What Are the Most Popular AP Classes? | Top 5 Most Popular AP Classes

• We have ranked the most popular AP classes based on the number of test takers.
• Choose AP courses that align with your interests and goals.
• AP courses are challenging, so it is important to choose courses that are a good fit for your academic ability. If you are struggling in your regular classes, you may not be ready for AP courses.

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Are you a high school student considering taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes? If so then you are not alone.

AP classes are some of the most popular courses offered in high schools across the country. With over 30 courses available – it can be challenging to know which are the most popular AP courses.

In this article, we will explore the most popular AP classes based on the number of test takers.

List of the 5 most popular AP classes

From the list of 38 AP courses, both hard AP classes, and easy AP classes, we have created a list of the most popular AP classes. This list of based on the number of students appearing for the AP exam every year.

• AP English Language and Composition
• AP United States History
• AP Psychology
• AP Calculus AB
• AP Spanish Language and Culture

Need help with your 2024 AP exam preparation? find top online AP tutors to help you ace the AP exam!

Here, we have ranked the most popular AP classes based on number of students taking the test.

AP English Language and Composition

No of students (2022): 520,771
Pass rate (3 or higher): 55.7%

AP English Language and Composition is the most popular AP course among high school students. It was opted by over half a million students in 2022. This course is designed to help students develop critical reading and writing skills, and prepare them for college-level coursework. AP English Language and Composition is known for its rigor and high expectations. Still, it also offers numerous benefits, such as the potential to earn college credit and improve college admissions prospects.

The graph given below depicts the trend of the number of students taking AP English Languages and Composition over the time period of 10 years.

AP English Language and Composition is an introductory college-level composition course where students are taught to cultivate an understanding of writing and rhetorical arguments through reading, analyzing, and writing texts.

AP United States History

No of students (2022): 456,520
Pass rate (3 or higher): 48.2%

According to the College Board, AP United States History is the second most popular AP course among high school students. This course provides an in-depth exploration of American history from the pre-Columbian era to the present day. AP United States History is known for its difficulty level and has a low pass rate in comparison to other AP exams, but it also offers numerous benefits, such as the potential to earn college credit and improve college admissions prospects.

The graph given below depicts the trend of the number of students taking AP United States History over the time period of 10 years.

AP Psychology

No of students (2022): 292,501
Pass rate (3 or higher): 58.3%

AP Psychology is the third most popular AP course among high school students that provides an introduction to the science of psychology. This course covers a wide range of topics such as behavior, cognition, personality, and mental disorders.

AP Psychology is designed to help students develop critical thinking skills, research methods, and an understanding of human behavior. AP Psychology is considered a considerably easy AP course with a pass rate of 58.3%. Students with an interest in Psychology can opt for this AP course and can gain college credit or advanced placement for this course.

The graph given below depicts the trend of the number of students taking AP Psychology over the time period of 10 years.

AP Calculus AB

No of students (2022): 268,352
Pass rate (3 or higher): 55.7%

AP Calculus AB is a challenging and the fourth most popular AP course that has gained popularity among high school students over the years. This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of calculus, including limits, derivatives, and integrals, and prepares them for the AP Calculus AB exam.

The course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in calculus, which is a crucial subject for those planning to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. AP Calculus AB is widely recognized as a difficult course but performing well on the exam can help students to gain college credit or advanced placement in college-level calculus courses.

The graph given below depicts the trend of the number of students taking AP Calculus AB over the time period of 10 years.

AP Spanish Language and Culture

AP Spanish Language and Culture is one of the language AP courses that is the fifth most popular AP course. This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the Spanish language and its cultural significance, preparing them for the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam.

The course is structured to teach students advanced language skills, such as reading and writing complex texts, engaging in meaningful conversations, and analyzing cultural perspectives. The popularity of AP Spanish Language and Culture speaks to the increasing importance of cross-cultural communication and the value of bilingualism in today’s diverse society.

The graph given below depicts the trend of the number of students taking AP Spanish Language and Culture over the time period of 10 years.

Factors that contribute to the most popular AP courses

• Relevance to college and career: Most popular AP classes cover topics that are relevant for college. For example, AP English Language and Composition helps students develop their writing skills, which are essential for success in college and many careers. AP Calculus AB prepares students for college-level math, which is a requirement for many STEM majors.
• Challenge: AP courses are challenging, but they also offer a sense of accomplishment. Students who succeed in AP classes are demonstrating that they are capable of handling college-level work. This can be a valuable asset when applying to college.
• College credit: AP exams can earn students college credit, which can save them time and money. This is a major incentive for many students, especially those who are planning to attend a four-year college.
• Teacher quality: The quality of the AP teacher can also play a role in the popularity of a course. Students are more likely to take AP courses if they know that the teacher is knowledgeable and engaging.
• School culture: The school culture can also influence the popularity of AP classes. Schools that emphasize academic rigor and college preparation are more likely to have a large number of students taking AP courses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AP English Language, AP United States History, AP Psychology, AP Calculus AB, and AP Spanish Language and Culture are the most popular AP classes. These AP classes provide students with advanced knowledge and skills that are highly valued in today’s society.

The potential for earning college credit or advanced placement in college-level courses also makes these courses an attractive option for students seeking to challenge themselves and get ahead in their college education.

Need help with your 2024 AP exam preparation? find top online AP tutors to help you ace the AP exam!

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