What Are The Hardest AP Classes?

• AP exams are scored on 5 point grading system. We have provided a list of the most difficult AP classes in terms of
  • the percentage of students scoring 3 and above.
  • the percentage of students who received a 5 (i.e., the highest possible score) 
  • the hardest AP classes based on the opinions and experiences of students who took the AP classes and exams for the year 2023.
• However, you should consider your interests as well as the difficulty level of AP classes when making a decision about which AP courses to take.

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Advanced Placement classes are college-level courses that high school students can take to earn college credits. You can earn AP credits and skip the affiliated general education class if you score a 3 or higher. AP classes are a great way to challenge yourself academically and prepare for college. 

AP can be very challenging. 

In this blog post, we will discuss what makes an AP class hard, list the hardest AP classes, and how to choose the ideal AP class for yourself. 

Struggling with AP courses? Looking for the best AP tutoring help online? Learn from the best AP tutors online and give your grades a boost!

Looking for expert AP tutors to help you prepare for the AP exams? Explore Wiingy’s Online AP tutoring services to learn from our top experts.

AP classes ranked by difficulty: Hardest to Easiest

AP exams pass rates or the percentage of students scoring 3 is one of the ways which can help you determine the hardest AP classes. The pass rate represents the percentage of students who received a 3 or higher, whereas the perfect score rate represents the percentage of students who received a 5 or higher (i.e., the highest possible score).

Hardest AP classes based on the percentage of students scoring 3 and above

The table below lists the most difficult AP classes in terms of the percentage of students scoring 3 and above for the year 2023

S.No.	AP exam	% of students score 3 & above
1	Physics 1 – Algebra Based	45%
2	United States History	48%
3	Government and Politics, US	49%
4	Environmental Science	53%
5	Human Geography	54%
6	English Language	56%
7	Latin	57%
8	Calculus AB	58%
9	European History	59%
10	Psychology	60%
11	Statistics	60%
12	Music Theory	61%
13	Art History	64%
14	Biology	64%
15	Macroeconomics	64%
16	World History	65%
17	German Language	66%
18	Microeconomics	66%
19	Computer Science A	67%
20	Spanish Literature	67%
21	Computer Science Principles	68%
22	Physics 2 – Algebra Based	68%
23	Physics C E&M	68%
24	Government and Politics, Comp.	71%
25	Italian Language and Culture	71%
26	3-D Art and Design	72%
27	Physics C Mech.	73%
28	French Language	74%
29	Chemistry	75%
30	Japanese Lang. and Culture	75%
31	English Literature	77%
32	Calculus BC	78%
33	2-D Art and Design	84%
34	AP Research	84%
35	Spanish Language	84%
36	Chinese Lang. and Culture	85%
37	Drawing	85%
38	AP Seminar	88%

Source: College Board

There are many factors that influence the difficulty of a subject. The assessment, based on each AP class’s percentage of students scoring 3 and above, is highly subjective. The lower passing rate does indicate the difficulty level of the subject but not necessarily. This low passing rate can be a result of other reasons like low intake or only high-achieving students taking the course.

According to 2023 data the percentage of students scoring 3 and above was lowest for Physics 1, United States History, US Government and Politics, Environmental Science, and Human Geography.

Hardest AP classes based on the percentage of students scoring 5

The table below lists the most difficult AP classes in terms of the percentage of students scoring 5 in 2023

S.No.	AP exam	% of students who scored 5
1	3-D Art and Design	7.00%
2	Physics 1 – Algebra Based	8.00%
3	Environmental Science	8.00%
4	Spanish Literature	8.00%
5	English Language	10.00%
6	United States History	11.00%
7	AP Seminar	11.00%
8	Latin	12.00%
9	Computer Science Principles	12.00%
10	French Language	12.00%
11	2-D Art and Design	12.00%
12	Government and Politics, US	13.00%
13	European History	13.00%
14	Art History	13.00%
15	AP Research	13.00%
16	Biology	14.00%
17	Statistics	15.00%
18	World History	15.00%
19	Physics 2 – Algebra Based	15.00%
20	Chemistry	15.00%
21	English Literature	15.00%
22	Human Geography	16.00%
23	Macroeconomics	16.00%
24	Government and Politics, Comp.	16.00%
25	Drawing	16.00%
26	Psychology	17.00%
27	Microeconomics	18.00%
28	German Language	19.00%
29	Music Theory	20.00%
30	Italian Language and Culture	20.00%
31	Calculus AB	22.00%
32	Physics C Mech.	23.00%
33	Spanish Language	24.00%
34	Computer Science A	27.00%
35	Physics C E&M	31.00%
36	Calculus BC	42.00%
37	Japanese Lang. and Culture	47.00%
38	Chinese Lang. and Culture	50.00%

Source: College Board

There are many factors that influence the difficulty of a subject. The assessment, based on each AP classes percentage of students scoring 3 and above, is highly subjective. The lower passing rate does indicate the difficulty level of the subject but not necessarily. This low passing rate can be a result of other reasons like low intake or only high-achieving students taking the course.

