AP classes are college-level courses offered in high school that can earn you college credit and strengthen your college applications. With 38 different AP courses available, choosing the right ones and managing the workload can feel overwhelming.
This is a comprehensive, detailed guide - we're covering everything from which AP classes to take to understanding what makes them hard or easy. Grab a coffee and settle in, or jump to the section you need using the table of contents.
AP classes are basically college courses you can take in high school. You learn college-level material, take a big exam in May, and potentially earn college credit if you score well enough. The exams are scored 1-5 (and yes, that's where the name Fiveable comes from).
Quick history: AP started in 1955 at fancy prep schools, but now over 2.8 million students take these courses every year. The program offers 38 different subjects - everything from Biology to Studio Art. Though let's be real, not every school offers every course. Some schools have 20+ APs, others might only have a handful.
Why do students take them? College credit (save money!), stronger college applications, and honestly, sometimes just to challenge themselves. About 35% of high school grads now take at least one AP exam, with over 4.3 million total exams taken in 2024.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Courses Available | 38 subjects |
| Exam Scoring | 1-5 scale (3+ typically considered passing) |
| Exam Dates | May each year |
| Cost per Exam | $98 (fee waivers available) |
| College Credit Potential | Varies by school and score |
| 2025 National Pass Rate | 60% average |
AP courses span six major categories, offering something for every academic interest:
The "right" number of AP classes varies dramatically based on your goals, capabilities, and school offerings. There's no universal answer, but here are research-based guidelines:
| Target Schools | Recommended AP Classes | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Ivy League & Top 20 | 8-12 total | Spread across 4 years |
| Top 30-50 Schools | 5-8 total | Focus on core subjects |
| State Flagships | 4-6 total | Emphasize your intended major |
| Other 4-Year Colleges | 2-4 total | Quality over quantity |
Important Reality Check: Colleges evaluate you in the context of what's available at your school. Taking 4 APs when your school offers 5 is more impressive than taking 8 when your school offers 25.
According to College Board data, over 1 million 9th and 10th graders now take AP courses annually. Here's what's typical at each grade level:
Freshman Year (Grade 9): While many schools restrict freshman AP access, those who do take APs typically choose 0-2 courses:
Most Common Freshman APs:
Sophomore Year (Grade 10): Students typically take 1-3 AP courses, building on freshman foundations:
Most Common Sophomore APs:
Junior Year (Grade 11): Peak AP year with 3-4 courses typical (Ivy League hopefuls often take 3-5):
Most Common Junior APs:
Senior Year (Grade 12): Students typically take 3-5 APs, balancing rigor with college applications:
Most Common Senior APs:
Students frequently report being overwhelmed when they:
It's better to excel in fewer AP classes than struggle in many. Colleges prefer to see A's in 3 AP classes over C's in 5 AP classes.
This is more of a personal question than anything. Every AP class is theoretically hard because it's a lot of work at high levels of rigor. But depending on your background knowledge or productivity skills, some classes may be easier for you.
In general, your first AP class will be the hardest one you take, no matter which subject. It's a learning curve to get used to the pace and scoring structure. Once you know what to expect, it'll get easier.
With that said, we can try to find out which exam is the hardest for the most students using multiple data sets.
Based on 2025 pass rates, essay score data, and feedback from 500,000+ Fiveable students, these are consistently the most challenging.
The "cut off" score is what percentage of points you need to earn a 3, 4, 5, etc. These are not publicized by college board so we don't know the exact data here. But we can estimate based on data from previously released exams.
So a 50% cut off means you need 50% of the points available to earn a 3. Lower "cut off" scores suggest that the exam might be harder for students. In order to ensure enough pass, the line has to be drawn lower.
You can use the AP Score Calculators to see what these cut offs look like in practice.
Important context about test volume: Some of these "hard" exams have massive numbers of test takers, which can affect pass rates. For example, AP US History had 467,975 test takers in 2024, while AP Physics C: E&M had only 25,483. More students = more unprepared students = lower pass rates.
