AP Classes Ranked by Difficulty + Strategies for Success

March 10, 2025

Advanced Placement (AP) lets you take college-level courses and exams while you’re still in high school. There are plenty of benefits: boosting your college readiness, earning credits, and even improving your chances for scholarships. If you’re thinking about taking AP classes, you’re probably wondering which ones are the hardest and which ones you’ll do well in. That’s where a ranking of AP classes by difficulty comes in handy.

Well, you’re in luck! In this guide, we’ll rank AP classes by difficulty and give you the tips and resources you need to choose the right ones and ace them.

AP Classes Ranked: Hardest to Easiest
Factors Affecting AP Class Difficulty
How to Excel in AP Classes
Frequently Asked Questions
Takeaways

AP Classes Ranked: Hardest to Easiest

Ranking AP classes by difficulty is tricky since it’s pretty subjective. But to keep things as objective as possible, we’ve based our rankings on College Board data, specifically the percentage of students who scored a 3 or higher (aka those who passed).

We also factored in the percentage of students who earned a 5 and the overall average score for each exam. While this isn’t a perfect measure, it gives you a good sense of which AP classes tend to be tougher or easier.

With that, here’s our ranking of AP classes from hardest to easiest:

AP course	Students who scored 3+	Students who scored 5	Average score
AP Physics 1	47.3%	10.2%	2.59
AP Environmental Science	54.1%	9.2%	2.80
AP English Language & Composition	54.6%	9.8%	2.79
AP Human Geography	56.1%	17.9%	2.83
AP Latin	56.5%	11.9%	2.77
AP Music Theory	60.2%	19.0%	3.01
AP Psychology	61.7%	19.2%	2.97
AP Statistics	61.8%	17.5%	2.96
AP Art History	62.7%	13.9%	3.00
AP World History	63.7%	11.9%	3.11
AP Computer Science Principles	64.0%	10.9%	2.90
AP Calculus AB	64.4%	21.4%	3.22
AP Macroeconomics	65.1%	20.7%	3.13
AP Spanish Literature and Culture	67.0%	10.2%	3.00
AP Computer Science A	67.2%	25.6%	3.18
AP Microeconomics	67.6%	22.9%	3.24
AP Biology	68.3%	16.8%	3.15
AP German Language and Culture	69.8%	26.1%	2.93 (standard group) 3.32 (total group)
AP Physics 2	70.5%	19.1%	3.20
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism	71.6%	35.2%	3.53
AP European History	71.6%	13.1%	3.23
AP 3D Art & Design	72.0%	6.2%	3.04
AP United States History	72.2%	12.8%	3.23
AP French Language and Culture	72.3%	14.5%	3.03 (standard group) 3.20 (total group)
AP Italian Language and Culture	72.4%	22.6%	3.07 (standard group) 3.30 (total group)
AP English Literature & Composition	72.4%	13.7%	3.16
AP African American Studies	72.6%	14.2%	3.22
AP United States Government & Politics	73.0%	16.0%	3.38
AP Comparative Government & Politics	73.0%	24.3%	3.18
AP Precalculus	75.6%	25.9%	3.42
AP Chemistry	75.6%	17.9%	3.31
AP Japanese Language and Culture	76.1%	49.1%	2.66 (standard group) 3.68 (total group)
AP Physics C: Mechanics	76.3%	28.5%	3.50
AP Calculus BC	80.9%	47.7%	3.92
AP 2D Art & Design	82.8%	11.2%	3.31
AP Spanish Language and Culture	82.9%	21.2%	3.38 (standard group) 3.54 (total group)
AP Drawing	83.8%	15.1%	3.42
AP Seminar	85.7%	9.4%	3.20
AP Research	86.1%	12.6%	3.35
AP Chinese Language and Culture	88.5%	53.3%	3.06 (standard group) 4.08 (total group)

Note: For AP languages, “total group” refers to all students, while “standard group” includes only those who didn’t indicate that they use the language at home or spent more than four weeks studying it abroad.

Factors Affecting AP Class Difficulty

You might find that you’re rocking the sciences but find the arts challenging, while a friend is your complete opposite. But that doesn’t mean anything’s wrong with either of you! Different students will thrive in varying subjects depending on several factors.

