Not sure which AP classes to take each year of high school? Choosing the right APs at the right time can make the difference between a manageable course load and total burnout, and between an impressive transcript and a scattered one.
Below you will find which AP classes work best for freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors based on data from 500,000+ Fiveable students, pass rates, prerequisites, and what colleges actually want to see.
A strategic AP plan considers prerequisites (some APs require prior coursework, like Algebra 2 before AP Statistics), difficulty progression, and how the classes fit your intended major. Junior year is also packed with SAT prep and college visits, so factor that into your schedule.
| Year | Recommended Number | Best Options |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman | 0-1 | Human Geography, CSP, Environmental Science |
| Sophomore | 1-2 | World History, Psychology, European History, Seminar |
| Junior | 2-4 | US History, English Language, Calculus, Sciences, Government |
| Senior | 3-5 | Literature, Physics C, Statistics, Economics, CS A, Research |
Quality over quantity. Strong grades in fewer APs impress colleges more than mediocre grades in many.
Plan Your AP Journey with Confidence
Fiveable gives you study guides, 10,000+ practice questions, and cheatsheets for all 38 AP subjects. Our students have a 96% pass rate.
Freshman year is about adjusting to high school. If your school allows it and you feel ready, one AP can be a good introduction to college-level work. Taking zero APs is also completely fine.
These courses are designed to be accessible without prerequisites and work well for students new to AP-level work.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 53.8% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | 93% |
| Typical Grade Level | 70% freshmen |
| Prerequisites | None |
What You'll Learn: AP Human Geography explores how humans have shaped the Earth and how geography influences human behavior. You'll study population dynamics and migration patterns, cultural practices and how they spread across regions, political boundaries and why countries form the way they do, agricultural systems and food production, and urban planning and city development.
Course Format: Mostly reading-based with map analysis. Exams include multiple choice and free-response questions requiring you to analyze geographic data, maps, and real-world scenarios.
Why It Works for Freshmen: This course was designed with freshmen in mind—70% of test-takers are 9th graders. The content connects to current events and doesn't require prior coursework. The pass rate looks lower than it actually is because most test-takers are encountering AP exams for the first time.
Start studying AP Human Geography →
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 66.5% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | 97% |
| Typical Grade Level | Mixed (9th-12th) |
| Prerequisites | None |
What You'll Learn: AP CSP introduces the foundations of computing without requiring you to become a programmer. Topics include how the internet works, data analysis and visualization, basic programming concepts (using block-based or text-based code), cybersecurity fundamentals, and the societal impact of computing.
Course Format: Project-based learning with a Create Performance Task where you build your own program. Less memorization than other APs—more about understanding concepts and applying them creatively.
Why It Works for Freshmen: No coding experience needed. The course emphasizes creativity and problem-solving over technical skill. It's collaborative and hands-on, which many freshmen find more engaging than lecture-heavy courses.
Start studying AP Computer Science Principles →
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 53.7% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | {{FIVEABLE_PASS_RATE_ENVIRO}} |
| Typical Grade Level | Mixed |
| Prerequisites | Biology and Chemistry recommended, Algebra |
What You'll Learn: AP Environmental Science (APES) covers Earth's systems and how humans interact with them. You'll study ecosystems and biodiversity, population ecology, land and water use, energy resources and consumption, pollution and its effects, and climate change science.
Course Format: Lab-based science course with fieldwork components. Exams test your ability to analyze environmental data, interpret graphs, and propose solutions to real-world problems.
Why It Works for Freshmen: Less math-intensive than AP Chemistry or Physics. Content connects to current events like climate change and conservation. Many students find the material personally meaningful, which helps with motivation. Note that while College Board recommends prior biology and chemistry, some schools offer APES to freshmen who are strong in science.
Start studying AP Environmental Science →
Taking zero APs freshman year and focusing on strong grades in honors classes is a valid strategy. Colleges understand that AP availability varies by school and student readiness.
Consider waiting if you are still adjusting to high school workload, heavily involved in extracurriculars, or if your school does not offer freshman-accessible APs.
