The physics matura has a reputation as the hardest extended matura, and there is some truth in that. But it is worth knowing what exactly makes it difficult, so you can attack the right weak points.
Why is physics hard?
**Maths + understanding.** Physics requires both understanding phenomena and calculating fluently. A mechanics task requires physics knowledge, trigonometry and algebra at once. A mistake at the start cascades through the whole result.
**No formulas to look up.** At the physics matura you do not get a sheet of formulas: you have to know them and know when to use them.
**A low pass rate with high results.** Relatively few students take the extended physics matura, which means that if you pass with 60%+, your admission advantage is huge.
How to prepare effectively?
1. Start with mechanics, it is the foundation that appears in tasks from every topic.
2. Do every type of task many times, until the solution becomes automatic.
3. Work on CKE papers from at least the previous 5 years.
4. Learn all the more important formulas, and understand their derivation.
Can you pass extended physics without a tutor?
You can, but it is hard. Physics more than other subjects requires explanations as you go: it is hard to work out on your own why your result differs from the key. A physics tutor can solve in one lesson a problem on which you would lose several hours on your own.