Below, we’ll talk about those factors that affect an AP class’s difficulty for you:

1. Prior knowledge and experience

If you have a strong foundation in a subject, you’ll naturally find the corresponding AP class less difficult. For instance, if you excelled in regular or honors-level biology in middle school, you will likely have an easier time with AP Biology. But if you jump straight into AP Physics C without a solid grasp of basic physics and calculus, you’re setting yourself up for a hard semester.

Language AP classes are a very good example too. Students who have grown up in households where a language is spoken or have been exposed to a certain language will have a huge advantage over those who are learning it for the first time.

2. Natural aptitude for specific subjects

Some people have a natural talent for mathematics, while others excel in language arts or the sciences. If you have a strong spatial reasoning ability, you might find AP Physics C more intuitive. Or, if you have a talent for memorization and analysis, you might thrive in AP History.

However, it’s also important to remember that just because you have an aptitude for a subject, that doesn’t mean you won’t have to study!

3. Study habits and time management skills

Poor time management, procrastination, and cramming are recipes for disaster that will really make your AP classes more difficult than they should be.

AP courses demand a significant time commitment. If you have effective study habits (such as consistent note-taking, regular review, and proactive seeking of help), you’re more likely to succeed. If you’re able to break down large amounts of information into smaller, more manageable chunks, you may have a much easier time.

Students with heavy outside commitments (like extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and family responsibilities) might also find it more challenging to keep up with the demands of multiple AP classes.

4. Teacher quality and teaching style

The teacher’s ability to explain complex ideas, give clear examples, and offer enough support also plays a big role in student success. After all, a skilled and engaging teacher can make even the most challenging material accessible. On the other hand, a poorly organized or uninspiring teacher can make a relatively easy course seem harder than it should be.

The teacher’s availability for extra help and their willingness to answer questions are also very important.

5. Individual learning style

Students learn in different ways. Some are visual learners, others are auditory learners, and some are kinesthetic learners. If you learn best by doing, you might have a hard time in a lecture-heavy AP class, but a visual learner might be able to thrive.

If you end up in an AP class that doesn’t match your learning style, you’ll have to find ways to study that match it. So, if you’re a visual learner, you may benefit from watching educational videos or creating diagrams.

6. Test anxiety

The pressure of high-stakes AP exams can lead to stress and decreased performance, and even the most well-prepared students can struggle with test anxiety. Learning test-taking strategies, and practicing relaxation techniques can help to mitigate that.

How to Excel in AP Classes

To excel in AP classes, you’ll need a combination of strong study habits and proactive engagement, among other things. Below, we’ll give you tips to help you do great in AP classes.

1. Choose the right AP classes.

Choosing the right AP classes isn’t just about taking the most challenging courses. You should also find a balance between academic rigor, personal interests, and realistic goals. Here’s a quick overview of how to pick classes to take:

Align with your interests and passions. Taking AP classes in subjects you genuinely enjoy makes the experience more engaging and less scary no matter how difficult they initially looked. If you love history, AP US History or AP World History might be good choices. Think of how these courses can support your future academic and career aspirations as well. So if you’re an aspiring teacher, AP Psychology, AP English Language and Composition, AP Seminar, and AP Research can be helpful to you.
Consider your strengths and weaknesses. If you excel in math, AP Calculus BC or AP Statistics might be a good fit. If you struggle with math, consider other AP options. You can take an AP course in an area of weakness knowing full well it’s going to be difficult, but make sure that you’re willing to put in the extra work needed to succeed.
Evaluate your overall responsibilities. Don’t overload your schedule with too many demanding AP classes. Remember that it’s better to take a few AP classes and do well in them than to take many AP classes and do poorly because they turned out to be too difficult for you.
Research college requirements and preferences. If you have specific colleges in mind, research their admissions requirements and preferences. Ivy League institutions want students who continuously challenge themselves, so you’ll need to take the highest-level classes available in your school—which include Honors, IB, and AP. The most competitive applicants typically take eight to 12 AP courses in high school. If you’re vying for a spot in the top colleges, you’ll need that many and excel in them too.
Consult with teachers and counselors. Teachers and counselors can provide valuable insights into AP classes’ difficulty level and workload and assess your readiness for them. Teachers who teach the AP courses can especially give you a very good idea of what the course will be about. You can actually plan your whole high school schedule in your freshman year, so you can ask counselors to help you make sure that your AP course selections fit into your overall high school plan and college goals.

