Thousands of high school students sign up to take AP courses each year. These advanced classes provide intellectual challenges, focused learning environments, and even college credit, allowing top students to go the extra mile.
While AP courses can help you demonstrate initiative and academic prowess during the college admissions process, they are only impressive if you succeed in them. For busy students juggling other classes, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs, it’s important to be thoughtful about which AP classes you take.
In this article, we’ll give you an overview of the hardest and easiest AP classes so that you can make informed decisions about your school schedule.
What Are the Easiest AP Classes?
All AP courses present a challenge, but some AP classes are considered relatively easier than others. Variables like teachers and school requirements can dramatically change a class’ difficulty, so we’re going to compare these courses using an objective, national metric: scores on the AP exam.
AP exams are the culmination of an AP class. They function like a university-level final exam, and they are required to get college credit for the course. The AP exam is graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest score and 5 being the highest. For most exams, a score of 3 is considered passing.
Here is a list of the AP exams that are offered by the College Board, ranked according to the percentage of students who pass those exams with a score of 3 or higher. (In the language classes, the “total group” includes native and fluent speakers, while the “standard group” excludes native and fluent speakers.) The more students who pass the exam, the easier the AP class is likely to be:
- Drawing: 88.3%
- Chinese Language (total group): 86.9%
- 2D Art and Design: 86.6%
- Research: 82.7%
- Seminar: 82.6%
- Spanish Language (total group): 81.7%
- Spanish Language (standard group): 78.4%
- English Literature: 77.9%
- Calculus BC: 76.9%
- Japanese Language (total group): 75.5%
- 3D Art and Design: 73.6%
- Physics Mechanics: 73.4%
- French Language (total group): 71.6%
- Comparative Government and Politics: 70.5%
- Italian Language (total group): 70.5%
- Physics 2: 69.7%
- Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism: 69.4%
- French Language (standard group): 68.5%
- Biology: 67.9%
- Computer Science A: 67.5%
- Italian Language (standard group): 65.8%
- German Language (total group): 65.5%
- Chinese Language (standard group): 64.8%
- Spanish Literature: 64.2%
- Computer Science Principles: 63.5%
- World History: 62.1%
- Music: 61.9%
- Art History: 61.5%
- Statistics: 60.5%
- Microeconomics: 59.0%
- European History: 58.9%
- Psychology: 58.3%
- German Language (standard group): 57.5%
- Latin: 57.0%
- Calculus AB: 55.7%
- English Language: 55.7%
- Chemistry: 54.0%
- Environmental Science: 53.8%
- Japanese Language (standard group): 53.5%
- Human Geography: 53.2%
- Macroeconomics: 51.8%
- United States Government and Politics: 48.6%
- U.S. History: 48.2%
- Physics 1: 43.3%
This data reveals that art-based AP classes, like Drawing and 2D Art and Design, stand alongside Research and Seminar as the easiest AP courses, whereas Macroeconomics, United States Government and Politics, U.S. History, and Physics 1 are among the hardest.
However, there are a few outliers. For example, Physics 2 has a 69.7% pass rate; however, this class is extremely difficult. Students cannot take AP Physics 2 without having completed AP Physics 1, which has the lowest pass rate of any AP exam: 43.3%. Physics 2’s high success rate reflects the fact that only top-achieving Physics 1 students go on to take Physics 2. So, let’s dive deeper to understand the classes behind the percentages.
The Easiest AP Classes
The percentage of students who pass the AP exam is only one indicator of course difficulty, and each class will vary depending on your specific school and teacher. However, we have enough data to draw a general consensus on the easiest AP classes. Here is a list of AP courses where you are more likely to pass the exam and get an A:
AP Comparative Government and Politics
AP Comparative Government and Politics examines the political structures, policies, and political, social, and economic challenges of six different countries: the United Kingdom, Mexico, Nigeria, China, Iran, and Russia. The course helps students understand the diversity of political systems and the various ways governments operate.
