Yes, AP classes are undoubtedly hard. AP exams have several choice questions, such as multiple-choice and free-response. And, each question requires a different strategy altogether.
If you have already decided to enroll in AP classes in high school, then you should acquaint yourself with their difficulty level.
Doing so will give you an idea of whether you want to enroll in a particular AP.
At times, the hardest AP classes look difficult only at face value, but disciplined study will reduce their complexity.
Table of Contents hide
Hardest AP Classes According to Pass Rate
1. AP Physics 1
2. AP Environmental Science
3. AP Chemistry
4. AP U.S. Government and Politics
5. AP U.S. History
Hardest AP Classes According to Perfect Score
1. AP Art and Design: 3-D
2. AP German Language and Culture
3. AP French Language and Culture
4. AP Spanish Literature
5. AP English Language and Composition
Hardest AP According to Students’ Feedback
1. AP Seminar
2. AP Statistics
3. AP Macroeconomics
4. AP Microeconomics
5. AP Computer Science A
FAQs
Conclusion: Hardest AP Subjects
Hardest AP Classes According to Pass Rate
Statistics and GPA play an essential role in determining the hardest AP classes. And the pass rate is one such factor.
The pass rate is the number of people, shown as a percentage, who were successful in a particular AP exam.
Compared to the average AP, the pass rate percentage of a particular AP shows whether an AP subject is complex or straightforward.
| Advanced Placement | Pass Rate | Perfect Score |
| AP Physics 1 | 51.6% | 8.8% |
| AP Environmental Science | 53.4% | 11.9% |
| AP Chemistry | 56.1% | 10.6% |
| AP U.S. Government and Politics | 57.5% | 15.5% |
| AP U.S. History | 58.7% | 13% |
| Average AP | 64.2% | 16.8% |
1. AP Physics 1
| Advanced Placement | Pass Rate | Perfect Score |
| AP Physics 1 | 51.6% | 8.8% |
| Average AP | 64.2% | 16.8% |
Only half of the students who appear for AP Physics 1 pass this conventionally tricky subject. But what makes it so difficult?
AP Physics 1 covers topics such as Kinematics, Dynamics, energy and momentum, torque, and rotational motion, which require a firm grip on algebra. That is the primary reason that only 8.8% of students score perfect grades.
2. AP Environmental Science
| Advanced Placement | Pass Rate | Perfect Score |
| AP Environmental Science | 53.4% | 11.9% |
| Average AP | 64.2% | 16.8% |
I bet most of you didn’t expect AP Environmental Science to be on the list. It sounds much more manageable than AP Physics 1. Am I right?
Well, that’s where you are mistaken. AP Environmental Science consists of nine units covering everything about the environment, from ecosystems to the different types of pollution. Therefore, this subject is a commingling of both science and social science.
Students who score the perfect grade are well-equipped in problem-solving skills and memorization.
3. AP Chemistry
| Advanced Placement | Pass Rate | Perfect Score |
| AP Chemistry | 56.1% | 10.6% |
| Average AP | 64.2% | 16.8% |
AP Chemistry, just like other STEM subjects, falls under the category of hardest Advanced Placement subjects, with a reduced pass rate and an even reduced perfect score. AP Chemistry is the ideal amalgamation of scientific inquiry and algebra-based mathematical problems.
Let us also remember the mandatory laboratory work that is part and parcel of AP Chemistry. These laboratory works deal with complex compound testing requiring accuracy and precision.
4. AP U.S. Government and Politics
| Advanced Placement | Pass Rate | Perfect Score |
| AP U.S. Government and Politics | 57.5% | 15.5% |
| Average AP | 64.2% | 16.8% |
Even though AP U.S. Government and Politics is a popular Advanced Placement course with over 300,000 students sitting for the exam, only a handful get the perfect score.
Suppose you have assumed that a social science subject cannot be complex; the AP U.S. Government and Politics will change your mind. This Advanced Placement subject contains every detail about American democracy, ranging from civil liberties to political participation.
