The Hardest & Easiest AP Classes to Take in High School [38 Ranked AP Courses]

When choosing which Advanced Placement (AP) classes to take in high school, a common question is which are the hardest AP classes and tests? While a lot of it comes down to individual strengths and weaknesses, some AP classes do tend to be more challenging than others.

This guide breaks down all 38 AP classes out there, looking at their pass rates, 5-rates, class content, and tests in order to help you make a more informed choice about which AP classes you may decide to take. 

Prepping for the SAT? Start here. 

In a hurry? Take a look at these quick-charts for the 10 Easiest AP Classes

1. Computer Science Principles (CPS)
2. Psychology
3. Human Geography
4. Environmental Science
5. Gov. and Politics – Comparative
6. Computer Science A
7. Statistics
8. Studio Art: Drawing
9. Studio Art: 2-D Design
10. Studio Art: 3D Design

Take a look at this quick-chart for the 10 Hardest AP Classes (hardest at the top)

1. Biology
2. English Literature and Composition
3. English Language and Composition
4. Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
5. Physics C: Mechanics
6. Calculus BC
7. Physics 2
8. AP Chemistry
9. Chinese Language & Culture
10. Japanese Language & Culture

Are AP Classes Worth It?

You may be wondering whether AP classes are worth it. While they are known to be tough, record numbers of students these days are taking them. If you’re sitting on the fence about taking one, here are some potential benefits to help change your mind:

• They’re a good preparation for transition to college courses as they’re fast-paced, cover substantial content, and require independent work.
• They may put you at the top of the pile in college admissions as they show you’re ready for the academic rigor of college-level work.
• When calculating your GPA, many high schools give extra weight to AP grades.
• As there are many AP classes to choose from, they give you a chance to study what you love.
• A good AP score could allow you to earn college credits, saving you some money on college tuition (some students have gone into their first year of college/university with a full year of course work already under their belt).

AP Classes Ranked from Easiest to Hardest

1. Computer Science Principles (CPS)

During this class you’ll learn about the foundational concepts and theories of computer science, including data structures, algorithms and privacy, and develop computational thinking skills in the context of creative problem solving. You’ll work both independently and in groups to explore how computing can impact the world. The workload in this class is generally quite light, but there is a good chance that the terminology and vocabulary in this class will be pretty new for you.

The assessment consists of two performance tasks which you complete over the year. The first task asks you to develop a computer program of your choice. For the second task you have to identify a computer innovation, explore its impact, and create a related digital artifact. There’s also an end of course paper-and-pencil exam, which consists of 74 multiple-choice questions. 

Pass Rate: 71.9%

5-Rate: 13.8%

The hardest part about AP Computer Science Principles:

General consensus is that CPS can be an extremely easy class. If you’re used to a rigidly structured AP course, you may be surprised by the flexible curriculum. 

The Best AP Computer Science Principles Review Book:

2. Psychology

Thought of as one of the easiest AP classes, as well as one of the most popular, AP Psychology will teach you about the theories, ideas and methods of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. You’ll learn to connect psychological concepts and theories to real-life situations, understand and interpret data, and analyze research studies. The course covers a range of topics including clinical, developmental and social psychology. You’ll be assigned lots of projects, quizzes, tests, and notes, but most students find it not to be very difficult and the workload generally manageable. 

The exam is 2 hours long and is split into 2 parts. First, there are 100 multiple-choice questions based on the psychological concepts from the course. Next up are 2 free-response questions where you’ll explain behavior and apply theories using the various psychological concepts, and analyze research studies and data.  

Pass Rate: 64.5%

5-Rate: 20.5%

The hardest part about AP Psychology:

Many students underestimate the test and don’t prepare adequately because AP Psychology classes have a reputation for being easier than other AP classes.

