What Are the Hardest AP Classes in High School?

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Understanding AP Class Difficulty

Let’s start with the basics.

AP classes, or Advanced Placement classes, are college-level courses offered in high schools. These courses are designed to be more challenging than standard high school classes. They cover college-level material and help students develop critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills.

Now, the level of difficulty per AP class depends on the subject, as well as student strengths and interests. In my experience, some might find certain AP classes more challenging than others based on prior knowledge, study habits, and just personal interest. However, AP classes typically require a heavier workload with advanced assignments and challenging exams, like the AP exam administered by the College Board.

Above all, AP classes are meant to prepare high school students for the academic demands of college and help them develop essential skills like time management and research. AP classes are also valuable opportunities for academic growth, which look good on college applications.

Factors Affecting AP Difficulty

So, we know AP classes are hard, but what about them feels almost impossible to conquer? Let’s go over some common factors that may influence the difficulty of AP classes:

1. Subject Complexity: The complexity of the subject matter can significantly impact the difficulty of an AP course.

2. Teacher Quality: And this is KEY. An instructor’s teaching method can heavily influence comprehension of any AP class. The better the teacher, the better the comprehension.

3. Student Preparedness: Study habits and academic skills play a crucial role in AP difficulty. Doing research on the next AP curriculum or subject matter can help students learn what to expect.

4. Workload and Pace: The workload and pace of an AP course can also affect its difficulty. Juggling multiple AP classes, extracurricular activities, and life outside of academics can be challenging for students. Figuring out a work-school-life balance can help students stay focused and afloat.

5. Testing and Assessment: Exams, AP tests, and assessments may add pressure and increase the level of difficulty for students.

Just remember: the difficulty of AP courses is dependent on your interests and subject matter, as well as instructor influence and guidance. Understand that these subjects are difficult, so when, where, and if you’re having a hard time, don’t be afraid to seek support and get the extra help you need!

Top 5 Hardest AP Classes

Now, let’s discuss the top 5 hardest AP classes of 2024:

AP Physics 1

Percentage of students scoring a 3 or higher: 45.6%

AP Physics 1 combines physics, scientific inquiry, and algebra and covers topics like Newtonian mechanics, which includes Kinematics, Dynamics, Gravitation, Circular Mechanics, Rotational Mechanics, and more. The AP test consists of forty multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and four free-response questions (FRQs). Learn more about the AP test here. AP Physics 1 has a low pass rate and a low percentage of students scoring a 5, indicating that many students find the conceptual depth and problem-solving aspects challenging.

Related: The Best Physics Tutors

AP United States History

Percentage of students scoring a 3 or higher: 47.5%

AP United States History is considered to be a difficult course that covers a lot of material. Students are required to have a strong understanding of historical concepts and processes of the nine historical eras from 1491 to the present. AP US History requires a very detailed knowledge of US History from the pre-Columbian era up to the present day.

AP Chemistry

Percentage of students scoring a 3 or higher: 49.2%

AP Chemistry requires a solid foundation in chemistry and algebra. The exam consists of 60 MCQs and seven free-response questions. The free-response questions test your ability to justify scientific claims and analyze models of chemical properties.

AP Environmental Science

Percentage of students scoring a 3 or higher: 53%

AP Environmental Science explores the Earth and its resources, analyzing environmental problems and applying quantitative methods to find possible solutions. The AP environmental science test consists of 80 MCQs and three free-response questions, which test your ability to analyze, interpret, and solve problems using mathematical equations.

AP Calculus AB

Percentage of students scoring a 3 or higher: 58%

AP Calculus AB is a college-level calculus course that is considered the hardest AP class by many students under AP Physics. The exam consists of 45 MCQs and six free-response questions. The Calculus AB exam covers logarithmic functions, function representations, and real-world applications of calculus.

More AP Classes

Though they didn’t make the top 5, below is a list of AP classes that are still considered difficult and worth exploring.

• AP English Literature
• AP Biology
• AP Calculus BC