Even though AP U.S. Government and Politics does not have complex mathematical problems like the other STEM subjects, it requires a lot of report writing if you want to do well in this subject.
5. AP U.S. History
| Advanced Placement | Pass Rate | Perfect Score |
| AP U.S. History | 58.7% | 13% |
| Average AP | 64.2% | 16.8% |
AP U.S. History is one of the most challenging social science AP subjects. AP U.S. History contains everything under the sky that is to know about the colonization and settlement in the American continent to the contemporary period in the States.
As you are aware, history of any kind necessitates memorization skills, and AP U.S. History is no different. Don’t opt for AP U.S. History if you cannot regularly devote yourself to this subject.
Check out EnthuZiastic AP Courses to learn with the best teachers.
Trust me; you need systematic revision if you aim for the perfect AP U.S. History score.
Hardest AP Classes According to Perfect Score
A perfect score is the highest number of points someone can get for answering all the questions correctly on an AP test.
A low perfect score does not necessarily mean that the subject is complicated. At times, teaching quality and availability of education supplies matter.
| Advanced Placement | Pass Rate | Perfect Score |
| AP Art and Design 3-D | 74% | 6% |
| AP German Language and Culture | 70.1% | 8% |
| AP French Language and Culture | 71.6% | 8.5% |
| AP Spanish Literature | 23.6% | 8% |
| AP English Language and Composition | 62.1% | 8% |
| Average AP | 64.2% | 16.8% |
1. AP Art and Design: 3-D
| Advanced Placement | Pass Rate | Perfect Score |
| AP Art and Design: 3-D | 74% | 6% |
| Average AP | 64.2% | 16.8% |
AP Art and Design 3-D is not everybody’s cup of tea. The prerequisite to enroll in AP Art and Design 3-D is to have a creative bend of mind. Also, this AP subject is perfect for you if you want a career in the creative art department.
The perfect score is 6%, far less than the average AP. You have to be amongst the choicest and best of the students.
2. AP German Language and Culture
| Advanced Placement | Pass Rate | Perfect Score |
| AP German Language and Culture | 70.1% | 8% |
| Average AP | 64.2% | 16.8% |
AP German Language and Culture, like any other AP Language, has a higher pass rate but a drastically low perfect score.
You do not need to understand German to enroll in this AP subject. With AP German Language and Culture, you will learn how to write, read, and speak in German.
Scoring a perfect grade will be easy if you dedicate yourself to learning this language. But a bit of advice from Sarah, one of the AP German Language and Culture students, “Don’t take up any AP Language class if you cannot study everyday because it is difficult to learn any new language.”
3. AP French Language and Culture
| Advanced Placement | Pass Rate | Perfect Score |
| AP French Language and Culture | 71.6% | 8.5% |
| Average AP | 64.2% | 16.8% |
What makes it challenging to score the perfect grade?
What makes it difficult to cut the ideal grade in AP French Language and Culture is the kinds of evaluation types:
Spoken Interpersonal Communication: I find this evaluation quite interesting, where you have to converse with your examiner.
Visual and Audio-Visual Interpretive Communication: As a part of the listening evaluation, you are given bits and pieces of audio and then answer the questions posed on the specifics.
Written and Print Interpretive Communication: Most enrolled students find this detailed evaluation difficult because they are tasked with reading documents and answering questions.
Spoken Presentation Communication: A complex evaluation where you are given a prompt on French culture and make a presentation on it.
4. AP Spanish Literature
| Advanced Placement | Pass Grade | Perfect Grade |
| AP Spanish Literature | 23.6% | 8% |
| Average AP | 64.2% | 16.8% |
AP Spanish Literature has a lower percentage than AP Spanish Language and Culture. The reason is that you don’t need any prerequisites, that is, an awareness of Spanish. But you must have expertise in Spanish Language or have studied it for a minimum of three years to enroll in AP Spanish Literature.