Sophomore year is when most students take their first or second AP. You've adjusted to high school and can handle more rigor.
These courses build on freshman-year skills and prepare you for the heavy junior year ahead.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 55.2% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | {{FIVEABLE_PASS_RATE_WORLD}} |
| Typical Grade Level | Sophomores and juniors |
| Prerequisites | None officially, but reading/writing skills help |
What You'll Learn: AP World History covers global history from 1200 CE to present. You'll study the rise and fall of empires (Mongol, Ottoman, Ming), trade networks and cultural exchange (Silk Road, Indian Ocean trade), colonialism and its lasting effects, revolutions and independence movements, and 20th-century conflicts and globalization.
Course Format: Heavy reading and writing. You'll write Document-Based Questions (DBQs) analyzing primary sources and Long Essay Questions (LEQs) making historical arguments. Multiple choice tests your ability to interpret historical evidence.
Why It Works for Sophomores: The chronological structure makes studying logical. Writing skills transfer directly to English classes. It builds the analytical foundation needed for AP US History junior year.
Start studying AP World History →
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 59.0% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | 95% |
| Typical Grade Level | Sophomores through seniors |
| Prerequisites | None |
What You'll Learn: AP Psychology introduces the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Topics include biological bases of behavior (brain structure, neurons, neurotransmitters), sensation and perception, learning and memory, developmental psychology (how people change across lifespan), abnormal psychology and treatment approaches, and social psychology (how people influence each other).
Course Format: Primarily memorization-based with clear vocabulary to learn. Exams include multiple choice and free-response questions applying psychological concepts to scenarios. Less writing than history APs.
Why It Works for Sophomores: The content is inherently interesting—you're learning about yourself and others. The FRQ rubrics are predictable and straightforward. It's a good "first AP" for students unsure about their strengths.
Start studying AP Psychology →
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 51.8% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | {{FIVEABLE_PASS_RATE_EURO}} |
| Typical Grade Level | Sophomores and juniors |
| Prerequisites | None (strong reading skills help) |
What You'll Learn: AP European History covers Europe from 1450 to present. You'll study the Renaissance and Reformation, the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, the French Revolution and Napoleonic era, industrialization and its social effects, World Wars I and II, and the Cold War and European integration.
Course Format: Similar to AP World—DBQs, LEQs, and source analysis. Heavy emphasis on understanding cause and effect, continuity and change over time.
Why It Works for Sophomores: Strong preparation for APUSH. The content connects to art, literature, and philosophy you may encounter in other classes. Builds sophisticated writing skills.
Start studying AP European History →
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 82.8% |
| Typical Grade Level | Sophomores and juniors |
| Prerequisites | None |
What You'll Learn: AP Seminar is the first course in the AP Capstone program. You'll learn research methodology and source evaluation, academic argumentation, presentation skills, collaborative inquiry, and how to synthesize multiple perspectives on complex issues.
Course Format: Project-based with a team project and individual research paper. No traditional final exam—you're assessed on your research projects and presentations throughout the year.
Why It Works for Sophomores: Builds research skills applicable to every other AP. The high pass rate reflects that it assesses skills rather than content memorization. Prepares you for AP Research senior year and college-level work.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 56.1% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | {{FIVEABLE_PASS_RATE_CHEM}} |
| Typical Grade Level | Juniors (some advanced sophomores) |
| Prerequisites | Honors Chemistry strongly recommended |
What You'll Learn: AP Chemistry dives deep into the composition and behavior of matter. Topics include atomic structure and electron configuration, chemical bonding and molecular geometry, stoichiometry and chemical reactions, thermodynamics and energy changes, kinetics (reaction rates), and equilibrium and acids/bases.
Course Format: Lab-intensive with mathematical problem-solving. Exams require calculations, conceptual explanations, and lab-based questions. Significantly more rigorous than honors chemistry.
Why It Works for Sophomores (if ready): Only take this as a sophomore if you excelled in Honors Chemistry and have strong math skills. It's typically a junior course, but advanced students can handle it earlier. Frees up junior year for other challenging courses.
