
Which AP Classes are Available
English Language & Composition | 2D Art & Design |
Literature and Composition | 3D Art & Design |
Comparative Government & Politics | Art History |
European History | Drawing |
Human Geography | Music Theory |
Full Answer
What are all the AP courses?
- AP Physics C—not only is it physics but it is very challenging because of the caliber of the questions. lots of memorization, and a lot is expected from you
- AP Music Theory—even though not many take it, it is arguably one of the hardest AP’s. ...
- AP Calculus BC—so many formulas to memorize and a lot of tedious math work. ...
How many AP classes are there?
How many AP courses are there? 38 AP courses What AP science classes are there? Sciences AP Biology. AP Chemistry. AP Environmental Science. AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based. AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based. AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. AP Physics C: Mechanics. How many AP courses is too many? Second, balance your course load. Unless you’re ]
What are high school AP courses?
Which AP Classes Are the Hardest?
- 10 hardest AP Classes evaluated by pass rate. ...
- Look at some sample AP Tests from the class. ...
- Discuss the hardest AP Classes with your guidance counselor. ...
- Talk to students who have completed or are currently in the class. ...
- Talk to your potential teachers. ...
- Frequently asked questions about the hardest AP Classes. ...
What does AP classes mean?
What are the AP classes in high school?
- AP Art History (10th, 11th, or 12th grade)
- AP Biology (10th, 11th, or 12th grade)
- AP Calculus (11th or 12th grade)
- AP Chemistry (11th or 12th grade)
- AP English Language (11th grade)
- AP English Literature (12th grade)
- AP Environmental Science.
- AP Government (12th grade)

What is the point of taking AP classes?
Taking advanced placement (AP) classes in high school can help you earn college credit alongside your diploma and lead to tuition savings as an undergraduate. AP classes prepare learners to take tests on college-level knowledge in 38 subjects. Students who receive passing scores on these tests can earn college credit.
Are AP classes worth taking?
Students looking to earn admission to highly selective colleges should take multiple AP classes to bolster their applications and demonstrate they can handle challenging coursework. Some college admissions experts recommend taking as many as 7-12 AP courses before applying to the most elite universities.
What is the benefit of AP?
Succeed in college. Research shows that students who receive a score of 2 on their AP Exams are ready for college work. Research shows that students who receive a score of 3 or higher on AP Exams typically experience greater academic success in college and have higher graduation rates than their non-AP peers.
Do AP classes actually do anything?
Unsurprisingly, students who score a 3 or higher on an AP exam do better in college. But, remarkably, there is virtually no research pinning down cause and effect — that is, whether taking AP courses actually helps students succeed.
Do AP classes boost GPA?
GPA Weight At many high schools, honors and AP classes both offer more heavily weighted training compared to regular classes. While honors courses usually add 0.5 points to your GPA, AP classes often add 1 point. In other words, a 3.5 GPA would be boosted to a 4.0 in an honors class and a 4.5 in an AP class.
Should I take an AP class in 11th grade?
Students can take AP courses and exams as early as 9th grade, but this is rarely recommended. Certain AP subjects, such as European History and World History, are great choices for 10th graders, but most AP classes are best suited to high school juniors and seniors.
Do colleges prefer AP or honors?
Colleges like them both. Both honors and AP courses are rigorous courses that most high schools weight more heavily on your transcript. AP courses, however, culminate in the AP Exam. Good AP scores show colleges you are ready to succeed at college-level work and can even earn you college credits.
What is the most popular AP class?
Here, we rank the seven most popular AP exams by number of test-takers in May 2021.AP English Language and Composition. Number of Test-Takers (2021): 518,548. ... AP U.S. History. ... AP English Literature and Composition. ... AP World History: Modern. ... AP Psychology. ... AP U.S. Government and Politics. ... AP Calculus AB.
What happens if you fail an AP class?
What happens if you fail an AP class? If you fail an AP class, then your GPA will likely drop as it would for a normal class. This grade also shows up on your transcript. However, you may be able to retake the class the following year to raise your grade and increase your GPA.
Do I need to take AP classes to get into Harvard?
While Harvard will not grant college credit for your AP tests, the school does want to see that you have taken advantage of all of the opportunities that are available to you, including AP courses and tests. Some schools offer international baccalaureate classes.
