Choosing the right AP classes can be a daunting task for high school students who want to challenge themselves academically while also preparing for college. With so many options available, it helps to understand which AP courses are generally considered the most difficult and which are viewed as more manageable. Although difficulty can vary depending on individual strengths, teacher quality, and personal interest, certain AP subjects have consistently been ranked based on their exam pass rates, workload, and conceptual complexity. This guide will break down AP classes ranked by difficulty to help students make informed decisions about their academic journey.
Factors That Influence AP Class Difficulty
Before ranking AP classes, it’s important to consider what makes a course ‘hard.’ There are several factors that students typically use to judge the difficulty of an AP course:
- Exam pass rate: The percentage of students who score a 3 or higher on the final AP exam.
- Course workload: The volume of homework, projects, and required reading.
- Subject complexity: Abstract concepts or advanced mathematical reasoning make some classes more difficult.
- Prerequisite knowledge: Courses that require strong foundations in previous subjects can be harder to grasp.
Most Difficult AP Classes
AP Physics C: Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism
Often cited as the hardest AP classes, AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism require a strong grasp of calculus. These courses are fast-paced and involve abstract thinking, advanced mathematics, and detailed conceptual understanding. Students who take these classes typically have already completed AP Calculus or take it simultaneously.
AP Chemistry
AP Chemistry demands a high level of analytical thinking, lab skills, and memorization. Students are expected to understand stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics. The lab reports and practice problems can be intense, making this one of the most challenging science courses.
AP Calculus BC
As an extension of AP Calculus AB, the BC course covers more topics, including series and parametric equations. Students who excel in mathematics often still find this class difficult due to its depth and the speed at which new concepts are introduced.
AP Biology
AP Biology requires students to absorb a large amount of information, including cellular processes, genetics, and evolution. The course includes lab work and essay questions on the exam, testing both conceptual understanding and the ability to explain processes clearly.
AP U.S. History (APUSH)
This course demands an immense amount of reading and memorization. Students are required to understand events, causes, and effects across centuries, analyze historical documents, and write coherent essays. Many consider APUSH to be the most difficult of the history APs.
Moderately Difficult AP Classes
AP Statistics
AP Statistics involves critical thinking and interpreting data rather than advanced math. While less abstract than calculus-based courses, it still challenges students with concepts like probability, inference, and regression. Students who aren’t confident with data analysis may find it tricky.
AP English Literature and Composition
This course focuses on analyzing novels, poems, and plays from various time periods. The difficulty comes from interpreting abstract literary themes and writing essays under time constraints. Students who enjoy reading complex texts may find it more manageable.
AP Environmental Science
Although this course covers a wide range of topics, including ecology, geology, and environmental policy, it is generally considered easier than other science APs. Still, students must stay on top of vocabulary, case studies, and data interpretation to do well.
AP Government and Politics (U.S.)
This class includes studying the structure and functions of U.S. government, political ideologies, and key Supreme Court cases. While not content-heavy like history APs, understanding how political systems work and being able to apply current events can make it moderately difficult.
Least Difficult AP Classes
AP Psychology
AP Psychology is often viewed as one of the easiest AP classes. The course introduces students to psychological theories, brain structures, development, and behavior. With proper memorization of vocabulary and terms, many students find success in this course with relative ease.
AP Human Geography
Typically taken by freshmen or sophomores, this AP course focuses on cultural, economic, and political patterns around the world. The content is interesting and relatable, and the exam is more vocabulary-based, making it less difficult compared to other AP social studies classes.
AP Computer Science Principles
Unlike AP Computer Science A, this class does not require extensive coding knowledge. It introduces students to basic programming concepts, internet security, and the societal impacts of technology. The workload is lighter, and the concepts are accessible to beginners.
AP Art History
Though requiring memorization of art pieces, artists, and periods, many students find this course manageable due to its visual and thematic nature. It rewards visual learners and students who enjoy culture and history through a creative lens.
Choosing the Right AP Classes for You
Know Your Strengths
Students who excel in math and science may prefer to take AP Physics, AP Chemistry, or AP Calculus, while those with strong reading and writing skills may thrive in AP English Literature or AP U.S. History. Knowing your academic strengths helps determine which AP classes suit you best.
Consider Your College Goals
Some universities value certain AP classes more than others, especially for competitive majors like engineering or medicine. Check if your intended major prefers specific AP courses and plan accordingly to show academic preparation in those fields.
Balance Workload
While taking multiple APs can strengthen a transcript, overloading with too many difficult courses may lead to burnout. Try to maintain a balance between challenging yourself and keeping your mental and physical well-being intact.
Talk to Teachers and Counselors
Teachers who have taught AP classes can provide firsthand insight into the expectations and workload of a course. School counselors can help align your AP choices with your academic plan and college goals.
Ranking AP classes by difficulty can help students make smart academic choices, but it’s important to remember that difficulty is subjective. What feels hard for one student may come naturally to another. When selecting AP courses, consider your interests, strengths, and future goals. Success in AP classes depends not only on course content but also on your commitment to study and time management. By understanding the relative difficulty of AP classes, students can craft a schedule that both challenges them and sets them up for success in college and beyond.