- AP Chemistry is considered one of the hardest AP classes by class alumnae.
- The course explores fundamental chemical concepts such as atomic structure, chemical reactions, and thermodynamics.
- AP Chemistry exams have an average pass rate of 54%
- The AP Chemistry Exam includes multiple choice and free response questions
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Is AP Chemistry hard?
Yes, AP Chemistry has consistently been ranked as one of the hardest AP classes.
According to a survey done, class alumnae gave AP Chemistry a rating of 7.3/10 for overall difficulty, making it the 4th most difficult AP course (while AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism, AP English Literature, and AP Physics C Mechanics being the top three).
In 2022, AP Chemistry had a pass rate of 54% which is slightly lower than other AP courses. If you have a strong base in Chemistry and Algebra 2, then AP Chemistry class might seem a little less intimidating.
Despite being one of the hardest AP classes, AP Chemistry was still opted by 124,780 students in 2022 as it is one of the preferred AP courses of many competitive colleges/universities.
What determines the difficulty of AP Chemistry? 5 key factors
We all wonder sometimes, what makes the AP Chemistry test so difficult to understand, score marks, etc. There are many different factors that affect the difficulty of a subject.
Factors such as the subject content, the pass rate, your own schedule, your own level of understanding of Chemistry, and many more. Let us talk about the 5 key factors responsible for making AP Chemistry so difficult.
1. Exam pass rate is low
Although difficulty varies depending on the strengths and degree of preparation of each individual student, the pass percentage of an AP test can provide a rough idea of how challenging a certain subject may be.
In 2022, around 66% of test takers earned a 3 or above on their AP exams. Students taking AP Chemistry had a pass rate of about 54%.
You could conclude that AP Chemistry is more challenging than some other AP subjects since the exam’s pass rate is lower than the average pass rate for all other AP classes.
| AP Exam | Passing Score (3 or above) | Perfect Score (5) |
| AP Chemistry | 54% | 12.5% |
| other AP courses | 66% | 17% |
2. AP Chemistry course content
The difficulty of AP Chemistry is primarily determined by the depth and breadth of the study content. AP Chemistry covers a wide range of topics including atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, equilibrium, acids and bases, and electrochemistry.
Additionally, the course requires students to have a strong understanding of mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills. The complexity of the topics covered and the level of mastery required make AP Chemistry a challenging course for many students.
In 2022, most students found Unit 8: Acids and Bases as one of the challenging units and this unit carries 11-15% of the total score which is higher than most of the other units.
3. Student background and preparation
Students who have a strong background in math and science, particularly in chemistry, may find the course more manageable than those who lack these foundational skills.
Additionally, students who have taken advanced chemistry courses or have prior experience with laboratory work may find the course less challenging. However, students who lack these foundational skills may need to invest additional time and effort to keep up with the course.
4. Quality of instruction and learning materials
The quality of instruction and learning materials can have a significant impact on the difficulty level of AP Chemistry. Effective teaching and clear explanations of complex concepts can help students better understand the material and make the course more manageable. Book a free trial lesson with our expert online AP Chemistry tutors and become ready for your AP Exams
5. Time and effort invested in studying
According to the class alumnae, AP chemistry is quite-time taking (6.8/10) as compared to other AP courses (5.4/10) as it includes reading, homework, lab work, and exam preparation.
Students who invest adequate time and effort in studying and practicing problems regularly are more likely to be successful in the course. On the other hand, students who procrastinate or do not allocate enough time to studying may find the course more challenging.
In summary, the difficulty of AP Chemistry is determined by a combination of factors, including student background and preparation, quality of instruction and learning materials, and time and effort invested in studying.
What are the topics covered in the AP Chemistry exam?
The AP Chemistry exam covers a wide range of topics related to Chemistry. Here are some of the main topics that are covered in the exam:
| Name of the unit | Description |
|---|---|
| Atomic structure and properties | This includes topics such as the composition and properties of atoms, periodic tables, atomic structure, electronic configuration, etc. |
| Molecular and ionic compound structure and properties | This includes topics such as ionic and covalent bonding, Lewis structures, molecular geometry, etc. |
| Intermolecular forces and properties | This includes topics such as the kinetic molecular theory, photoelectric effect, solution mixtures, etc. |
| Chemical reactions | This includes topics such as physical and chemical changes, types of chemical reactions, stoichiometry, etc. |
| Kinetics | This includes topics such as reaction rates, reaction mechanisms, catalysis, etc. |
| Thermodynamics | This includes topics such as endothermic and the multiple-choice section consists of 60 questions and is worth 50% of the total exam score that students have 90 minutes to complete. These questions assess students’ knowledge of a wide range of chemistry topics, including atomic structure, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids, and bases exothermic processes, enthalpy, calorimetry, Hess’s law, etc. |
| Equilibrium | This includes topics such as equilibrium constants, Le Chatelier’s principle, and free energy dissolution. |
| Acid and bases | This includes topics such as acid and base properties, pH and pOH of acid and bases, molecular structure, and properties of buffers, etc. |
| Application of thermodynamics | This includes topics such as entropy, Gibbs free energy, Galvanic and electrolytic cells, Faraday’s law, etc. |
AP Chemistry Exam Pass Rate and Mean Score Trends (2013-2022)
The AP Chemistry exam is considered to be one of the most challenging AP exams, and its pass rate tends to be lower compared to other AP exams. However, the pass rate can vary from year to year.
