What Are The Hardest AP Classes

AP (Advanced Placement) classes are college-level classes offered in high school. While all AP classes are challenging, some are consistently ranked as more difficult than others. Based on recent exam pass rates, the hardest AP classes include Physics 1 (45.6% pass rate), United States History (47.5% pass rate), Latin (56.7% pass rate), and Calculus AB (58% pass rate).

However, determining the hardest AP class is subjective and can vary depending on individual strengths, interests, and preparation. For example, if you're not good at Math, AP Calculus could be the hardest course. Vice versa, if you're good at Math, it can be the easiest AP course.

That's why when choosing the right AP class for you, you should consider your academic strengths and ability to manage the workload alongside other commitments.

If you’re curious about which AP classes students struggle with the most, looking at exam pass rates can reveal some interesting insights. Let’s dive into the hardest AP classes based on these numbers.

10 Hardest AP Classes to Pass

The hardest AP classes are the ones with the lowest exam pass rates, meaning fewer students score 3 or higher because the material and exams are very challenging.

AP Class	Pass Rate (Score of 3 or Higher)	Average Score	Why It's Challenging
AP Physics 1	45.60%	2.64	Concept-heavy, algebra-based physics with tricky problem-solving.
AP United States History	47.50%	2.71	Extensive content, requires strong analytical and essay-writing skills.
AP Latin	56.70%	2.78	Complex translations and in-depth understanding of Latin literature.
AP Calculus AB	58.00%	2.94	Requires a strong foundation in calculus concepts and applications.
AP World History: Modern	64.70%	2.84	Broad scope of global history and thematic essay requirements.
AP Biology	64.40%	3.13	Heavy memorization and synthesis of biological systems.
AP Chemistry	75.10%	3.09	Math-intensive with complex problem-solving and labs.
AP English Literature	77.20%	3.07	Requires advanced reading comprehension and analytical writing.
AP Calculus BC	78.50%	3.6	Includes all AB content plus additional topics, fast-paced.
AP Physics C: Mechanics	73.50%	3.41	Calculus-based physics with a steep learning curve.

1. AP Physics 1

AP Physics 1 is hard because it requires students to deeply understand complex physics concepts and apply them through challenging mathematical problem-solving. For instance, calculating a projectile's motion involves simultaneously tracking velocity, acceleration, and trajectory using intricate algebraic equations that require both analytical thinking and precise mathematical skills.

2. AP United States History

AP United States History is tough because it requires a lot of historical knowledge and critical thinking. For example, instead of just memorizing Civil War dates, students need to understand how it affected society, the economy, and politics, and explain this in detailed essays with proof.

3. AP Latin

AP Latin is challenging because it tests both language skills and a deep understanding of ancient texts. In the exam, students might face a passage from Virgil's Aeneid where they need to translate lines about Aeneas' journey, explain references to Roman gods, and discuss how the hero's actions reflect Roman values. This requires not just knowing Latin words, but also understanding Roman culture and analyzing complex themes all under time pressure.

4. AP Calculus AB

AP Calculus AB is challenging because it requires students to solve complex mathematical problems that combine multiple advanced concepts. In the exam, students may need to calculate an object's speed and distance by using math tools like derivatives and integrals. This requires fast math skills, careful calculations, and the ability to understand how math applies to real-life situations.

5. AP World History: Modern

AP World History: Modern is challenging because it involves studying a wide range of historical events from different cultures and time periods. Students need to analyze these events deeply, think critically, and connect ideas from various regions and eras. The class also requires students to develop strong writing skills to explain complex historical concepts and create well-supported arguments.

6. AP Biology

AP Biology is considered a challenging course and exam, with a pass rate of 68% in 2024. Students rate it as quite difficult, giving it a 6.4/10 for overall difficulty, making it the 9th most challenging out of 28 large AP classes surveyed. The course covers a lot of material, requiring memorization and understanding of complex biological concepts. The exam tests knowledge and data analysis, but 97% of alumni recommend it, showing that with consistent effort, success is possible in AP Biology.