The syllabus mainly revolves around original texts written in the Spanish Language. Therefore, to be a student of AP Spanish Literature, you need to have a clear understanding of not only the semantic aspects of the language but also the literary ones.
Check out EnthuZiastic AP Courses to learn with the best teachers.
5. AP English Language and Composition
| Advanced Placement | Pass Grade | Perfect Grade |
| AP English Language and Composition | 62.1% | 12.6% |
| Average AP | 64.2% | 16.8% |
AP English Language and Composition might sound easy at face value. But the amount of critical thinking you require will make it a lot more challenging.
Most students failed to score the perfect grade because they misconstrued AP English Language and Composition as an easy subject and left the entire syllabus for the last moment to study. Joshua said, “AP English Language and Literature requires constant practice. You must practice all the writing samples regularly if you plan to score well.”
Are you in your Freshman Year and wondering whether you should take AP or not?
Read AP Freshman Year to know more.
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Hardest AP According to Students’ Feedback
AP students play an essential role in determining the difficulty level of an AP subject. Therefore, this particular section is dedicated to the AP students and for the AP students.
| Advanced Placement | Pass Grade | Perfect Score |
| AP Seminar | 85% | 11.6% |
| AP Statistics | 57.9% | 14.8% |
| AP Macroeconomics | 60% | 16.4% |
| AP Microeconomics | 66% | 17.7% |
| AP Computer Science A | 65.1% | 23.9% |
| Average AP | 64.2% | 16.8% |
1. AP Seminar
| Advanced Placement | Pass Grade | Perfect Grade |
| AP Seminar | 85% | 11.6% |
| Average AP | 64.2% | 16.8% |
AP Seminar has one of the highest percentages of students scoring passing grades. Nevertheless, most students find it difficult because they need to hone their research or analytical skills while pursuing this subject.
Like so many other APs, AP Seminar does not demand the students to understand complicated theories or memorize from cover to cover. You only need the patience to read extensively and, of course, a mind of your own to defend your thesis.
2. AP Statistics
| Advanced Placement | Pass Grade | Perfect Score |
| AP Statistics | 57.9% | 14.8% |
| Average AP | 64.2% | 16.8% |
Yes, statistics fall under the mathematical section. But AP Statistics is nothing like AP Calculus AB. It is way easier than that dreaded subject.
The emphasis in AP Statistics is less on solving challenging equations and more on data comprehension. Therefore, you can opt for AP Statistics even if you are not good with numbers. But it would be best if you were well-versed in solving a problem through long tables.
3. AP Macroeconomics
| Advanced Placement | Pass Grade | Perfect Score |
| AP Macroeconomics | 60% | 16.4% |
| Average AP | 64.2% | 16.8% |
AP Macroeconomics is one of the two finance-related AP subjects the College Board gives. AP Microeconomics focuses on economics on a global scale. Therefore, the syllabus can be exhaustive for students with no preconceived notions about finance.
Topics such as banking, financial markets, inflation, etc., can be overwhelming for students.
4. AP Microeconomics
| Advanced Placement | Pass Grade | Perfect Score |
| AP Microeconomics | 66% | 17.7% |
| Average AP | 64.2% | 16.8% |
Unlike AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics requires a preconceived knowledge of Calculus BC. Apart from that, AP Microeconomics deals with finance on the grassroots level with topics such as supply and demand, factor markets, perfect competition model, etc.
Therefore, it should be an informed decision if you want to enroll in AP Microeconomics.
5. AP Computer Science A
| Advanced Placement | Pass Grade | Perfect Score |
| AP Computer Science A | 65.1% | 23.9% |
| Average AP | 64.2% | 16.8% |
AP Computer Science A is one of the subjects that students opt for if they are interested in taking STEM in college. This fact shows that AP Computer Science A is a subject that no one and everyone can take up.