The Best AP Psychology Review Book:

3. Human Geography

Known to err on the easier side of AP classes, Human Geography explores how humans have understood, used, and changed the surface of the Earth. Units include political patterns and processes, cultural patterns and processes, and population and migration patterns and processes. You’ll also learn how to think geographically, using tools and methods to analyze geographic data. Students who are interested in history actually tend to find this class extremely interesting, especially if you have an engaging teacher to explore the world with. 

The exam is 2 hours and 15 minutes long (on the shorter end when it comes to AP tests!), and tests your understanding on the geographic concepts taught throughout the course and your ability to analyze and interpret maps, geospatial data, infographics, and more. There are two components – 60 multiple-choice questions and 3 free-response questions, which will each present you with an authentic geographic situation. 

Pass Rate: 49.1%

5-Rate: 10.8%

The hardest part about AP Human Geography:

The importance of the geographical terms – much of the course is about your knowledge of terminology so knowing your way around the geographical terms will make it easier to understand the exam questions.

The Best AP Human Geography Review Book:

Related: 12 Ideas of What To Do After High School (Besides College)

4. Environmental Science

AP Environmental Science, aka APA Environ, aka APES, has a reputation for being one of the easiest AP classes. This popular interdisciplinary class explores ecological processes, our relationship with the world, and how to resolve or prevent natural and human-made environmental problems. Units include atmospheric pollution, global change and energy resources and consumption. The course also consists of lab investigations and field work. 

The exam is 2 hours and 40 minutes long, and tests your understanding of the environmental concepts you covered on the course and your ability to design research studies and solve environmental problems. Split into two components, the exam has 80 multiple-choice questions and 3 free-response questions.

Pass Rate: 49.2%

5-Rate: 9.4%

The hardest part about AP Environmental Science:

Students who expect this class to be super easy or go in unprepared will usually do poorly on the test. APES has the third lowest pass-rate among all AP classes. Students who decide to take this AP class still need to study and take it seriously or you may be among the half of students who do not pass.  

The Best AP Environmental Science Review Book:

Related: 8 Free Official SAT Practice Tests

5. Gov. and Politics – Comparative

In this class, you’ll learn about the political institutions and processes of six countries – China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia and the UK. You’ll compare their political systems, institutions, processes, policies and behaviors, as well as analyzing data and readings to draw conclusions and find patterns and trends. 

The exam is 2 and a half hours long and has two parts – 55 multiple-choice questions and 4 free-response questions (1 conceptual analysis questions, 1 quantitative question, 1 comparative analysis question and 1 argument essay). Both sections will test your understanding of the political concepts and processes surrounding the six core countries as well as your skills at reading and analyzing data and texts. 

Pass Rate: 66%

5-Rate: 22.4%

The hardest part about Gov and Politics – Comparative:

There’s a significant amount of reading with this class and the content is wide-ranging. If you don’t enjoy reading or find the functions of government to be boring, then this will actually be an extremely difficult class for you. You also need to be relatively open minded as you’ll encounter public policy and belief systems that may be in opposition to your own.  

The Best AP Government and Politics – Comparative Review Book

6. Computer Science A

While the AP Computer Science Principles doesn’t rely on a particular programming language, AP Computer Science A focuses solely on Java. It’s a hands-on course, where you’ll design, write and test computer programs that solve problems.

You’ll learn skills like how to assess, create and implement solutions, work with algorithms, and debug Java solutions. 

The exam is 3 hours long and is broken down into 2 sections. There are 40 multiple-choice questions which will test your understanding of the course content. Then there are 4 free-response questions, where you’ll be asked to write programming code to satisfy a variety of method specifications using your knowledge of Java. 

Pass Rate: 69.6%

5-Rate: 26.7%

The hardest part about AP Computer Science:

The assessment format of this course can be tricky for some students. It’s recommended that you need to be comfortable with Java, as well as being a skilled test-taker who works quickly. 

The Best AP Computer Science A Review Book:

7. Statistics

This class will teach you about the major tools and concepts used for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data, like the importance of randomization and how to use models to make predictions. You’ll design surveys and experiments, as well as explore statistics through discussion and class activities. 