7. AP Chemistry

AP Chemistry is rated 7.4/10 for difficulty by alumni, making it the 3rd most difficult out of 28 large AP classes surveyed. The exam consists of two sections: 60 multiple-choice questions (90 minutes, 50% of score) and 7 free-response questions (105 minutes, 50% of score). Students must master complex topics like thermodynamics, acid-base equilibria, and chemical kinetics. Although it's considered one of the most difficult AP classes, 87% of alumni recommend it, suggesting that students can succeed in AP Chemistry with consistent study and practice.

8. AP English Literature

AP English Literature is challenging because it requires students to carefully analyze complex books, poems, and plays while writing thoughtful essays under strict time limits. For instance, students might need to explain how a character's name reflects their personality and ties into the story's deeper themes. This demands strong reading comprehension, critical thinking, and essay-writing skills to craft clear and insightful responses.

9. AP Calculus BC

Calculus BC actually has a pretty high passing rate (78%), but it's a tough course because it covers advanced and fast-paced material, including all of AP Calculus AB plus additional topics like parametric equations, polar coordinates, and series. It challenges students to solve complex problems and apply multiple concepts simultaneously.

It has a high passing rate because most students who take AP Calculus BC have a strong mathematical background and are prepared for it.

10. AP Physics C: Mechanics

Mechanics combines advanced physics concepts with complex calculus. Students often solve tricky problems, like figuring out how a spinning object moves, calculating its momentum, and understanding the forces acting on it using advanced math. For example, students might calculate how a spinning wheel's speed and direction change over time, using derivatives for angular velocity, integrals for displacement, and equations to understand the forces involved.

Hardest AP Class vs Hardest AP Exam: What's the Difference

Note that there is a difference between class difficulty and exam difficulty.

The hardest AP exam is the one that most students struggle to pass, meaning the test itself is really tough.

The hardest AP class is about the overall difficulty of the course, including homework, projects, and how hard the subject is to learn. Even if the exam isn't the hardest, the class itself is tough because of all the work you have to do.

For example, AP Physics 1 has a low passing rate, so it’s ranked as one of the hardest exams. However, AP Chemistry can be a harder class overall because it has a lot of material to learn and includes tough labs and assignments.

How to Determine What's The Hardest AP Course: 4 Factors to Consider

Determining the hardest AP course isn't straightforward, as difficulty can vary based on several factors. Here are four key factors to consider when assessing AP course difficulty:

1. Pass Rates and Score Distribution

As I mentioned above, there's a difference between class difficulty and exam difficulty. Pass rates reveal course difficulty. AP Physics 1’s low pass rate of 45.6% shows that many students find its concepts and problem-solving highly challenging. In contrast, AP Calculus BC’s 78% pass rate reflects its advanced and complex material but also highlights that students who take the course are typically well-prepared, leading to greater success.

2. Content Complexity

Some courses demand more advanced thinking and skills. Even if they have a high passing rate, the course itself is challenging. For instance, AP Physics C: Mechanics combines calculus with complex physics concepts, requiring students to solve intricate problems that test both mathematical and scientific understanding.

3. Student Background and Preparation

Individual academic strengths dramatically impact course difficulty. Take the AP Chinese Language as an example. If Chinese is your first or second language, it can be the easiest AP class for you, but it can be incredibly challenging for students without prior language exposure.

4. Time Management and Workload

The volume of material and study required can make a course hard. A good example is AP United States History, which demands extensive reading, critical analysis, and essay writing across multiple historical periods. It can be very challenging if you're not prepared for the workload or don't have enough time to study for the exam.

How to Choose the Easiest AP Course For You

Choosing the right AP courses is like creating a personalized academic roadmap that not only makes you shine in college applications but also gives you a head start on your educational journey by saving time and money, and helping you discover your true academic passions.

Choose a course based on your academic strengths

When you are good at a specific subject, it's easier for you to learn more about the topic. Let's say that you're good at numbers and got high scores in regular high school math classes, then AP math should be easy for you to manage. Anyway, talk to your teacher before enrolling in an AP course.