The 10 units of AP Computer Science A focus on the four basic concepts of computing: molecularity, variables, control, and the impact of computing.
FAQs
What AP has the lowest pass rate?
AP Physics 1 has the lowest pass rate, with less than 50% passing the AP exam.
Is AP Psychology hard?
AP Psychology has a medium-level difficulty level since it is meant to teach students’ psyche through complex theories.
What is the least taken AP class?
Every language AP subject is taken by a small group of bilingual students interested in learning a new language.
Read our Advanced Placement blogs to know more:
| Can you get into college without AP Classes? | Honors Vs. AP Classes |
| AP Exam Cost | AP Classes Benefits |
| How to Prepare for AP Classes? | How Long Does AP Test Take? |
| How Many AP Classes Should I Take? | How Hard is AP Chemistry? |
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Conclusion: Hardest AP Subjects
Frankly, AP Subjects, whether the hardest, easiest AP classes, or most popular ones, are pretty subjective. Therefore, you should make an informed decision when selecting one as an AP student.
Even though I have curated a lengthy list of the hardest AP subjects, you can still score the perfect grade if you are committed enough. Yes, scoring well in AP exams helps in getting college credits.
Therefore, dear students, don’t fret. Develop the habits of successful AP students, and you will be sorted.
FAQs
Which AP class is harder? ›
United States History, Biology, English Literature, Calculus BC, Physics C, and Chemistry are often named as the hardest AP classes and tests.
What is the easiest AP class to take? ›- Physics C: Mechanics. 84.3% 41.6%
- Calculus BC. 81.6% 44.6%
- Spanish Literature. 75.1% 17.6%
- Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. 74.4% 40.4%
- Physics 2. 73.3% 14.0%
- Computer Science Principles. 71.6% 10.9%
- Psychology. 71.3% 22.4%
- Computer Science A. 70.4% 25.6%
What is the easiest AP class? AP Computer Science Principles is rated as the easiest AP class by real AP class alumnae, with an average difficulty rating of just 2.8 / 10 (1 = easiest), and the 2022 pass rate of 69% is about average.
What is the highest failed AP exam? ›The most failed AP exams are Physics 1 (failed by 48.4% of all students), Environmental Science (failed by 46.6% of all students), and Chemistry (failed by 43.9% of all students).
What is the least taken AP class? ›Many of the least popular AP exams are world language tests, as these exams generally target a more niche group of students. What's more, some languages are less commonly taught at high schools than others (e.g., Japanese and Italian courses are rarer than Spanish courses).
How many AP classes is too much? ›Aim for four to eight AP exams in your junior and senior years. For competitive Ivy League schools, admission officers also want to see AP courses for core subject areas and additional courses. If possible, aim to pass about seven to 12 AP exams if applying to these highly selective schools.
Is taking 2 AP classes too much? ›Take as many as you can handle without spreading yourself thin, and make sure you will have time to study for the ACT or SAT this year. An Ivy League hopeful might take 3 to 5 AP classes, while if you're aiming for less-selective schools, 2 to 4 would be enough.
What AP class is most popular? ›- AP English Language and Composition.
- AP United States History.
- AP Psychology.
- AP Calculus AB.
- AP Spanish Language and Culture.
| Grade | Recommended Number of AP Classes to Take | Recommended AP Classes |
|---|---|---|
| 11th Grade | 3-5 | English, Calculus AB, Biology, Spanish (or other foreign language), U.S. Government and Politics |
| 12th Grade | 3-6 | Chemistry, Physics C, Calculus BC |
Math, science, and foreign language exams tend to give the most credit.
What AP classes are impressive? ›
...
Best AP classes for Ivy League schools
- AP English.
- AP Chemistry.
- AP Biology.
- AP Computer Science Principles.
- AP World History.
- AP US History.
- AP Psychology.