2. Develop consistent study habits.

Time management is very important.

Create a study schedule and stick to it. Set aside specific times for each AP class, ensuring you cover all subjects regularly. To help you avoid feeling overwhelmed, try to break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.

You should also find a quiet, distraction-free space where you can focus on your studies. On top of that, minimize distractions by turning off your phone or using website blockers.

Another good study habit is actually developing a note-taking system that works for you—whether it’s Cornell notes or mind maps. Focus on understanding key concepts rather than just writing down everything your teacher says. Then, review and revise your notes regularly to reinforce learning.

However, instead of passively rereading notes, actively recall information by testing yourself. Use flashcards, practice questions, or explain concepts aloud. Space out your review sessions to reinforce learning over time, preventing last-minute cramming.

3. Engage actively in class.

Actively participate in class discussions to deepen your understanding and clarify any doubts. Asking questions also demonstrates engagement and shows your teacher that you’re interested in the material.

Form study groups with classmates to review material, discuss concepts, and practice problems. After all, teaching others can improve your own understanding.

4. Use available resources.

The world of AP classes can be difficult and tricky to navigate. Fortunately, there are many resources and support available to students. These include:

College Board website (AP Central). AP Central is the official hub for all things AP. It includes everything from course descriptions and exam information to information on AP credit policies at colleges. This makes it a really helpful tool for understanding course content and exam expectations, so you should familiarize yourself with the website early on in your AP journey.
Online forums and communities. Online platforms like Reddit’s r/APStudents, Discord servers, and dedicated AP study groups are good spaces for students to share insights, collaborate on study materials, and find motivation and support. However, students should still be mindful of the reliability of information shared in online forums and still verify it with official sources.
Tutoring services. These can give personalized support for students who are struggling with specific AP subjects. Tutors can help with clarifying complex concepts, developing study strategies, and providing individualized feedback. It’s important to find a tutor that has experience with the specific AP exam that the student is taking.
School-provided resources. Teachers (especially those teaching AP subjects) are a primary resource for AP students. You might also find AP study groups in your school, which provide a collaborative learning environment. These study groups are very helpful for reviewing for the free response sections of the AP exams. Your school librarian can also assist you with research and finding relevant materials.
Educational websites, study guides, and apps. Many publishers offer AP review books and study guides—such as those from Barron’s, Princeton Review, and Kaplan. Review books may also include online resources along with the physical copy. Websites like Khan Academy, Crash Course, and Fiveable also offer free or low-cost resources for AP students. These resources include video lectures, practice quizzes, and study guides. Meanwhile, apps like Quizlet and Anki can help with memorization and review.

5. Stay healthy.

Staying healthy is also very important to excelling in your studies!

Get enough sleep and eat healthy foods to maintain your energy levels and focus. Try not to pull all-nighters or stay up too late since this lack of sleep can negatively affect your memory and focus.

Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with friends and family. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a counselor or therapist if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

You should also schedule regular breaks and downtime to avoid burnout and engage in activities you enjoy to relax and recharge.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the top 10 hardest AP classes?

The top 10 hardest AP classes (based on passing rate) are the following: AP Physics 1, AP Environmental Science, AP English Language & Composition, AP Human Geography, AP Latin, AP Music Theory, AP Psychology, AP Statistics, AP Art History, and AP World History.

2. What AP class has the lowest passing rate?

The AP class with the lowest passing rate is AP Physics 1. It has a passing rate of 47.3% and an average score of 2.59.

3. Which is the easiest AP class?

The easiest AP class based on the passing rate is AP Chinese Language and Culture. It has an 88.5% passing rate, with 53.3% scoring a 5.

Takeaways

While we have provided a table that shows AP classes ranked by difficulty, it’s important to remember that “difficulty” is subjective and can vary per student.

Based on the passing rates provided by College Board, the hardest AP class is AP Physics 1 with a passing rate of 47.3%, while the easiest AP class is AP Chinese Language and Culture with a passing rate of 88.5%.
Several factors can affect AP Class difficulty for students. Some of these factors include having prior knowledge and experience, good study habits and time management skills, and individual learning styles.
To excel in AP classes, choose the right courses, develop consistent study habits, engage actively in class, utilize available resources, and maintain your health.
Not sure which AP classes to take? A private consultant can present you with a detailed academic roadmap that shows you which classes will be most helpful in your college and professional goals.