The Advanced Placement (AP) program offers a wide range of classes for high school students to take and potentially earn college credit. With over 30 courses available, it can be difficult to know which ones are the most popular. In this article, we will explore the most popular AP classes based on enrollment and student interest.
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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 famous AP classes. This list of based on the no.of students taking these classes and appearing for the AP exams every year. The graphs given below show data of a 10-year timeline.
1. 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, 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 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AP English Language, AP United States History, AP Psychology, AP Calculus AB, and AP Spanish Language and Culture are the five 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.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the most popular AP class taken?
According to the College Board, AP English Language and Composition is the most popular AP class. This AP course was taken by 520,771 students in 2022. AP United States History, AP Psychology, AP Calculus AB, and AP Spanish Language and Culture follow after it respectively.
What are the top 3 hardest AP classes?
The top 3 hardest AP classes, according to the pass rate and student’s survey and online discussion forums are AP Physics, AP Calculus BC, and AP Chemistry
What is the most easy AP class?
The top 3 easiest AP classes, according to the pass rate and student’s survey and online discussion forums are AP Computer Science Principles, AP Psychology, and AP Chinese Language.
What are the least popular AP exams?
According to the 2022 College Board data, the least popular AP exams are:
AP 3-D Art and Design- 5,377
AP Chinese Language- 4,211
AP German Language- 4,450
AP Italian Language- 2,194
AP Japanese Language- 2,765
AP Latin- 4,832
This list is based on the number of students taking the above AP courses in 2022.
How many AP classes are there?
There are a total of 38 AP courses in different disciplines like Art, Science, Math, Social Science, etc.