If you're not sure about your strong subject, consider the factors above and see which AP course is harder for you at the moment.

Consider your learning style and the course format

Teaching methods and assessment styles can also determine the difficulty of a course depending on your learning style. If you like discussion-based classes, you might find AP English Literature or AP World History more manageable. On the other hand, if you excel with hands-on learning, AP Computer Science or AP Studio Art could be a better fit. It'll be easier for you to succeed in the course if you understand how the course is taught and if it aligns with your preferred learning style, even better.

Look at the prerequisites and build gradually

Start with AP courses with fewer prerequisites or build on subjects you've already mastered. For example, if you've done well in biology, AP Biology might be an easier choice than jumping straight into AP Physics without a strong foundation. This approach allows you to gradually increase the difficulty of your AP courses over time, building your confidence and skills along the way. Remember, it's not just about choosing the easiest course, but also about setting yourself up for long-term success in your academic journey.

AP Course and Exam Tips

Preparing for an AP course is like developing a strategic game plan to approach challenging material effectively. It’s a focused academic training process where thoughtful preparation and smart study techniques turn difficult content into manageable goals.

Tip 1: Start early and create a study plan.

Craft a dynamic, personalized study strategy that prioritizes challenging topics by breaking content into digestible sections, setting clear weekly and daily learning objectives, and building flexible buffer time to accommodate unexpected academic challenges. It would be good to start planning 1 to 3 months before the exam.

Tip 2: Use smart learning methods like active recall.

Active recall is a game-changing study technique that transforms passive reading into an interactive learning experience. Instead of simply highlighting or re-reading notes, you challenge yourself to explain concepts from memory, forcing your brain to retrieve and process information actively. This method strengthens your understanding and helps identify knowledge gaps more effectively than traditional studying approaches.

Tip 3: Take advantage of learning resources.

There are a lot of free resources online that can help you study and prepare for AP exams. For example, AP Classroom has many smart learning tools, and if you want to do test exams, you can use the College Board's official practice resources. If you need help with AP math, Mathos AI is a good option for homework help and math calculators.

Tip 4: Manage your time effectively during the exam

Mastering time management during your AP exam is key to success. Start by quickly scanning the exam structure. Use the "two-pass" method to tackle questions effectively. For example, answer all the easy problems first, then return to the challenging ones. Keep a close eye on the clock, and prioritize high-point questions, like spending more time on a 10-point essay than a 1-point multiple-choice question. Make sure you conquer every section with confidence.

Final Thoughts

The "hardest" AP course varies by individual. The 10 hardest AP classes above are based on AP exam pass rate. Consider your strengths, interests, and academic goals when selecting challenging courses. Choosing the right AP course can be a game-changing decision that boosts your college applications, but first, you need to ace the AP exams. Follow the studying tips above and score high!

FAQs

How many AP classes should you take?

The number of AP classes you should take depends on your goals, interests, and ability to manage the workload. For instance, most students take 1 to 2 AP classes in 10th grade, 2 to 4 in 11th grade, and 3 to 5 in 12th grade. We suggest you focus on quality over quantity.

How do AP scores affect college admission?

AP scores can strengthen your college application by showing your ability to handle rigorous coursework. While most colleges don’t require AP scores for admission, high scores can demonstrate academic skills and may help you earn college credit or advanced placement.

Will college and university accept a 3 on AP exams?

Many colleges accept a 3 on AP exams for credit or placement depending on the school and the subject. Some competitive universities may require a 4 or 5 for credit, so check the policies of the colleges you're applying to.

What is the easiest AP course?

The easiest AP course depends on your interests and strengths. However, AP Psychology, AP Human Geography, and AP Environmental Science are often considered easier due to lighter workloads and higher pass rates. Choose a course that aligns with your skills and goals.

What are the benefits of taking a challenging AP course?

Taking a challenging AP course can help you develop critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving skills. It also strengthens your college applications, prepares you for college-level work, and may earn you college credit or advanced placement.