Since this class covers six different countries, the content doesn’t go into as much depth as a class like U.S. Government and Politics (which has a pass rate of just 48.6%). Instead of memorizing a lot of specific details, you just have to understand broader concepts and how they interact with each other.
The AP Comparative Government and Politics is 2.5 hours long and has 55 multiple-choice questions along with just four free-response prompts. Almost three-quarters of students (70.5%) pass, with 16% of them receiving a 5.
AP Studio Art: Drawing
AP Studio Art: Drawing allows students to develop their artistic skills and create a portfolio of work for evaluation. This course focuses on drawing techniques, including line quality, light and shade, form rendering, composition, surface manipulation, and the illusion of depth. Students are encouraged to experiment with different media and styles, fostering creative expression and technical skills.
The course is highly individualized, allowing students to explore their personal interests. Instead of a written exam, students submit a portfolio of their work, which is judged on quality, concentration, and breadth. The portfolio consists of three sections: Selected Works, Sustained Investigation, and Range of Approaches, each highlighting different aspects of the student’s artistic abilities and development.
Because AP Studio Art is so subjective and involves submitting a portfolio rather than taking a physical test, it has one of the highest AP exam pass rates, with 88.3% of students passing and 14.5% earning a 5. Whether you are a passionate amateur or considering applying to art school, AP Studio Art can be an engaging and rewarding class!
AP Seminar
AP Seminar is the first part of the AP Capstone program. It is an interdisciplinary course that allows students to explore a topic of their own choosing. AP Seminar teaches students how to effectively analyze an issue through critical thinking, collaboration, and research in preparation for the next class in the sequence, AP Research.
With a pass rate of 82.6%, AP Seminar is considered one of the more approachable AP classes. Because AP Seminar focuses on honing interdisciplinary skills instead of memorizing facts, students who are able to apply the course’s academic framework generally see success on the exam.
AP Chinese Language
AP Chinese Language and Culture is designed for students who are already proficient in Mandarin. The course emphasizes communication skills, cultural understanding, and fluency in both spoken and written Mandarin.
Due to the high percentage of native speakers or students with significant background in the language taking the course, the pass rate is an impressive 89.9%, with 54.3% of students earning a score of 5.
The exam includes sections on listening, reading, writing, and speaking. For students with a solid foundation in Chinese, the course can be relatively easy, and the high pass rate reflects this.
AP Spanish Language
Similar to AP Chinese, AP Spanish Language and Culture is aimed at students who already have a strong background in Spanish. The course focuses on developing advanced communication skills, cultural awareness, and proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
With a pass rate of 88.7% and 30.9% of students scoring a 5, this course is often seen as one of the easier AP options for students who are already fluent or near-fluent in Spanish.
The exam includes a variety of tasks, such as conversations, cultural comparisons, and essay writing. For students comfortable with the language, it’s a great way to earn college credit with relative ease.
AP Art History
AP Art History explores the history of art across various cultures and periods, from ancient times to the present. Students study major forms of artistic expression, including painting, sculpture, and architecture, and learn to analyze works of art within their historical context.
The course encourages students to develop visual literacy and critical thinking skills by examining the cultural and historical significance of artworks. Students are expected to compare and contrast different artworks, discuss their historical contexts, and interpret their meanings and purposes.
While the subject matter is broad, the course is structured to help students grasp the key concepts. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and free-response questions that test students’ knowledge and analytical skills. The pass rate is 61.5%, with 11.9% of students achieving a score of 5.
AP Statistics
AP Statistics introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Topics include exploring data, sampling, and experimentation, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. AP Statistics teaches students to think statistically, emphasizing the importance of data in decision-making processes. Though considered easier than other math AP courses, it still requires a solid understanding of mathematical concepts.
The exam includes multiple-choice and free-response questions that test students’ understanding of statistical methods and their ability to apply them. The pass rate is 60.5%, with 16.2% of students earning a score of 5.