What are the pros and cons of AP?
Pros of AP ClassesYou may receive college credit.The rigor better prepares you for college.Weighted grades can boost your GPA.Coursework is time-consuming.Exams are expensive.Many selective schools don't take AP credit.
Should freshman take AP classes?
Once your student enters sophomore year, however, they can usually start to take AP classes. It is not necessary for them to take AP classes at this stage, but it would be beneficial for him/her to take at least one or two just to get the feel for how AP classes work and the amount of work that these classes entail.
Do colleges really care about AP classes?
Colleges like them both. Both honors and AP courses are rigorous courses that most high schools weight more heavily on your transcript. AP courses, however, culminate in the AP Exam. Good AP scores show colleges you are ready to succeed at college-level work and can even earn you college credits.
What are the cons of taking AP classes?
Cons of AP ClassesCoursework is time-consuming. When you enroll in an AP course, you should be aware that the work will take longer than that in regular-level classes. ... Exams are expensive. ... Many selective schools don't take AP credit.
Why should you not take AP classes?
It's also not worth it if the class doesn't significantly improve your studying or academic skills. Since all AP classes have a pretty big cost in terms of time, if they're not serving to develop your academic interests or improve your skills, they're likely not worth taking.
Are AP classes overrated?
Ultimately, AP classes cause immense amounts of stress for students who take them and the high cost of the exam creates a disadvantage for lower income students. Due to the competitive atmosphere surrounding AP classes and the pressure placed on students to succeed, stress levels are extreme among advanced students.
What are the benefits of taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes?
At most colleges, you receive some sort of class credit for AP Exam scores of three and higher (exams are scored from 1-5). This credit often goes towards introductory level college courses in the same subject as the AP class.
Suzanne Shaffer
Suzanne Shaffer counsels parents and students in the college admissions process and the importance of early college preparation. Her Parenting for College blog offers timely college tips for parents and students, as well as providing parents with the resources necessary to help their college-bound teens navigate the college maze.
What is the highest score for AP classes?
Let’s explore more benefits of AP classes. AP Exams are scored from 1-5, with a 5 being the highest score. At many colleges, you receive credit for AP exam scores of three or higher, although for some subjects, credit is awarded at a 4 or above. This credit is generally awarded as freshmen level equivalent courses at the college.
Is AP class better than A?
Many high schools give extra weight to AP grades when calculating your GPA. Taking an AP class and getting a B may be a better choice than getting an A in a regular course. Many highly selective schools put a big emphasis on whether or not students have taken AP courses in high school. Some schools see the value in a student’s efforts to challenge themselves by taking AP courses. By doing well in these classes, you show admissions offices that you are ready for college level coursework!
How to prepare for AP classes?
1. Prep for college. AP classes can be as challenging as introductory college courses. They are fast-paced, cover more material than regular classes, and require independent work like research and analysis. Getting a dose of a college-level curriculum early on could ease your transition from high school senior to first-year college student.
What is the AP test score?
Taking an AP class is great prep for the acing the corresponding AP test. Held every May, AP tests are scored on a scale from 1–5. If your college offers AP credit, a score of a 4 or higher could allow you to earn college credits without paying college tuition.
What are the most important factors in evaluating an application?
Admissions counselors consistently tell us that good grades and academic rigor are the most important factors when schools evaluate applications. Even over standardized test scores! 3. Strengthen your transcript. Many high schools give extra weight to AP grades when calculating your GPA.
Is AP class better than A?
Many high schools give extra weight to AP grades when calculating your GPA. Taking an AP class and getting a B is often a better choice than getting an A in a regular course. WATCH: Why Take AP Classes?
Does AP class boost GPA?
AP classes can boost your GPA and strengthen your college application. But the number of advanced courses you choose to take should depend on your academic interests and your schedule.
What are AP Courses and How Do AP Classes Work?
Advanced placement classes in high school allow you to earn college credit and high school credit simultaneously. Essentially, they’re college-level courses taught by high school teachers around the country. You’ll do projects, complete quizzes, take tests, and do readings just like with any other class.
How Many AP Classes are There?
The College Board offers 38 advanced placement courses in a variety of subjects. Course offerings can change from year to year as the College Board adds new AP classes or removes current classes.