- AP Economics (Macro)
Depending on what kind of school you want to go to, you should be taking between 3 and 5 AP® classes this year. You will need to manage your time well, however, as you also need to study for the SAT® or ACT® during this time.
Is taking 1 AP enough? ›Please know that taking 1 AP course will not make or break you getting accepted to a college. The admissions officer will look at your entire high school career and the courses you took. Taking AP US History vs. US History Honors will probably make no difference whatsoever in your acceptance to that school.
What is the hardest AP to self study? ›The Hardest AP Classes
Traditionally, courses like English Literature, Physics 1, and Chemistry are difficult to self-study for or complete at home because of the need for conversation and 1:1 instruction — like the lab element necessary to understand the science courses' material.
Algebra is the single most failed course in high school, the most failed course in community college, and, along with English language for nonnative speakers, the single biggest academic reason that community colleges have a high dropout rate.
Is AP Psychology hard or easy? ›Is AP Psychology Easy Or Hard? AP Psychology is considered very easy, with class alumnae rating it 3.5/10 for overall difficulty (the 2nd-easiest out of the 28 large AP classes surveyed). The pass rate is slightly lower than other AP classes, with 59% graduating with a 3 or higher.
Has anyone gotten a 100% on an AP exam? ›Felix Zhang, currently a junior at Penn High School in Mishawaka, Indiana, aced the test with 108 points out of the 108 points possible.
Do AP classes boost GPA? ›At many high schools, honors and AP classes both offer more heavily weighted training compared to regular classes. While honors courses usually add 0.5 points to your GPA, AP classes often add 1 point. In other words, a 3.5 GPA would be boosted to a 4.0 in an honors class and a 4.5 in an AP class.
Is it OK if I fail an AP class? ›What happens if you fail an AP class? If you fail an AP class, then your GPA will likely drop as it would for a normal class. This grade also shows up on your transcript. However, you may be able to retake the class the following year to raise your grade and increase your GPA.
Can you get a 4.0 with no AP classes? ›But to achieve an unweighted 4.0 GPA, which doesn't offer extra credit for advanced courses, you'll need to earn straight A's. Some schools do award a 4.3 for an A+, meaning you could theoretically get an A- if you also have an A+ on your transcript, but this is not the case across the board.
Is 14 AP classes a lot? ›
For students aiming for the Ivy League and Top 20 schools in the United States, a good target is to take (and pass) 10-14 AP classes throughout your high school career — or 3-4 each year.
Is a 4.0 with no AP classes good? ›If you earn a 4.0 (on an unweighted scale) without taking any honors, AP, IB, or dual credit courses, it will not be as impressive as if you were to earn a 4.0 while taking several advanced classes.
How many APs should I take for Harvard? ›Going up the selectivity chain, the average at Harvard is eight AP classes. To be competitive at some of the most highly selective colleges in the country, 8-12 AP courses may be the sweet spot amount, assuming the student can handle that level of rigor.
Do AP classes matter senior year? ›While you don't have to take all of the AP classes your school offers, taking a few, especially during junior year or senior year, will definitely boost your college applications.
How many AP classes do valedictorians take? ›Additionally, starting with the class of 2027, students must take at least six advanced placement, dual enrollment or early college classes to be considered for valedictorian status.
How much will 2 AP classes raise my GPA? ›Here's how to calculate your weighted GPA
All you have to do it look at the unweighted scale and add . 5 for any class taken at the intermediate level, and 1.0 for each class taken at the AP® or honors level.
You can definitely take 5 APs, but just make sure to stay on top of your work and spend a good amount of time studying to make sure you know the material.
Is AP Biology easy? ›Is AP Biology Easy Or Hard? AP Biology is considered quite hard, with class alumnae rating it 6.4/10 for overall difficulty (the 8th-most-difficult out of the 28 large AP classes surveyed). The pass rate is about average vs other AP classes, with 68% graduating with a 3 or higher.