The Hardest AP Courses
These classes have garnered a reputation for being more difficult than the others, both in terms of passing the AP exam and earning high grades. The hardest AP courses can be very impressive on college applications, but you should balance them with easier classes to make sure that you can succeed.
AP Physics 1
AP Physics 1 covers foundational physics concepts such as Newtonian mechanics, work, energy, power, mechanical waves, sound, and simple circuits. This course places a strong emphasis on developing scientific inquiry and reasoning skills. The curriculum is designed to be equivalent to a first-semester college course in algebra-based physics, requiring students to apply mathematical concepts to physical scenarios.
This course is not just one of the most difficult AP classes out there; it’s also one of the most popular. In 2022, almost 145,000 students took the class. Fewer students pass this exam than any other, however, and only 7.9% of students who do pass score a 5. If you’re ready for the challenge, brush up on your math skills and be ready for a lot of hands-on learning and data analysis.
AP U.S. Government and Politics
AP U.S. Government and Politics provides an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States. The course includes the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific case studies.
Almost 300,000 students took this AP class in 2022, but fewer than half passed the exam. Despite its difficulty, it remains among the most popular for students interested in politics and government. If you are interested in pursuing a career in public policy, this course can provide a valuable foundation for your college coursework.
AP U.S. History
AP U.S. History covers significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods from approximately 1491 to the present. The course focuses on developing students’ abilities to think conceptually about U.S. history and apply historical reasoning to analyze patterns of continuity and change over time.
This class is difficult because it only covers one country for a relatively short period of time, unlike other AP history courses like World History. You’ll need to memorize more information, and then you also have to be able to use it. On the exam, you will be required to interpret cause and effect, write arguments, and analyze historical events.
Even though AP U.S. History is known for being challenging, it doesn’t scare students away. It’s the second-most popular AP course (taken by 456,520 students in 2022), but the passing rate is third-lowest, at 48.2%. Only 10.8% of students score a 5.
AP Biology
AP Biology is broken into eight sections covering topics like cellular energetics, gene expression, and ecology. Each section is broken into 6-13 modules, moving quickly through complex material. Students must have a strong foundation in biology and chemistry and be prepared for extensive lab work and data analysis. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on lab experiments as a significant part of the learning experience, reinforcing theoretical concepts through practical application.
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions, free-response questions, and grid-in questions, which require students to apply their knowledge to solve complex biological problems and analyze data from experiments.
With 237,338 students taking the exam in 2022, 67.8% scored a 3 or higher, while 38.1% scored a 4 or 5. Despite the relatively high pass rate, the course remains challenging due to the rapid pace and depth of content.
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus BC is an advanced calculus class that builds on the material covered in AP Calculus AB. The curriculum covers limits, derivatives, integrals, polynomial approximations, and series, often delving into complex problems that require a deep understanding of mathematical theory. It moves quickly and expects students to have high-level math skills.
The AP Calculus BC includes multiple-choice questions and free-response questions, where students must demonstrate their ability to solve complex calculus problems and explain their reasoning clearly. In 2022, 120,238 students took the exam, with 76.9% scoring a 3 or higher and 56.8% scoring a 4 or 5.
The pass rate is so high because most schools require students to take AP Calculus AB before they take BC, so only the highest achieving AB students end up taking AP Calculus BC. If you want to succeed in AP Calculus BC, you need to have a strong grasp of AB concepts.
AP Chemistry
AP Chemistry is infamous for its difficulty, covering an astounding amount of material, including intermolecular forces, chemical reactions, and thermodynamics. Students explore atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, kinetics, and equilibrium, among other topics, often engaging in laboratory experiments that require precise measurement and analysis. The course moves quickly, often completing an entire module every 1-2 days.
The exam includes multiple-choice questions and free-response questions, where students must perform calculations, predict chemical behavior, and design experiments, showcasing their comprehensive understanding of chemical principles.