What AP Classes are There?
You can find an AP class in nearly every academic subject. However, not every high school offers every available advanced placement class. Below, you’ll find the complete list of AP classes. Just bear in mind that the list of AP courses available at your high school could vary significantly.
Save You Money
College credits cost a lot of money. Just like with CLEP exams, you can earn college credit for AP classes. If you take a $94 AP exam and earn college credit, you’re saving yourself a lot of money. Typically, colleges award three credits for a good score (4 or 5) on an AP test.
Potentially Boost Your GPA
Some high schools offer inflated GPAs for students who take AP courses. For example, if your high school awards a 4.0 for an A in a college prep or on-level course, they might award a 5.0 for an A in an AP class. Speak to your guidance counselor or check out your high school’s website to see what they do.
Give You a Head Start
College classes are harder than high school classes. They go into more detail, cover more material, and come with higher expectations than high school courses. Taking AP courses in high school gives you a taste of the work required to succeed in college. You get time to adapt to college-level work before actually setting foot on a college campus.
Help You Get Accepted to College
Colleges love seeing AP classes on your transcript. They show that you challenged yourself and could handle the harder workload. At some colleges, a B or C in an AP class actually looks more favorable than an A in a college prep or on-level course.
What is AP class?
These classes are designed to stretch your mind and grow your connections to better prepare you for a rigorous college course load.
What is an admissions officer looking for in an AP course?
Admissions officers are naturally discerning. They're looking for students who are conscientious and dedicated. When your application lists AP courses, it's an automatic nod to your work ethic and desire to learn.
What is the highest AP score?
Most AP exams are graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest. Depending on how you score, these exams could help you earn valuable college credit. Most colleges and universities will allow at least some credit for a score of 3 or higher.
What is advanced placement?
Advanced Placement is a program distributed throughout the United States and Canada. Created by the College Board, it allows high school students to take college-level curricula. At the end of each course, you can take an AP exam to test your knowledge on the subject. The Top 10 Benefits of AP Classes.
Why do colleges use AP classes?
Colleges love to see when students are intellectually curious, like challenges, and willingly take on more rigorous coursework—and AP classes serve as an opportunity to for your child to reveal that they are academically motivated. Even if your child does not receive an A in an AP course, it’s still a great way to showcase your child’s academic curiosity and willingness to work hard. For example, if your child wants to major in science on day, taking an AP Chemistry class would show colleges that they have a strong interest in this field.
Why is AP important?
But remember: although AP classes can look great on paper, your child does not have to take every single AP class offered at their school, as this can lead to overwhelm, exhaustion and poor performance. It’s important that your child sign up for the right balance of coursework so that they can perform reasonably well across the board. The goal is for your child to showcase their interest in learning, while also demonstrating their interest in more specific subjects such as science, math, or history. And as an added bonus, scoring well on AP exams could earn your child actual college credits, resulting in a lighter course load in college or the opportunity to save money.
How does AP class affect GPA?
As a result, if your child does well in an AP class, it can boost their weighted GPA even beyond the standard 4.0. For example, if your child received all A’s in “regular” classes, they would receive a 4.0 GPA. But if a student took all AP classes and received an A in each, they could earn a GPA of 5.0. It’s important to note that not every high school offers weighted GPAs. For more information on the subject, check out this article all about the GPA.
What are the AP exams?
AP exams, which take place at the end of the high school year, are scored on a scale of 1-5. Oftentimes, scoring a 3, 4 or 5 on this exam can earn your child actual college credits for when they arrive at college (the rules vary for each university), and can be used to waive certain prerequisite classes. Many popular AP exams and classes are for subjects such as US history, world history, calculus courses, English courses, and so on. Since most colleges require students to take “distribution credits” (or general education courses) during their freshman and sophomore years, oftentimes AP credits can replace having to take these similar classes over again. This means that your child can begin taking higher level classes earlier on that interest them because they no longer have to take the general class that corresponds with the AP exam.
What are the pros and cons of taking AP classes?
1. Taking AP classes can lead to more scholarship and grants. The test scores, class rankings, and overall grades that teens earn in their AP classes can help them gain some additional opportunities for grants and scholarships during their junior year of high school.
Why do high schoolers take AP classes?