1. 🎡 AP Physics 1
2. 🧬 AP Biology
3. 🇺🇸 AP US History
4. ♾️ AP Calculus AB/BC
5. 🧪 AP Chemistry
6. 💡 AP Physics C: E&M
The hardest AP classes share common characteristics:
Important Context: Lower pass rates don't always mean harder content. AP Physics 1 has many unprepared students taking it as their first physics course. Meanwhile, AP Physics C: E&M has a higher pass rate but is objectively harder - the students taking it are just better prepared.
Determining the "easiest" AP classes is tricky. Pass rates can be misleading, student opinions vary by background, and what's easy for one student might be brutal for another. Let's break down the data to find the truly manageable APs.
1. ⌨️ AP Computer Science Principles
2. 🧠 AP Psychology
3. 🚜 AP Human Geography
4. 🤑 AP Microeconomics
5. ♻️ AP Environmental Science
6. 🔍 AP Research
Here's what confuses everyone: some "easy" classes have terrible pass rates while some "hard" classes have great ones.
Highest pass rates (2025):
Lowest pass rates (2025):
The lesson? Pass rates reflect WHO takes the exam as much as the difficulty.
It's all relative. What's "hard" or "easy" for one student might be completely flipped for another. You should choose APs based on:
Remember: Even the "easiest" AP class is still a college-level course. They all require serious commitment.
Understanding which AP exams are most popular helps you see what your peers are taking and why certain exams have different dynamics. This context is crucial for understanding why some "hard" classes have surprisingly high pass rates while some "easy" classes have low ones.
| Rank | AP Exam | 2024 Test Takers | Why It's Popular |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ✍🏽 AP English Language | 562,328 | Required by many schools, no prerequisites |
| 2 | 🇺🇸 AP US History | 467,975 | Standard junior year course, college requirement |
| 3 | 📚 AP English Literature | 356,043 | Senior year staple, builds on AP Lang |
| 4 | 🌎 AP World History | 350,353 | Sophomore favorite, broad appeal |
| 5 | 👩🏾⚖️ AP US Government | 329,132 | Senior year, relevant to current events |
| 6 | 🧠 AP Psychology | 321,329 | No prerequisites, interesting content |
| 7 | 🧮 AP Calculus AB | 269,426 | STEM requirement, college readiness |
| 8 | 🧬 AP Biology | 254,034 | Pre-med track, lab sciences requirement |
| 9 | 🚜 AP Human Geography | 217,852 | Freshman-friendly, gateway AP |
| 10 | 📊 AP Statistics | 206,953 | Math alternative to Calculus |
| AP Exam | 2024 Test Takers | Why It's Specialized |
|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 AP German | 4,326 | Limited language programs |
| 🇮🇹 AP Italian | 2,194 | Very few schools offer |
| 🇯🇵 AP Japanese | 2,829 | Specialized language |
| 💡 AP Physics C: E&M | 25,483 | Requires Calculus co-requisite |
| 🏛️ AP Latin | 4,892 | Declining classical programs |
High-volume exams (200,000+ test takers):
Low-volume exams (<50,000 test takers):
The Sweet Spot: Mid-volume exams (50,000-150,000 test takers) like AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, and AP European History often provide the best balance of available resources and reasonable competition.
| If You're Strong In... | Consider These APs |
|---|---|
| Math & Logic | Calculus AB/BC, Statistics, Computer Science A, Physics |
| Reading & Writing | English Lang/Lit, History courses, Psychology |
| Memorization | Biology, Psychology, Human Geography |
| Problem Solving | Chemistry, Physics, Economics |
| Creative Expression | Art & Design, Music Theory, English Lit |
| Languages | Any AP language if you have 3+ years background |
Colleges appreciate when your AP choices align with your stated interests:
Pre-Med Track:
Engineering:
Business:
Humanities:
Computer Science:
A balanced AP schedule might look like:
This distribution shows colleges you're well-rounded while preventing burnout in any one area.
Beyond the exam fees, AP classes often involve:
💰 Cost-Saving Tip: Fiveable covers all 38 AP subjects for just $72/year - less than the cost of two review books.
Recent studies show AP students face significantly higher stress levels than their peers. Common issues include:
Students report feeling forced into an "AP arms race" where everyone takes more APs to stay competitive. This creates a cycle where:
Student Perspective: "I took 5 APs junior year because everyone else was. I was miserable, barely slept, and my grades in all classes suffered. I wish I'd taken 3 and actually enjoyed them."