According to the College Board’s 2021 and 2022 AP exam data, the pass rate for the AP Chemistry exam was 58.1% and 54% respectively. This means that just over half of the students who took the exam received a score of 3 or higher, which is considered passing.
Compared to other AP exams, the AP Chemistry exam has a lower pass rate. The average pass rate across all AP exams in 2021 and 2022 were 63.7% and 66% respectively, which is higher than the pass rate for AP Chemistry.
It is also worth noting that AP Chemistry is a popular exam, with over 150,000 students taking the AP Chemistry exam in 2021 and 124,780 taking in 2022. Despite its lower pass rate, AP Chemistry continues to be a valuable course for students interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The mean score of AP Chemistry in 2022 was 2.9.
What is the AP Chemistry exam score?
The scoring system for the AP Chemistry test is based on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score. The scores are determined by a combination of the student’s performance on the multiple-choice questions and the free-response questions.
The multiple-choice section accounts for 50% of the total score, while the free-response section accounts for the remaining 50%.
- A score of 5 indicates that the student is extremely well-prepared for college-level chemistry and has a thorough and firm understanding of the subject matter.
- A score of 4 indicates that the student is well-qualified and prepared for college-level chemistry and has a good understanding of the subject matter.
- A score of 3 indicates that the student is adequately prepared for college-level chemistry and has a basic understanding of the subject matter.
- A score of 2 indicates that the student is not adequately prepared for college-level chemistry and has a limited understanding of the subject matter.
- A score of 1 indicates that the student has little or no understanding of the subject matter and is not prepared for college-level chemistry.
| Exam Score | No. of students | Percentage of students |
| 5 | 15,554 | 12.5% |
| 4 | 21,174 | 17.0% |
| 3 | 30,160 | 24.5% |
| 2 | 29,392 | 23.6% |
| 1 | 28,050 | 22.5% |
It’s important to note that different colleges and universities have different policies regarding AP exam scores and credit. Some may award college credit for an AP Chemistry score of 4 or 5, while others may require a higher score or may not award credit at all.
What is the AP Chemistry exam structure?
The AP Chemistry Exam is a comprehensive exam that tests a student’s understanding of the principles of chemistry and their ability to apply those principles to solve problems. The exam consists of two sections: multiple-choice questions and free-response questions
| Section | Timing | Number of Questions | % of Exam Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple choice questions | 90 minutes | 60 MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) | 50% |
| Free-response questions | 105 minutes | Part A: 3 long free-response questions (Each carries 10 points) – 32.6% Part B: 4 short free-response questions (4 points each) – 17.4% | 50% |
Source: College Board
The multiple-choice section consists of 60 questions, and students are given 90 minutes to complete this section. The questions cover a wide range of topics, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, equilibrium, etc.
The free-response section consists of seven questions, and students are given 105 minutes to complete this section. The questions are designed to test the student’s understanding of chemical concepts and their ability to solve problems.
The questions may involve:
- Short-answer questions: These questions require students to provide brief answers or calculations to specific prompts.
- Experimental design questions: These questions require students to design an experiment or interpret experimental data.
- Essay questions: These questions require students to write a detailed essay that addresses a specific prompt or scenario.
- Problem-solving questions: These questions require students to solve a complex problem or set of problems that involve multiple chemistry concepts.
The seven free-response questions are broken down into two types:
- Three long questions, which are worth 10 points each and require a written response.
- Four short questions, which are worth 4 points each and require a brief written response
or a mathematical calculation.
Overall, the AP Chemistry Exam lasts for 3 hours and 15 minutes, with a 10-minute break after the multiple-choice section.
How to study for the AP Chemistry exam?
Preparing for the AP Chemistry test requires dedication, discipline, and a structured approach. Here are some tips on how to study effectively for the exam:
- Review the course material: Before diving into the exam preparation, make sure to review the course material thoroughly. Review the textbook chapters, lecture notes, and lab reports.
- Practice problems: Practice problems are key to mastering the concepts and skills needed for the exam. Use the review materials provided by your teacher or textbook, or seek out additional resources online.
- Create flashcards: Flashcards can be a great way to memorize key concepts, equations, and terminology. Make a set of flashcards with important information and review them frequently.
- Join study groups: Study groups can provide an opportunity to work through challenging material with peers. Meet with other students to review material, discuss concepts, and work on practice problems together.
- Take practice exams: Practice exams can help you get familiar with the format and structure of the actual AP Chemistry test. Use past AP Chemistry Exams or practice tests from online resources.
- Seek out additional resources: There are many online resources available to help students prepare for the AP Chemistry Exam. Consider using online review materials, video tutorials, and online study groups.
