class just as a challenge please consider what you want out of the AP Physics course. It is one of the most difficult classes and you will need to apply yourself at 150% constantly. Outside of the homework given take your own notes! You learn mostly from the textbook so make it your best friend. I also recommend getting a tutor for this course. It is extremely easy to fall behind but not easy to catch up. Memorize equations and theorems to your best ability! This class builds on itself so whatever you learn you will keep using, with this in mind don't forget any "old" topics because I guarantee they will be used in a newer chapter. Attempt practice problems at the end of the chapter and time yourself, try to limit to 5 minutes since time on exams are very short, this is something I didn't do but wish I did.
Additional Comments
Class of 2021
The work isn't particularly easy nor difficult, I would say it's definitely in the middle ground on difficulty. There is a bit of work at times, but as long as you're able to understand the topic all the assignments shouldn't be difficult. I will say that I personally saw no real purpose on the reading logs, since they didn't help as much as some may think. Especially the part where they ask to add questions, as there were several times where I had no questions, but still had to make some questions up for class.
Class of 2022
Ms. Sekar is pretty lenient on late work. So if you don't turn an assignment in by the due date just try to get it done for partial credit.
Class of 2021
This is the hardest class I've ever taken and I applaud it for truly making me struggle but the concepts that we learn are extremely interesting. Aside from grades and value, everything that you learn in this class, for lack of better words, is extremely cool. It is fascinating to see how the world works from a mathematical and scientific perspective. This class encourages you to think extremely hard and conceptualize most problems sop being adaptable as well as knowledgeable is a must. If there is something you don't understand please contact someone right away because like I said earlier, you will be left behind and will not be given a chance to catch up. Ms. Sekar is kind and willing to do anything she can to help her students so contact her when you need to!
Class of 2022
For FRQs, remember to specifically include phrases and concepts that you use for full points. If you use newton's 2nd law, specifically have that in your explanation. If you have trouble, then ask a question. The tutoring sessions she held were very useful, and she will keep you updated and informed on how the AP exam will function and how to succeed on it.
Class of 2022
Definitely a hard class, there is a lot of content and memorization of concepts and equations. There is a lot of homework, in class we go over problems we had issues with. The tests take a lot of time to complete but the given amount of time is way less. Not a bad teacher, sometimes when answering questions she goes in a roundabout way. Like either ask other students to see if they can answer the question or she doesn’t understand the question completely and goes on about something else. However, she does offer tutoring sessions, which are helpful.