In 2022, 124,780 students took the AP Chemistry exam, with 54% scoring a 3 or higher and 29.5% scoring a 4 or 5. The rigorous curriculum demands a strong understanding of both chemistry and math, with extensive lab work and complex problem-solving.
AP English Language and Composition
AP English Language and Composition requires students to develop skills in analysis, evaluation, and argumentative writing. The course includes nine different units, focusing on reading a variety of nonfiction pieces and high-level critical writing. Students read essays, speeches, memoirs, and journalism in order to analyze rhetorical strategies and learn how to incorporate well-supported arguments into their writing.
The exam features multiple-choice questions that test reading comprehension and rhetorical analysis, as well as free-response questions that require students to write synthesis, argumentative, and rhetorical analysis essays under timed conditions.
In 2022, 520,771 students took the exam, with 55.7% scoring a 3 or higher and 31.5% scoring a 4 or 5. AP Lang is especially demanding due to the extensive reading and writing required, as well as the need for strong analytical skills.
AP English Literature and Composition
AP English Literature and Composition, unlike AP Lang, focuses on literary analysis and requires students to produce three high-level, full-length essays in under two hours. The course demands extensive reading and writing. Students study a wide range of literary works, from classic novels to contemporary poetry, developing their ability to interpret and analyze complex texts.
The AP Lit exam includes multiple-choice questions that test literary analysis skills and three free-response questions that require students to write critical essays on prose and poetry passages and a literary work of their choice.
In 2022, 339,401 students took the exam, with 77.9% scoring a 3 or higher and 44.2% scoring a 4 or 5. Despite the higher pass rate, the class is challenging due to the intense amount of reading and the depth of literary analysis required.
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism is equivalent to an upper-intermediate level college course in physics. It covers topics like electrostatics, conductors, and electromagnetism, and includes intensive lab work. Students explore electric fields, Gauss’s law, electric potential, capacitors, inductors, and magnetic fields, often engaging in detailed mathematical derivations and laboratory experiments.
The exam includes multiple-choice and free-response questions that require students to solve complex problems, perform calculations, and explain physical phenomena in detail, demonstrating a deep understanding of both physics and calculus principles.
In 2022, 19,978 students took the AP Physics C exam, with 55.1% scoring a 3 or higher and 69.4% scoring a 4 or 5. The course is challenging due to the complex topics and the need for a strong understanding of calculus.
AP Environmental Science
AP Environmental Science covers topics such as ecosystems, biodiversity, population dynamics, and environmental policies. Students will also explore human impacts on the environment, including pollution, resource depletion, and climate change. The course often includes hands-on lab work and field studies, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
While AP Environmental Science is often labeled as one of the more accessible AP courses, it can be more challenging than many students anticipate. Just over half (53.8%) of students pass the exam with a 3 or above, and fewer than 10% (8.9%) achieve a score of 5, one of the lowest rates among all AP courses. The misconception about the class’ ease often leads to students underestimating the amount of effort required to succeed.
AP Environmental Science requires students to have a wide depth of knowledge in many different fields, so you’ll succeed if you have strong algebra, social studies, biology, chemistry, and geology skills.
AP Human Geography
AP Human Geography teaches students to systematically study the patterns and processes that have shaped mankind’s understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. It covers population, cultural patterns, political organization, agricultural and rural land use, and urbanization. The course encourages students to think critically about the relationships between people and their environments and to understand spatial data.
The AP Human Geography exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and three free-response questions, testing students’ understanding of geographic concepts and ability to analyze geographic data.
Though nearly 300,000 students took the exam in 2021, the pass rate is only 58.3%, with 17% earning a 5 on the exam. This suggests that, while the class may be considered easier than others in terms of classwork, it still demands significant effort, especially when it comes to mastering the extensive amount of material. Students are often required to interpret maps, graphs, and other data visualizations, making data literacy an essential skill for success.