- Take 1-1 private tuitions: The Wiingy Chemistry course adheres completely to the AP Chemistry course outline. The tutors also assist students with their homework, exam preparation, and assignments.
Some popular resources for AP Chemistry exam preparation include:
- The College Board’s AP Chemistry course and exam description
- Crash Course’s AP Chemistry videos
- Wiingy’s AP Chemistry tutors : If you find yourself grappling with the complexities of AP Chemistry and seek to establish a solid comprehension of the subject matter, enlisting the support of an online AP Chemistry tutor can greatly enhance your academic journey. With Wiingy’s extensive pool of over 100 experienced AP Chemistry tutors, you can access the expertise of trained professionals who have assisted countless students in both understanding and excelling in the subject. Take advantage of a free demo session today to find the perfect tutor who will guide you towards success!
- Barron’s AP Chemistry book
Remember, effective studying requires consistent effort over time. Start preparing early, stay focused, and stay positive.
Conclusion
The AP Chemistry exam has a lower pass rate compared to other AP exams. In 2021 and 2022, the pass rates for AP Chemistry were 58.1% and 54% respectively, lower than the average pass rate for all AP exams. Despite this, AP Chemistry remains a popular and valuable course for students interested in STEM fields.
The mean score for AP Chemistry in 2022 was 2.9. The course is considered time-consuming and challenging, with a difficulty rating of 7.3 out of 10. However, many students still choose to take AP Chemistry due to its relevance and preference by competitive colleges/universities.
Need help learning AP Chemistry? Find an expert 1-on-1 online AP Chemistry tutor from Wiingy and give your grades a boost!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Who can take AP Chemistry?
AP Chemistry is typically taken by high school juniors or seniors who have already completed a
chemistry course. Some schools may require students to have taken specific math or science
courses before taking AP Chemistry.
Is AP Chemistry worth it?
Deciding on if AP Chemistry is worth it for you or not depends on your interest and passion for the subject. If you are passionate about STEM or want to build a career in Chemistry or just want to pursue Chemistry in college, then opting for AP Chemistry is a good decision as it helps you in getting college credits, better career opportunities, conceptual understanding, and critical thinking.
What is the format of the AP Chemistry exam?
The AP Chemistry exam consists of two sections. The first section is multiple choice with 60
questions and is 90 minutes long. The second section is free-response with 7 questions and is 105
minutes long. The free-response section includes three long-form questions and four short-form
questions.
Is AP Chemistry harder than AP Biology?
Both AP Chemistry and AP Biology are considered as hardest AP courses. Based on the available data, it can be concluded that AP Chemistry is generally considered harder than AP Biology. The pass rates for AP Chemistry in 2021 and 2022 were 58.1% and 54% respectively, which are lower than the pass rates for AP Biology (68% in 2022). Additionally, the difficulty rating given by class alumnae for AP Chemistry was 7.3 out of 10, whereas AP Biology had a difficulty rating of 6.5 out of 10 according to a Reddit survey. These indicators suggest that AP Chemistry poses a greater challenge for students compared to AP Biology. AP Chemistry requires more Math knowledge and problem-solving while AP Biology requires memorization of different facts. Also, both require extensive lab work.
Is AP Chemistry harder than AP Physics?
If we look at the statistics, according to College Board, in 2022 the passing percentage for AP Chemistry was 24.5% and the passing rate for AP Physics was 18.3%. This data clearly shows that scoring a passing mark in AP Physics is more harder than scoring a passing mark in AP Chemistry. Also, if you read about students’ experiences in online forums like Quora, Reddit, or YouTube, students who have taken both AP courses at some point in their high school years consider AP Physics to be much harder than AP Chemistry.
Is AP Chemistry worth it?
Yes, AP Chemistry is worth it.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of taking AP Chemistry:
Advantages:
College Credit: Students who earn a high AP Chemistry score on the AP Chemistry Exam may be eligible for college credit or advanced placement, allowing them to bypass introductory chemistry courses in college.
Preparation for College admissions: Taking challenging courses like AP Chemistry can demonstrate to college admissions officers that a student is willing to challenge
themselves academically and can handle college-level coursework.
Better career opportunities: AP Chemistry can be beneficial for students interested in pursuing careers in fields such as medicine, engineering, and chemistry.
Conceptual understanding and critical thinking: AP Chemistry covers a broad range of topics in-depth, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of chemistry concepts. It also helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which can be useful in any field of study.
Disadvantages:
Difficulty: AP Chemistry is a challenging course that requires a lot of effort and time commitment. The material can be difficult to grasp, and the exam is rigorous.
Workload: AP Chemistry often has a heavy workload, with regular homework assignments, lab reports, and other coursework.
Stress: Preparing for the AP Chemistry Exam can be stressful, and students may feel pressure to perform well on the exam.
Not for everyone: AP Chemistry may not be suitable for all students, and some may struggle with the material, leading to a negative impact on their GPA.
Found the blog helpful? Want to read a similar type of blog? Read our “Is AP Biology hard?“ blog to know if AP Biology is hard or easy.