According to 2023 data, the percentage of students scoring 5 was lowest for 3-D Art and Design, Physics 1, Environmental Science, Spanish Literature, and English Language.

As you can see from the above table, some classes like AP 3-D Art and Design has a perfect score of 7%. Despite having a low perfect score, these courses are considered to be one of the easiest AP classes. So, this goes on to show that a lower perfect score doesn’t automatically imply that the course is difficult.

Hardest AP classes by student’s review

If we read about students’ views and opinions through popular surveys and discussion forums like Reddit or YouTube videos, we can get a somewhat better idea of which are the hardest AP classes. So, we have gone through some popular channels like Reddit’s r/APStudents, Mahad Khan’s YouTube channel mahadthementor, and others and compiled a list of the hardest AP classes based on the opinions and experiences of students who took the AP classes and exams.

S. No.	AP Classes	Course Difficulty5 being hardest | 1 being easiest
1	Latin	4.3
2	Physics C – E/M	4.1
3	Chemistry	3.7
4	English Literature	3.7
5	Physics C – Mechanics	3.7
6	Spanish Literature	3.7
7	Physics 1	3.6
8	French	3.4
9	Physics 2	3.3
10	Biology	3.2
11	European History	3.2
12	Music Theory	3.1
13	Studio Art	3
14	US History	3
15	World History	3
16	Calculus AB/BC	2.8
17	German	2.8
18	Research	2.8
19	English Language	2.6
20	Seminar	2.5
21	Spanish Language	2.5
22	Statistics	2.4
23	Macroeconomics	2.3
24	Environmental Science	2.2
25	Microeconomics	2.2
26	US Comparative Government	2.2
27	US Government and Politics	2.2
28	Computer Science A	2.1
29	Human Geography	2.1
30	Chinese	1.9
31	Psychology	1.7
32	Japanese	1.5
33	Computer Science Principles	1.4

Which are the hardest AP classes?

We have compiled a list of the hardest AP exams based on the percentage of students scoring 3 and above, the percentage of students who received a 5 (i.e., the highest possible score), and based on the opinions and experiences of students who took the AP classes and exams for the year 2023.

AP Physics 1

[3+ rate: 45%| Student Scoring 5: 8% | Reddit Survey Result 3.6/5]

All the AP Physics classes are usually considered tough. AP Physics 1 class has the lowest percentage of students scoring 3 and above or the pass rate is 45%. Also, you consider students’ opinions, many have ranked the subject as 3.1 / 5 in different surveys. The difficulty of the subject arises from its content. 

Students need a high degree of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities as they are tested on the grounds of both mathematical knowledge and concept knowledge.

This class combines physics, scientific inquiry, and algebra. The hardest AP class is AP Physics 1, covering topics like Newtonian mechanics and electrical charge and force. Students also spend about 25% of their class time performing college-level lab experiments and writing reports.

This AP test consists of five free-response questions and 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) asking students to explain physical phenomena, solve mathematical equations, interpret conceptual models, and design experiments.

AP United States History

[3+ rate: 48%| Student Scoring 5: 11% | Reddit Survey Result: 3/5]

AP United States History is considered to be a difficult course, but it is not impossible to succeed. The course covers a lot of material, and students are required to have a strong understanding of historical concepts and processes. The AP US History course covers nine historical eras from 1491 to the present. There is a lot of information to learn about this long time period. In this class, students connect historical outcomes with how people and policies shaped the foundation of America.

The exam is also challenging, and students need to be able to think critically and write well.

The percentage of students scoring 3 and above or the pass rate for AP US History is around 48%. 

The exam comprises 55 MCQs, three short-answer questions, one long essay, and one document-based question (DBQ). The DBQ requires students to develop and support an argument based on seven documents. Students are also tested on historical facts and their ability to interpret historical narratives.

AP US Government and Politics

[3+ rate: 49%| Student Scoring 5: 13%| Reddit Survey Result: 2.2/5] 

The difficulty of AP US Government and Politics is subjective and depends on a number of factors, including the student’s prior knowledge of government and politics, their study habits, and the quality of their teacher. However, in general, AP US Government and Politics is considered to be a moderately difficult AP course.

The percentage of students scoring 3 and above or the pass rate for AP US Government and Politics is around 49%, which is slightly lower than the average pass rate for AP exams. This means that about half of the students who take the exam do not pass. 

This AP course covers the US political system, national government institutions, public policymaking, and civil rights. Students make comparisons, interpret data, and write evidence-based arguments using foundational documents and U.S. Supreme Court decisions.

The AP U.S. Government and Politics exam comprises 55 MCQs and four free-response questions that test a student’s understanding of political concepts and their ability to analyze documents and court decisions.

If you are considering taking AP US Government and Politics, it is important to be realistic about your abilities and to be prepared to work hard. The course is challenging, but it can be rewarding for students who are willing to put in the effort.

AP Environmental Science

[3+ rate: 53%| Student Scoring 5: 8% | Reddit Survey Result: 2.2/5]

The broad nature of environmental science, which encompasses biology, geology, chemistry, and math, means that teachers cover a great deal of material. In part, AP Environmental Science explores the earth and its resources, analyzing environmental problems and applying quantitative methods to find possible solutions. Students also perform lab experiments and fieldwork.

