Ranking the Easiest and Hardest AP Classes Based on Exam Scores

If you're a student planning to apply to universities in the US — or around the world — taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses and achieving high scores on AP tests can give you a major competitive edge. Whether you're aiming for the Ivy League or for any of the over 500 schools across the 75 or so countries internationally that honor AP test scores, studying and achieving at this high level helps you stand out academically.

But not all AP classes are created equal, as they offer different types and degrees of challenge. In this blog, we'll explore the easiest and hardest AP classes in 2024 based on AP exam scores and averages.

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AP Classes Overview

The Advanced Placement® Program (AP) creates college-level courses that high schools can decide to include in their course offerings, accompanied by annual AP Exams.

The AP Program supplies high school teachers with a comprehensive set of guidelines outlining the content expected in a college-level course for that subject. AP teachers then design their own syllabi with these standards in mind.

Before permitting teachers to label their courses as 'AP,' the College Board assesses each course design through a procedure known as the AP Course Audit.

AP Exam Scores

To determine which AP classes are easiest and which are hardest, let's take a look the weighted average score for each AP subject.

The College Board releases score distributions showing us the percent of students achieving each score from 1 to 5. Based on this information, we'll calculate the average weighted score for each class.

What Are the Hardest AP Classes?

Based on their average AP exam scores, the hardest AP classes are:

• AP Physics 1
• AP English Language and Composition
• AP Latin
• AP Environmental Science
• AP Human Geography

1. AP Physics 1

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course. Students gain an understanding of physics through classroom study, in-class activity, and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory work as they explore concepts such as:

• Systems
• Fields
• Force interactions
• Change
• Conservation

The average score for students taking the AP Physics 1 Exam is 2.53 — the lowest of any AP exam score.

Only 46% of students passed the Physics 1 exam, scoring a 3 or above in 2024, and only 8% of students scored a perfect 5.

2. AP English Language and Composition

AP English Language and Composition is a college-level course that focuses on rhetoric and writing. Students enhance their skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking through the analysis of various texts and the crafting of arguments and essays. The course covers:

• Rhetorical analysis
• Argumentation
• Synthesis of information
• Effective use of language

The average score for students taking the AP English Language and Composition Exam is 2.76.

In 2024, only 54% of students scored a 3 or above on the exam, with a mere 9% achieving the top score of 5.

3. AP Latin

AP Latin is a rigorous course that involves reading, translating, and interpreting Latin texts, specifically works by Vergil and Caesar. Students develop a deep understanding of Roman culture, history, and literature while honing their translation skills. Key areas of focus include:

• Translation of Latin texts
• Literary analysis
• Historical context
• Scansion of poetry

The average score for students taking the AP Latin Exam is 2.78. In 2024, 57% of students scored a 3 or higher, while only 12% managed to secure a perfect score of 5.

4. AP Environmental Science

AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course that combines aspects of biology, chemistry, geology, and environmental studies. Students learn about the natural world, the impact of humans on the environment, and solutions to environmental problems. Topics covered include:

• Ecosystems
• Biodiversity
• Pollution
• Resource management

The average score for students taking the AP Environmental Science Exam is 2.79. In 2024, 54% of students achieved a score of 3 or above, with just 9% earning the top score of 5.

5. AP Human Geography

AP Human Geography introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth's surface. Students explore topics such as:

• Population and migration
• Cultural patterns
• Political organization
• Urban development

The average score for students taking the AP Human Geography Exam is 2.79. In 2024, 56% of students scored a 3 or higher, with only 18% attaining the highest score of 5.

What Are the Easiest AP Classes?

Based on their exam's weighted average score, the easiest AP classes are the following:

• AP Chinese Language and Culture
• AP Calculus BC
• AP Japanese Language and Culture
• AP Spanish Language and Culture
• AP Drawing

The weighted average score for all 5 of these classes is higher than 3, ranging from 3.42 for AP Drawing, to a 4.00 for Chinese Language and Culture.