Successful AP students typically spend:
Weekly Schedule Framework:
| Resource Type | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Class Textbook | Initial learning | Usually provided |
| Fiveable | Weekly review & cramming | $72/year for all subjects |
| Khan Academy | Specific topics | Free (limited subjects) |
| Past FRQs | Practice | Free on College Board |
Active Learning Methods:
Before Exams:
🎯 Why Comprehensive Resources Matter: Students using multiple study resources average higher scores than those relying solely on class materials. In 2025, Fiveable users achieved a 96% pass rate compared to the 60% national average across all AP exams.
From what we see, it breaks down like this:
Pros:
Cons:
Best for students who:
Pros:
Cons:
Best for students who:
Dual Enrollment Credit Success:
AP Credit Success:
Many successful students do both:
This gives you the best of both worlds: impressive transcripts AND actual college credit.
For Ivy League and Top 20:
For State Universities:
For Regional Colleges:
Choose Dual Enrollment if:
Choose AP Classes if:
Choose Both if:
Yes, for most college-bound students. AP classes boost your GPA (usually +0.5 to +1.0 points), demonstrate academic rigor, and can save thousands in college tuition through earned credits. The 60% national pass rate shows they're challenging, but students who prepare properly succeed. That said, if your school doesn't offer APs or you have legitimate reasons to avoid them, colleges evaluate you in context.
Yes, you can register for and take any AP exam without enrolling in the class. The easiest AP classes to self study are Psychology (59% pass rate), Human Geography (53.8% pass rate), and Environmental Science (52.1% pass rate). Self-studying requires 3-5 hours weekly and strong discipline. Contact your school's AP coordinator by March 1 to register.
Nothing bad happens. A failed AP exam (score of 1 or 2) doesn't affect your GPA, doesn't appear on your transcript, and you're not required to report it to colleges. You simply don't earn college credit. You can retake the exam next year if desired. Many students fail at least one AP exam - it's not the end of the world.
AP classes are significantly harder than honors classes. While honors classes cover more material than regular courses, AP classes teach actual college-level content at college pace. Students report spending 1-2 hours per night on AP homework versus 30-45 minutes for honors. The hardest AP classes (Physics 1, Biology, US History) have pass rates under 50%, showing their genuine difficulty.
It depends on your goals:
Yes, but most schools limit freshmen to AP Human Geography or AP Computer Science Principles. About 70% of AP Human Geography students are freshmen. You're ready for your first AP if you earn A's or B's in honors classes, manage time well, and genuinely like the subject. Most students take their first AP sophomore year.
A score of 3 is considered passing, but most colleges require:
Check each college's AP credit policy page. Public universities are generally more generous with credit than private schools.
Yes, you can retake any AP exam in subsequent years. Colleges will see all scores unless you pay to withhold them. Most students don't retake unless they're confident of significant improvement.
AP scores are released in early July (typically July 5-8). Access them at myap.collegeboard.org. Scores appear at 8 AM ET based on your location. You'll need your College Board username and password - the same one you used for AP Classroom.
Harvard and other Ivy League schools don't have a magic number, but admitted students typically take 8-12 AP classes throughout high school. Quality matters more than quantity - five APs with all 5s beats twelve APs with 3s. Most competitive applicants take 3-4 APs junior year and 3-4 senior year.
Yes, but it depends on your score and the college. Most universities grant credit for scores of 3+, but selective schools often require 4s or 5s. You can earn 15-30 college credits through APs, potentially saving a full semester of tuition. Check each college's specific AP credit policy.
Success in AP classes isn't just about intelligence - it's about preparation, resources, and strategy. The most successful AP students:
Remember, AP classes are meant to challenge you, but they shouldn't consume your entire high school experience. Quality matters more than quantity, and your mental health matters most of all.
Whether you're taking your first AP class or managing multiple advanced courses, having the right support makes all the difference. Successful AP students don't go it alone - they use every available resource to master the material and excel on exams.
🚀 Ready to conquer your AP classes?
Fiveable provides everything you need for AP success:
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What AP classes are available?