Should I take an AP class in 9th grade? ›Yes, as long as you are prepared to complete college-level work. Read more about prerequisites and other rules. AP Human Geography is a popular AP course for 9th grade, and AP Seminar, AP Computer Science Principles, AP European History, and AP World History are popular for 10th.
Is taking 7 AP classes good? ›Students looking to earn admission to highly selective colleges should take multiple AP classes to bolster their applications and demonstrate they can handle challenging coursework. Some college admissions experts recommend taking as many as 7-12 AP courses before applying to the most elite universities.
What is the highest GPA for all AP classes? ›
How does the AP GPA scale work? Unlike a traditional 4.0 scale, AP courses are graded on a weighted scale that goes up to 5.0. On a traditional scale, a 4.0 is an A, 3.0 a B and so on. On the AP weighted grading scale, a 5.0 is an A, 4.0 a B and so on.
What is the highest GPA you can get with all AP classes? ›Likewise, a 4.3 (or a 4.0 at some schools) is the best GPA score you can earn on the unweighted scale. Unlike at schools with weighted GPA, this means you can achieve a perfect GPA regardless of your course difficulty by earning an A+ (or an A at some schools) in each of your classes.
Is AP Bio harder than AP Chem? ›However, our son thinks taking AP bio in junior year makes more sense since AP biology tends to be relatively 'easier' than AP chemistry for most kids and his next year classes are rigorous.
Which AP class is most taken? ›AP English Language and Composition is by far the most popular AP test, with over half a million students taking the exam in 2021.
What AP classes do colleges like to see? ›As a general rule, you should aim for the following AP class numbers: Most Selective Schools (Top 20): APs in most or all of the core courses (English, Mathematics, Science, History, and Foreign Language), plus additional AP courses that relate to your goals, future major, or interests.
Is AP Psychology hard? ›Is AP Psychology Easy Or Hard? AP Psychology is considered very easy, with class alumnae rating it 3.5/10 for overall difficulty (the 2nd-easiest out of the 28 large AP classes surveyed). The pass rate is slightly lower than other AP classes, with 59% graduating with a 3 or higher.
Is AP Physics or Chem easier? ›Based on College Board pass rates, AP Physics 1 is more difficult than AP Chemistry. That said, AP Chemistry is not far behind -- AP Physics 1 has a pass rate of about 52% while AP Chemistry has a pass rate of 56%.
How many AP classes is impressive? ›To be competitive at some of the most highly selective colleges in the country, 8-12 AP courses may be the sweet spot amount, assuming the student can handle that level of rigor. There are no colleges out there that require you to take 14, 17, or some other obscene number of Advanced Placement offerings.
What AP classes have the most homework? ›- AP Physics 1 (41.9%)
- AP Human Geography (48.9%)
- AP United States Government and Politics (49.3%)
- AP Environmental Science (49.4%)
- AP United States History (50.9%)
- AP Chemistry (52.4%)
- AP English Literature and Composition (52.6%)
Don't worry 13 APs is definitely a good amount and makes you competitive in terms of academic rigor for top colleges. In fact, it is recommended that you have at least 7-9 APs for selective schools.
Can I get into Harvard with 7 AP classes? ›
Ivy League
To be a competitive candidate for admission, you will need to take at least 8 AP® classes, more if you can. It is a good idea to take 1 AP® course in each of the following core disciplines: English, Foreign Language, History, Math, and Science to impress the admissions officers.
Colleges like them both. Both honors and AP courses are rigorous courses that most high schools weight more heavily on your transcript. AP courses, however, culminate in the AP Exam. Good AP scores show colleges you are ready to succeed at college-level work and can even earn you college credits.
Who had a 10.3 GPA? ›High school senior Dhara Patel was always a good student, but she'll graduate from Plant City High School with an incredible academic accomplishment. Patel has earned a 10.03 GPA, the highest in Hillsborough County, Florida -- and perhaps anywhere else.