1. AP Chinese Language and Culture

AP Chinese Language and Culture is a college-level course designed to develop students' proficiency in Chinese language and deepen their understanding of Chinese culture. The course emphasizes communication skills in interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes. Key areas of focus include:

• Listening and speaking
• Reading and writing
• Cultural awareness
• Linguistic structures

The average score for students taking the AP Chinese Language and Culture Exam is 4.19, one of the highest among AP exams. In 2023, 89% of students scored a 3 or above, with an impressive 65% achieving a perfect score of 5.

2. AP Calculus BC

AP Calculus BC is an advanced, college-level mathematics course that covers differential and integral calculus, as well as sequences and series. Students engage in both theoretical and applied aspects of calculus. Topics covered include:

• Limits and continuity
• Derivatives
• Integrals
• Polynomial approximations and series

Surprisingly, the AP Calculus BC exam has the second highest average scores at 3.60. In 2023, 76% of students scored a 3 or above, with 40% earning the top score of 5.

3. AP Japanese Language and Culture

AP Japanese Language and Culture is designed to develop students' Japanese language skills and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture. The course emphasizes communication in real-life contexts and enhances students' linguistic proficiency and cultural knowledge. Focus areas include:

• Listening and speaking
• Reading and writing
• Cultural context
• Language structures

The average score for students taking the AP Japanese Language and Culture Exam is 4.13. In 2023, 88% of students scored a 3 or above, and 58% achieved a perfect score of 5.

4. AP Spanish Language and Culture

AP Spanish Language and Culture is a college-level course aimed at developing students' Spanish language proficiency and cultural understanding. The course focuses on communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Major areas of study include:

• Interpersonal communication
• Interpretive communication
• Presentational communication
• Cultural awareness

The average score for students taking the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam is 3.65. In 2023, 78% of students scored a 3 or above, with 28% attaining the highest score of 5.

5. AP Drawing

AP Drawing is a college-level art course that emphasizes the development of students' skills in drawing and the exploration of various media and techniques. Students create a portfolio of their work that demonstrates their abilities and personal artistic vision. Key areas of focus include:

• Line quality
• Light and shade
• Composition
• Surface manipulation

The average score for students taking the AP Drawing Exam is 3.47. In 2023, 70% of students scored a 3 or above, while 18% achieved the top score of 5.

How Important Are AP Classes for College Admissions?

Taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes can significantly enhance your college application. These courses mirror the structure of college-level classes, encouraging you to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning skills.

Due to their rigorous course material and emphasis on research and analysis, colleges like to see students who have taken one or more AP courses.

Given that not many students opt for AP classes, having them on your high school transcript can give your application a competitive edge. Taking AP classes also allows you to dive deeper into subjects that genuinely interest you, showcasing to admissions officers your ability to handle challenging coursework. And lastly, a good score on an AP exam can translate into college credit, thus saving you some money!

Which AP Class Is Right for You?

Besides difficulty, there are other factors to consider when choosing the AP classes that are right for you.

AP classes are open to all students who are willing and academically prepared to accept the challenge of their rigorous academic curriculums.

Consider the following factors to make an informed decision:

• Academic strengths and weaknesses
• Your target major
• Your target university's requirements
• Your personal interests

Keep in mind that, certain AP courses have prerequisites. For example, students taking AP Physics 1 should have completed geometry and be taking Algebra 2 or an equivalent course. You can find information on individual course prerequisites here.

Final Thoughts

Taking AP classes is a great way to gain a competitive edge when you're applying to college. And — if you do well on the AP test that comes with the class — you may be able to earn college credit and skip some basic classes when you start college.

The difficulty level of an AP course depends on a variety of factors including your personal strengths and interests.

For help deciding which AP courses are right for you, or for assistance in preparing for your AP exams, talk to one of our experts. Students working with Crimson are 7x more likely to gain admission to their dream university!