AP Classes vs Regular High School Classes
But how are AP classes actually different from regular high school classes? AP classes are designed to provide college-level coursework and opportunities to earn college credits through successful completion of AP exams. On the other hand, regular high school classes follow the standard curriculum without the option of earning college credit. Understanding the differences between these two types of classes is crucial to college preparation.
One of the primary differences between AP classes and regular high school classes lies in the curriculum and depth of study. AP classes delve deeper into subjects and cover more advanced topics compared to regular classes. They are designed to replicate the rigor and pace of introductory college courses. AP classes often require students to engage in critical thinking, independent research, and analytical writing.
In contrast, regular high school classes generally cover foundational concepts and provide a broader overview of subjects. While regular classes still provide valuable knowledge, AP classes offer a more rigorous and comprehensive academic experience.
Another significant difference is the workload and expectations placed on students. AP classes demand strong time management skills and effective study habits due to their accelerated pace and in-depth content. Students in AP classes often find themselves juggling multiple assignments, projects, and exams simultaneously. Regular high school classes may have a more relaxed pace and fewer assignments, allowing students more flexibility in their study schedules.
Why Should I Take AP Courses in High School?
If you’re unsure whether AP courses are the right choice for you, there are a few factors that you should consider. AP classes:
Enhance College Applications
AP courses can help you stand out in the competitive college admissions landscape. Succeeding in an AP class shows colleges that you’re ready for university-level coursework. AP classes require advanced analytical and time management skills that are critical to the collegiate environment, and taking a rigorous course load also demonstrates your ambition and drive.
Develop Skills
AP courses help students develop critical thinking, time management, and advanced problem-solving skills. These courses require a higher level of analysis and synthesis, which are crucial skills for success in college and beyond.
The skills acquired from AP courses extend beyond the classroom. For example, time management skills can help students balance academics, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments in college. Critical thinking and analytical skills are valuable in any career path, making AP courses an investment in future success.
Give You a Head Start
AP classes can give you a head start in college. Many institutions accept high AP exam scores (a minimum of 3, but more often 4 or 5) as college credit towards your degree. That means that you can skip some general education classes and save your time, energy, and money for more specialized study. Students who take a lot of AP courses in high school can start their freshman year with a full semester’s worth of credits already under their belt!
Boost Your GPA
Finally, taking AP courses in high school can also boost your GPA. Some high schools use a weighted GPA system, where AP courses grant students an extra point on their GPA. For example, an A grade in a non-AP class might be worth 4.0 points, but an A in an AP course would be worth 5.0 points on a weighted scale.
However, students don’t gain many GPA benefits from AP classes if they don’t earn at least an A or a B in the class. That’s why it’s important to build a balanced, realistic schedule that challenges you academically while still maximizing your chances of success.
Choosing the Right AP Courses
Taking too many difficult classes or the wrong ones can negatively impact your high school transcript and college applications, so it’s important that you choose the right AP courses for your abilities and goals. Here are a few suggestions to help you pick the classes where you have the best chance of success:
Check Your Top Colleges’ AP Policies
Many colleges offer college credit for AP courses, but some of them don’t. You should research the policies of any schools you are interested in to see if they will give you credit for your AP courses. Most colleges require that students score a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP exam to earn credit. Other colleges may not offer credit for courses or exams but might use your scores to place you in more advanced classes, putting you ahead in your studies even if they don’t grant you credit.
For example, if most of the schools you’re interested in require a general education math course and accept a score of 3 or above on an AP test to count for credit, you might want to take that course. However, if only a couple of colleges offer credit for the class, you may want to consider a different one.
Consider Your Interests and Strengths
When signing up for AP courses, your strengths and interests are paramount. If you’re not interested in a subject, you will likely need to work much harder to get a good grade in the class. If you’re strong in a subject and enjoy it, you may want to consider taking the relevant AP course. Your passion can drive amazing results!