The exam is 3 hours long and is broken down into 2 sections. This test is known to be among the easier AP tests, especially if you have any background in the subject. First is 40 multiple-choice questions, which tests your understanding of the course units. The second is 5 free-response questions and one investigative task, which test your skills in communicating explanations and justifications using evidence from data, definitions or statistical inference. 

Pass Rate: 59.7%

5-Rate: 14.7%

The hardest part about AP Statistics:

Getting a good score here is more than just memorizing facts and figures. It’s based on your ability to perform statistical reasoning. There are plenty of equations, so this can be hard for those who are not math-inclined.

The Best AP Statistics Review Book:

8. Studio Art: Drawing

During this class, you’ll explore a very broad interpretation of drawing issues such as line quality, light and shade, rendering of form, composition, surface manipulation, and the illusion of depth and mark-making. There is no preferred style – these can be addressed through a variety of means, like painting, printmaking or mixed media. The range of marks used to make drawings, along with the materials, are endless! 

Your score is determined by your portfolio, which is made up of 3 sections (Quality, Concentration and Depth). These will demonstrate a number of skills, including 5 works that demonstrate your mastery of drawing in concept, composition and execution, 12 images which show an in-depth exploration of a drawing concern and a variety of 12 works which demonstrate your understanding of the principles of drawing issues.

Pass Rate: 91.1%

5-Rate: 20.8%

The hardest part about AP Studio Art – Drawing:

You have to be self-motivated, as the art-making process in this class takes time and finesse. This isn’t the type of class where you can just cram last minute.

9. Studio Art: 2-D Design

For this AP Studio Art class the focus is on your mastery of 2D design. This can be demonstrated through any two-dimensional medium or process, such as graphic design, digital imaging, photography, collage, fashion or fabric design, weaving, fashion illustration, painting and printmaking.

You’re graded on your portfolio, which is made up of the three studio art sections – Quality, Concentration and Breadth. These should include 5 works that demonstrate mastery of design in concept, composition and execution, 12 digital images which show an in-depth exploration of a particular 2D design, and 12 works which demonstrate your understanding of the principles of 2D design.

Pass Rate: 86.4%

5-Rate: 21%

The hardest part about AP Studio Art – 2D Design:

Coming up with numerous different and original ideas can be the hard part of this AP course, and students are expected to keep up with their work and put in time outside the classroom – these are high requirements in a limited time frame.

10. Studio Art: 3D Design

Designed for those who are interested in the practical experience of art, this class wants students to demonstrate mastery of 3D design through any three-dimensional approach. There’s no preferred or unacceptable style – it could be figurative or non-figurative sculpture, architectural models, metal work, ceramics, glass works, installation, assemblage, 3D fabric/fiber arts, or any other style. 

There’s no written exam; instead, students submit a portfolio at the end of the year. The portfolio consists of three sections, which include works that demonstrate mastery of 3-D design in concept, composition and execution, works describing an in-depth exploration of a particular 3-D design concern and a variety of works demonstrating understanding of the principles of 3-D design.

Pass Rate: 70%

5-Rate: 10%

The hardest part about AP Studio Art – 3D Design:

The time limits and getting everything done is the hardest part of the course. You have to be motivated to come up with a high volume of original designs. 

11. Macroeconomics

This class allows you to explore economic principles and models that apply to the economic system as a whole, including the financial sector and stabilization policies. You’ll determine and explain outcomes of specific economic situations, and use graphs or visual representations to analyze and describe economic concepts.

The exam is 2 hours and 10 minutes. Macroeconomics (as well as Microeconomics) is known to be an easier test and students cite it as being among the easiest AP tests. 

The first section is 60 multiple-choice questions based around economic outcomes and defining economic principles and models. The second section is 3 free-response questions – 1 long and 2 short questions. These will also cover the economic concepts covered on the course, and your ability to perform numerical analysis and calculations, and create visual representations.