The percentage of students scoring 3 and above or pass rate for AP Environmental Science is around 53%. However, the pass rate does vary from year to year, and it can be higher or lower depending on the difficulty of the exam.

The AP Environmental Science test comprises 80 MCQs and three free-response questions, which test a student’s ability to analyze research, interpret data, and solve problems using mathematical equations. Test-takers also analyze an environmental issue and propose a solution.

AP Human Geography

[3+ rate: 54%| Student Scoring 5: 16% | Reddit Survey Result: 2.1/5]

AP Human Geography explores human migration and land use, and how these factors alter the Earth’s landscape and resources. Students learn to analyze geospatial data, interpret maps, and recognize patterns.

In order to succeed in AP Human Geography, students need to have a strong foundation in geography, as well as good analytical and problem-solving skills. They will also need to be able to memorize a lot of information, as the exam covers a wide range of topics.

The AP Human Geography exam is also known to be challenging. In 2023, only 54% of students who took the exam scored a 3 or higher, which is the minimum score required for most colleges.

Overall, AP Human Geography is a challenging but rewarding AP class. If you are interested in learning more about the world and how humans interact with their environment, then AP Human Geography is a great option for you.

The AP test consists of 60 MCQs and three free-response questions. The exam covers migration, as well as cultural, political, and agricultural land-use patterns and relationships. Test-takers analyze maps, graphs, and satellite images to explain spatial relationships.

How to choose the ideal AP classes for yourself?

There are 39 AP classes as of June 2023 that students can choose from and sometimes that decision can be hard and confusing. Here are some tips for helping you in choosing the ideal AP classes for yourself.

Take your strength into account

The most important things to think about when selecting an AP class are your own strengths and flaws. After all, you’re more likely to do well on a test in a subject that interests and excites you. So, even though the Physics 1 AP exam is reportedly difficult, if you’re strong in numerical subjects and enjoy physics, you might want to take it.

However, if you struggle with art history, you may not want to take a course in this subject, even if many students pass the AP exam. When in doubt, take AP classes in the fields in which you are most interested and willing to work.

Learn more about a class

To learn more about an AP class, speak with your guidance counselor first. Inquire about the syllabus, the class’s AP exam pass rate over the last few years, and what other students have to say about the class. This will give you an idea of how well a class is taught. Your guidance counselor can also suggest appropriate set criteria and teachers.

Next, if possible, speak with the teacher or a teacher who teaches the prerequisite class (for example, the Honors Biology teacher if you’re considering AP Biology). The teacher can tell you about the workload, what they expect from their students, and how much work they have.

At last, talk to senior kids at your school to find out what the buzz is about the class. Don’t rely on a single person’s opinion because students can overstate it, but instead look for general trends. For example, if everyone says AP Biology is extremely difficult, but they learned a great deal and passed the AP exam, it’s a sign that the class is worthwhile.

Examine educator experience

While students’ strengths should be considered when selecting AP classes, they should also consider the experience level of their faculty members. In general, the longer a teacher has been teaching an AP subject, the better the students who performed on the exam. So, if you have the option of taking a “harder” subject like Physics with a teacher who has 10 + years of experience or an “easier” subject like Art History with someone who has only two years of experience, you should probably choose the former.

Consider your overall schedule

Your schedule may also influence how well you perform in a difficult AP class. For example, AP Biology may be more feasible in your sophomore or senior year because you will not be concerned with the ACT/SAT. However, if you take it junior year, you may find balancing ACT or SAT prep with the AP Biology class difficult.

Before enrolling in any of the AP classes, consider your other classes, extracurricular activities, work schedule, and family obligations. You don’t want a difficult AP class to add to your hectic schedule. Similarly, do not feel obligated to overload AP classes in general. Even if you are under duress, more is not always better.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed some of the hardest AP classes based on the percentage of students scoring 3 and above in 2023, the percentage of students scoring 5 in 2023, and based on student reviews including AP Physics 1, AP U.S. History, AP U.S Government and Politics, AP Environmental Science and AP Human Geography. These classes are not impossible to succeed in, but they do require a lot of hard work and dedication.

The difficulty of an AP class can vary depending on the student’s individual strengths and weaknesses, as well as the rigor of the school’s curriculum. However, some AP classes are generally considered to be more difficult than others. These classes often cover complex material, require a lot of memorization, and have challenging exams.

If you are considering taking one of these classes, be sure to do your research and make sure that you are prepared for the challenge. 

Here are some tips for succeeding in the hardest AP classes:

• Start studying early.
• Take advantage of your teacher’s resources.
• Join a study group.
• Use practice exams.
• Online 1-on-1 tutoring such as Wyzant, Varsity Tutors and Wiingy

If you are willing to put in the hard work, you can succeed in even the hardest AP classes. Just remember to stay organized, stay motivated, and ask for help when you need it.

Looking for expert AP tutors to help you prepare for the AP exams? Explore Wiingy’s Online AP tutoring services to learn from our top experts.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)