AP classes can help high school students begin the preparation process for college. It can also be a way to explore different subjects to find something that a teen is passionate enough about to pursue as a future career opportunity.
Why is testing important in AP classes?
Testing can become the focus of AP classes instead of the information. Because there is so much value placed on the exams in advanced placement classes , some students find themselves studying to get a passing grade instead of trying to immerse themselves in the information.
What is AP class?
AP Classes are advanced placement courses that are operated by the College Board. Those are the same folks who operate the SAT that students take when trying to achieve a superior college or university placement through the use of this standardized test. It is an opportunity to take classes at your high school that can help you to earn college ...
Why is it easier to choose a major?
2. It is easier to choose a major because of AP classes. When high school students take their first AP classes, it can be shocking to see the depth of knowledge that they receive exposure to in the course.
Can AP classes hurt your GPA?
You can hurt your GPA when taking AP classes. When you hear of students having a GPA of 4.5 or higher, then there is an excellent chance that they excelled in their AP classes. What you don’t always hear about are the students who struggled with their advanced placement work.
Can you take multiple AP classes in one semester?
If you take multiple courses in a single semester, then the workload can become overwhelming too. That’s why the biggest pros and cons of AP classes must be taken under careful consideration at the personal level. You can decide if taking the class or a home-study method is a better option.
What are the benefits of taking AP exams?
First, a satisfactory score (generally 3 or above) can earn you credit at most colleges, saving you tuition money and potentially shortening your time to degree. Second, taking AP courses (and exams) exhibits a willingness to engage in rigorous coursework and consequently improves ...
What are the advantages of taking AP exams in high school?
What are the benefits of taking AP exams in high school? The advantages of taking the AP exams are less apparent in the admission process than they are when you arrive at school and are able to start in some advanced classes right away based on your performances on the exam.
What is a good AP score?
High scores on AP exams are a good indication to colleges that you will be successful in college-level classes. Most schools will also grant undergraduate credit or waive certain requirements for up to a certain number of AP exams taken with a score of 3 or above.
What does AP mean in college?
First, AP courses and exams signal your pursuit for academic rigor and your commitment to excel in college. With scores of 4 or higher, it shows your ability to handle college-level courses, which is an absolute positive on your college application.
What score do you need to take AP?
The exam is scored 1-5. Most schools will give you college credit if you score a 4 or a 5. There are some schools who will also award credit with a 3 on certain exams. Taking AP courses and doing well on the exams can save you a lot of time and money.
Is AP good for college?
One of the benefits of taking AP exams is that if you score a 4 or 5 on the test, it might be considered for college credit, depending on the university you are applying to. But most of all, taking AP courses in high school will result in a stronger preparation for university courses. These courses make the student realize the importance ...
Is it important to take the AP test poorly?
Also, doing poorly in your AP test is less important than doing poorly in your AP class itself.
How many AP courses are there in high school?
Currently, there are 38 AP courses in seven subject areas, and each session is modeled on a similar college course. At the end of each AP course, students are required ...
What does a 3 on an AP exam mean?
This is proof that the AP program does an outstanding job of preparing participants for the rigors of college.

What Are AP Classes
How Do Advanced Placement (AP) Classes Work
- As your explore the benefits of AP classes, it’s important to understand how they work. High school teachers must become certified to teach a particular AP class. In some ways, AP classes operate like freshman college classes. The material is college freshman level. However, because students attend class everyday in high school, not two or three times a week, it allows for more t…
What Are The Advantages
- Save money on tuition & earn college credit
If you take AP classes in high school and score well on the exams, you could save some money. AP exams cost only $94, although if taken through your high school, it is often free or at a reduced cost! The cost of public tuition can run hundreds of dollars per class and for private or out of sta… - Strengthen your transcript
Many high schools give extra weight to AP grades when calculating your GPA. Taking an AP class and getting a B may be a better choice than getting an A in a regular course. Many highly selective schools put a big emphasis on whether or not students have taken AP courses in high school. S…
The Bottom Line
- When you explore the benefits of Advanced Placement AP classes, you will see it is a great way to strengthen your college application. Above all else, AP classes can boost your GPA and show you are ready to tackle college work. Remember, the number of advanced courses you choose to take should depend on your academic interests, schedule and take in...