Quick Answer:
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are rigorous, college-level classes offered in high school and designed by the College Board to prepare students for university-level work. By scoring well on the standardized exams held each May, students can earn college credit or advanced placement.
This guide shows you how to choose AP courses that match your goals, play to your strengths, and maximize your college chances.
Why AP Classes Matter for College Admissions?
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are college-level classes offered to high school students through the College Board. As of 2026, around 40 AP courses are available, from AP Computer Science Principles to AP Biology to AP U.S. History.
Taking AP classes helps you:
- Demonstrate college readiness: AP courses show admissions officers you can handle rigorous coursework
- Earn college credit: Strong AP exam scores (typically 4 or 5) may let you skip introductory courses and save tuition
- Build competitive advantage: Selective colleges expect AP courses on transcripts
According to College Board data, over 2.5 million students enroll in AP courses annually. The question isn’t whether to take APs – it’s which ones make strategic sense for you.
The 3-Question Framework: How to Choose AP Courses?
1. What Do You Want to Study in College?
Your intended major should shape your AP choices from the start.
STEM and Engineering
- AP Calculus BC (covers more than AB; don’t take both)
- AP Physics C (calculus-based) or AP Physics 1/2
- AP Chemistry
- AP Computer Science A
Pre-Med and Life Sciences
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Statistics
- AP Psychology
Business and Economics
- AP Macroeconomics and Microeconomics
- AP Statistics
- AP Calculus AB
Humanities and Social Sciences
- AP English Language (essential for strong writing)
- AP U.S. History
- AP Psychology
- World Languages (Spanish, French, etc.)
Special Programs: The AP Capstone program (AP Seminar + AP Research) demonstrates advanced research skills valued by selective colleges.
2. How Many AP Courses Match Your College Goals?
Different colleges have different expectations:
| College Type | Total APs | AP Courses per Year |
|---|---|---|
Ivy League / Top 20 |
8-12 courses |
4-5 per year |
Selective (Top 50) |
6-9 courses |
3-4 per year |
Selective State Schools |
4-7 courses |
2-3 per year |
Less Competitive |
2-4 courses |
1-2 per year |
3. Can You Realistically Handle the Workload?
Be honest about your capacity. Consider extracurricular commitments, part-time work, and stress management.
Time expectations per AP:
- Lighter APs (Psychology, Environmental Science): 3-5 hours/week
- Moderate APs (Biology, U.S. History): 5-8 hours/week
- Demanding APs (Calculus BC, Physics C, Chemistry): 8-12 hours/week
Year-by-Year AP Course Strategy
9th Grade
Most students do not take AP classes freshman year. If you are academically strong, AP Human Geography is the most common option with minimal prerequisites and a manageable workload.
10th Grade
Take one or two manageable APs to build strong study habits and adjust to higher expectations. Good options include:
- AP Psychology
- AP Environmental Science
- AP Computer Science Principles
11th Grade
Junior year is the most important year for college admissions. Aim for three to five APs aligned with your intended major.
- STEM-focused students: AP Calculus BC, AP Physics, AP Chemistry, AP English Language
- Humanities-focused students: AP English Language, AP U.S. History, AP Calculus AB or Statistics, and one science course
12th Grade
Take two to four APs that can earn college credit and strengthen your academic record. Do not coast after submitting applications, but avoid overloading yourself unnecessarily.
Understanding AP Exam Scores and College Credit
AP exams are scored between 1 to 5:
- 5: Extremely well qualified
- 4: Well qualified
- 3: Qualified (passing)
College credit reality:
- Top universities (Ivy League, Stanford): Require 4-5 for credit; many only accept 5s
- Selective state schools: Generally accept 3s in some subjects, require 4-5 for STEM
- Less selective schools: Often accept 3s across subjects
AP Exam Fees
AP exams cost $99 per exam for the U.S. students and $129 per exam for the international students. Fee reductions are available for students with financial need.
Which AP Courses Are Easier to Pass?
Higher pass rates, fewer prerequisites:
- AP Psychology
- AP Human Geography
- AP Environmental Science
- AP Computer Science Principles
Demanding courses requiring strong foundations:
- AP Physics C (calculus-based)
- AP Chemistry (requires strong algebra)
- AP Calculus BC (moves very fast)
- AP U.S. History (enormous content volume)
- AP Biology (content-heavy with detailed memorization)
Online AP Classes: When They Make Sense
Online AP classes and AP courses online have become popular options for students whose schools have limited offerings. Over 27,000 students search for AP courses online monthly, reflecting growing demand for flexible AP course options.
When Online AP Classes Work
- Students whose schools don’t offer specific courses they need
- Schedule conflicts that prevent in-person enrollment
- Strong self-directed learners who can manage deadlines independently
When Online APs Don’t Work
- You struggle with independent practice and need daily teacher oversight
- The course requires extensive lab work (AP Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- You’re already overloaded with in-person courses and activities
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right AP courses involves balancing your grade level, college goals, and workload capacity. Focus on classes that align with your intended major and academic strengths to maximize benefits like college credit, skill development, and stronger applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most successful Ivy applicants take 8-12 AP courses total, typically 4-5 per year in junior and senior year. Context matters: if your school offers 8 APs and you take 6, that shows maximum rigor. Quality and relevance to your major matter more than total count.
Take BC if you’re strong in math (A/A- in precalculus) and planning STEM. Take AB if you struggle with precalculus or want more foundation time. Don’t take both: BC covers all AB content plus additional topics.
AP Psychology, AP Human Geography, AP Environmental Science, and AP Computer Science Principles have higher pass rates and fewer prerequisites. However, “easier” doesn’t mean effortless. Selective colleges notice when students take only accessible APs while avoiding rigorous ones.
- Sign in to your College Board account at myap.collegeboard.org (use the same account as SAT/PSAT).
- Join your AP class or exam using the code from your teacher or AP coordinator.
- Confirm your exam registration in My AP if required by your school.
- Pay exam fees through your school by the deadline (usually around $101 per exam).
- Check your My AP account for your exam schedule and testing location.
AP Physics C, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, and AP U.S. History are consistently ranked as the hardest AP classes due to heavy workload and low pass rates. However, difficulty is subjective. AP English Literature is challenging for STEM students, while AP Physics C is hard for humanities students. Choose based on your strengths, not perceived difficulty.
AP exams cost $99 per test in 2026. Some schools cover fees; others don’t. The College Board offers fee reductions to $37 per exam for students with financial need.
Both IB and AP are rigorous and respected by colleges. AP offers more flexibility, letting you choose individual courses. The IB Diploma is a structured two-year program with required courses, projects, and service hours. AP is more common in U.S. schools, while IB has stronger international recognition. Your choice should depend on your school’s offerings and whether you prefer flexibility (AP) or a structured program (IB).
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