Pass Rate: 58.9%

5-Rate: 19.1%

The hardest part about AP Macroeconomics:

Macroeconomics tends to build upon itself, so you cannot risk falling behind. If you find yourself not understanding a topic or concept, it’s imperative to get help immediately.

Each unit after the first unit requires understanding of previously learned concepts. For example, in Unit 1 Basic Economics Concepts, supply and demand is taught. These concepts will appear throughout the rest of the course. If you had trouble with understanding these concepts, it will be nearly impossible to apply them in later units. 

The Best AP Macroeconomics Review Book:

12. Microeconomics

Rather than the study of the economic system as a whole, AP Microeconomics teaches you about the principles of economics that apply to the behavior of individuals within an economic system. You’ll learn about economic concepts, including the nature and functions of product markets, factor markets and the role of the government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy.

If you have the opportunity to take both AP Micro and AP Macro Economics in your school, it is suggested to take Microeconomics first. There are ideas in Macroeconomics that draw from things you’ll have learned in Microeconomics (but generally not the other way around). 

The exam is 2 hours and 10 minutes long and broken down into 2 sections. There are 60 multiple-choice questions and 3 free-response questions – 1 long question and 2 short questions. These will test your knowledge and reasoning of the economic concepts, principles, models, outcomes and effects taught on the course. You’ll also be asked to perform numerical analysis and calculations, and create visual representations. 

Pass Rate: 69.6%

5-Rate: 24.3%

The hardest part about AP Microeconomics:

There is a fair amount of math in this course – you need a good grasp of basic arithmetic and conceptual algebra. Also, there is limited time to complete the free-response questions so you need to be able to write concisely.

The Best AP Microeconomics Review Book:

13. Seminar

The AP Seminar class content involves developing and practicing the skills that you’ll need in any academic discipline – research, communication and collaboration. It includes investigating a variety of subjects, reading and understanding advanced source material, synthesizing information and formulating research questions. You’ll also write research-based essays, and take part in oral presentations and team projects.

If a student takes AP Seminar followed by AP Research and receives at least a 3 on each test, then he or she will be awarded with the AP Seminar and Research Certificate. Similarly, if a student takes and passes AP Seminar and AP Research with a score of 3 or more, as well as takes two more AP classes with a score of 3 or higher, then he or she will receive an AP Capstone Diploma. 

There is a 2-hour end of course exam, which makes up for 45% of your overall score. The other 55% is made up of two performance tasks that you complete over the course of the year. One is a team project and presentation based around an academic or real-world problem, question or issue. The other is an individual research-based essay and presentation on a provided stimulus. 

Pass Rate: 81.1%

5-Rate: 7.1%

The hardest part about AP Seminar:

Participation relies on reading and absorbing a lot of course material, which some students find hard to stay on top of. 

14. Research

AP Research is the second class taken in the AP Capstone program, building on the skills learned in AP Seminar. Students are encouraged to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue that interests them and design, plan, and conduct a large-scale, year-long research-based investigation centered around it. 

There is no exam; instead you’ll be assessed on performance tasks within your year-long research project. This includes a 4,000 – 5,000 word academic paper and a presentation with an oral defense. The presentation will be on your research question, methodology, and findings, and the oral defense will address a set of questions about your research inquiry.

Pass Rate: 75.9%

5-Rate: 10.7%

The hardest part about AP Research:

Your entire grade rests on one long-term project so you have to remain diligent about staying on task throughout the year. It’s a tempting course to procrastinate on, as a year to complete one project sounds like a long time.

Related: The 5 Best Calculators for the SAT

15. Music Theory

In this class you’ll learn to recognize, understand and describe the basic materials and processes of music. You’ll practice musical skills through listening to, reading, writing and performing a variety of music, as well as build your understanding of the features of musical concepts and