There are 38 AP courses available across 7 subject areas: Arts, English, History & Social Sciences, Math & Computer Science, Sciences, World Languages & Cultures, and AP Capstone. Popular courses include AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP US History, and AP Psychology.
Which AP classes are easiest to get a 5?
Based on College Board data, AP classes with the highest 5 rates include AP Chinese (57.2%), AP Calculus BC (43.5%), and AP Spanish Language (24.9%). However, 'easiest' depends on your personal strengths and background.
How many AP classes should I take?
Most competitive colleges expect 7-12 AP classes throughout high school. However, quality matters more than quantity. It's better to excel in 5-7 AP classes than to overextend yourself with 10+. Consider your overall workload and extracurriculars.
Can I self-study for AP exams?
Yes, you can register for AP exams without taking the class. Popular self-study subjects include AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science, and AP Human Geography. Fiveable provides complete curriculum coverage for all 38 AP subjects.
When should I start taking AP classes?
Most students begin with 1-2 AP classes in sophomore year, though some start with AP Human Geography in 9th grade. Junior year typically has the heaviest AP load, with 3-5 classes being common.
Do all colleges accept AP credit?
Most colleges accept AP scores of 3+ for credit or placement, but policies vary. Ivy League schools typically require 4s or 5s. Some schools limit total AP credits or only use them for placement, not credit.
What's the difference between AP and IB classes?
AP offers individual courses you can mix and match, while IB is a comprehensive 2-year program. AP is more common in the US with 38 courses available. IB requires extended essays and service hours beyond coursework.
How much do AP exams cost?
AP exams cost $98 each in the US ($146 for international students). Fee reductions of $36 per exam are available for eligible students. Some states and districts cover exam fees entirely.
Which AP classes look best for college?
Colleges value AP classes related to your intended major. STEM majors should prioritize AP Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry. Humanities majors benefit from AP English, History, and foreign languages. Take the most rigorous schedule you can handle successfully.
Can I retake an AP exam?
Yes, you can retake any AP exam in subsequent years. There's no limit on retakes, but you must pay the full exam fee each time. Colleges will see all scores unless you use score withholding or cancellation services.
Are AP classes worth it?
Yes, for most college-bound students. AP classes boost your GPA (usually +0.5 to +1.0 points), demonstrate academic rigor, and can save thousands in college tuition through earned credits. The 60% national pass rate shows they're challenging, but students who prepare properly succeed.
What happens if you fail an AP exam?
Nothing bad happens. A failed AP exam (score of 1 or 2) doesn't affect your GPA, doesn't appear on your transcript, and you're not required to report it to colleges. You simply don't earn college credit. You can retake the exam next year if desired.
How hard are AP classes compared to honors?
AP classes are significantly harder than honors classes. While honors classes cover more material than regular courses, AP classes teach actual college-level content at college pace. Students report spending 1-2 hours per night on AP homework versus 30-45 minutes for honors.
Do colleges prefer AP classes or dual enrollment?
It depends on your goals. AP classes offer standardized rigor recognized nationwide and stronger weighted GPA boost. Dual enrollment provides guaranteed college credit and real college experience. Top universities slightly prefer AP for its standardized curriculum.
Can freshmen take AP classes?
Yes, but most schools limit freshmen to AP Human Geography or AP Computer Science Principles. About 70% of AP Human Geography students are freshmen. You're ready if you earn A's or B's in honors classes and manage time well.
What is a good AP score for college credit?
A score of 3 is considered passing, but most colleges require: State schools usually accept 3+, selective colleges typically require 4+, and Ivy League schools often require 5s. STEM courses at top schools almost always need a 5.
When do AP exam scores come out?
AP scores are released in early July (typically July 5-8). Access them at myap.collegeboard.org. Scores appear at 8 AM ET based on your location. You'll need your College Board username and password.
How many AP classes should I take for Harvard?
Harvard and other Ivy League schools don't have a magic number, but admitted students typically take 8-12 AP classes throughout high school. Quality matters more than quantity - five APs with all 5s beats twelve APs with 3s.
Do AP classes count as college credit?
Yes, but it depends on your score and the college. Most universities grant credit for scores of 3+, but selective schools often require 4s or 5s. You can earn 15-30 college credits through APs, potentially saving a full semester of tuition.