Similarly, if you struggle in a subject, you may not want to take that AP class, even if many of your peers have taken it and scored high on the test. Your best bet is to take AP courses in the areas you’re most likely to succeed in.
Balance Your Schedule
While some high-achieving students may be able to handle a full schedule of AP classes, many high schoolers are not ready to take on a university level course load. Make sure you build a balanced schedule that includes AP, Honors, and regular level classes. You should also take your non-academic commitments into account, such as extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and household duties. AP classes demand more time and energy than the standard high school curriculum, so you want to make sure you have the capacity to handle the increased workload.
If you’re unsure whether AP classes are right for you, start small. Take one AP course in a subject you enjoy to test the waters. See how you need to adjust your schedule and study habits to succeed. Then, if you feel like you are ready for more advanced study, you can take more APs next semester.
Tips for Succeeding in AP Courses
Enrolling in an AP class won’t help much with college if you don’t get good grades. Here are some tips to help you maximize your AP course success:
Use Your Time Management Skills
Balancing AP coursework with other responsibilities can be challenging. Create a structured study schedule that allocates specific times for each subject and stick to it. Use planners or digital calendars to keep track of deadlines and plan regular study sessions. Prioritize tasks based on their due dates and complexity and break larger projects into smaller, manageable steps to avoid last-minute cramming.
Seek Help
Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you encounter difficult topics. Your teachers are valuable resources who can provide explanations and additional materials. Attend any extra help sessions or office hours they offer.
Additionally, utilize online resources such as educational websites, video tutorials, and forums where you can ask questions and receive guidance from other students and educators. You can also look for a tutor who can give you personalized guidance, either through your school or a professional tutoring company.
Take Practice Tests
Familiarize yourself with the AP exams for your chosen course. Each AP exam has its own unique format and types of questions, so practice tests can be your best friend. These tests can help you identify areas where you need more review and build your test-taking stamina.
Review the answers to understand your mistakes and learn from them. Practice tests can also help reduce anxiety by making the actual exam feel more familiar. Use official practice materials from the College Board or other reputable sources.
Join Study Groups
Collaborating with peers in study groups can enhance your understanding of the material. Study groups provide a platform to share insights, discuss difficult concepts, and quiz each other. Group members can explain topics in different ways, which can be particularly helpful if you’re struggling to wrap your mind around something.
Additionally, studying with others can keep you motivated and accountable. Set clear goals for each study session and make sure everyone participates actively.
Build a Personalized Academic Plan with Empowerly
AP classes offer both challenges and opportunities for high school students. They can help your college application stand out, give you valuable skills, and boost your GPA, but only if you succeed! Therefore, it’s important to carefully choose AP courses that align with personal interests, academic strengths, and college aspirations.
If you need help building your class schedule, reach out to Empowerly. Our top-rated college counselors know how to help students maximize their high school academic success. They will work with you one-on-one to create a balanced class schedule, including regular, honors, and AP courses, that will help you get the highest GPA possible, challenge yourself academically, and stand out to top colleges.
Empowerly is your trusted partner for college admissions success! 98% of students who have worked with Empowerly and been accepted into Ivy League and top 25 schools, and we are proven to boost college admission rates by 11x. Book your FREE consultation today!
FAQ
What are the main benefits of taking AP classes?
AP classes offer a college-level academic experience with opportunities to earn college credits, enhance college applications, and explore advanced topics.
Can regular high school classes provide college credits?
No, regular high school classes do not typically offer college credit.
Are AP classes harder than regular high school classes?
Yes, AP classes are generally more rigorous than regular high school classes. They cover more complex topics at a quicker, university-level pace, and they require advanced critical thinking, independent research, and analytical writing skills.
How do AP exams impact college admissions?
Scoring well on AP exams demonstrates a student’s commitment to challenging coursework, which can be impressive to college admissions officers.