Take 1-2 APs that build on your freshman success and align with subjects you enjoy. Avoid overloading—sophomore grades matter for college admissions and you want headroom for junior year when course rigor increases.
Junior year matters most for college admissions. This is when you should take your most challenging APs—colleges want to see that you're pushing yourself academically.
These courses demonstrate academic rigor and align with college expectations.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 48.2% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | 92% |
| Content Volume | Very high (colonial era to present) |
| Prerequisites | None (World or Euro History helpful) |
What You'll Learn: APUSH covers American history from pre-Columbian societies to present day. Topics include colonial America and the road to revolution, the Constitution and early republic, westward expansion and sectional conflict, the Civil War and Reconstruction, industrialization and the Gilded Age, Progressive Era and both World Wars, Cold War and civil rights movement, and contemporary America.
Course Format: Document-Based Questions (DBQs), Long Essay Questions (LEQs), and Short Answer Questions (SAQs). You'll analyze primary sources, make historical arguments, and connect events across time periods. Heavy reading and writing load.
Why It Works for Juniors: Most competitive colleges expect APUSH. Junior year aligns with US civics curriculum at many schools. Your writing skills are mature enough to handle the demanding essays.
Start studying AP US History →
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 55.8% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | {{FIVEABLE_PASS_RATE_LANG}} |
| Typical Grade Level | Primarily juniors |
| Prerequisites | Strong reading/writing skills |
What You'll Learn: AP Lang focuses on rhetoric—how writers and speakers persuade audiences. You'll study rhetorical strategies and appeals (ethos, pathos, logos), argument construction and logical fallacies, synthesis of multiple sources, nonfiction text analysis, and your own argumentative and persuasive writing.
Course Format: Three essay types—rhetorical analysis, argument, and synthesis. Multiple choice tests reading comprehension and rhetorical awareness. You'll read speeches, essays, and nonfiction texts rather than novels.
Why It Works for Juniors: Rhetorical analysis skills transfer to every other subject. The course overlaps significantly with SAT/ACT reading and writing prep. Sets you up for AP Literature senior year.
Start studying AP English Language →
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 55.2% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | 91% |
| Prerequisites | Pre-Calculus with strong grades |
| What You'll Learn: AP Calculus AB covers the first semester of college calculus. Topics include limits and continuity, derivatives (rates of change), applications of derivatives (optimization, related rates), integrals (accumulation), applications of integrals (area, volume), and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. |
Course Format: Problem-solving heavy with both calculator and non-calculator sections. Free-response questions require showing your work and explaining your reasoning. Conceptual understanding matters as much as computation.
Why It Works for Juniors: Foundational for any STEM major. Taking it junior year leaves room for Calculus BC or AP Statistics senior year. Many colleges require or prefer calculus for admission to competitive programs.
Start studying AP Calculus AB →
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 76.9% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | 94% |
| Prerequisites | Pre-Calculus with excellent grades |
| What You'll Learn: AP Calculus BC covers everything in AB plus additional topics. Beyond AB content, you'll learn parametric and polar functions, sequences and series (including Taylor series), advanced integration techniques, and differential equations introduction. |
Course Format: Same as AB but faster pace and more content. You receive both a BC score and an AB subscore, so you can still earn AB credit even if BC content is challenging.
Why It Works for Juniors: The high pass rate reflects that students who take BC are typically strong in math. Maximizes college credit—many schools grant a full year of calculus credit for a 5. Best for students planning STEM majors.
Start studying AP Calculus BC →
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 60.2% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | {{FIVEABLE_PASS_RATE_BIO}} |
| Prerequisites | Biology and Chemistry recommended |
What You'll Learn: AP Biology covers four Big Ideas: evolution, energy and matter, information (genetics), and systems interactions. Specific topics include molecular biology and biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetics and heredity, evolution and natural selection, ecology and ecosystems, and human body systems.
Course Format: Lab-intensive with required inquiry labs. Exams include multiple choice, grid-in quantitative questions, and free-response questions requiring data analysis and experimental design.
Why It Works for Juniors: Essential for pre-med and biology majors. Building on chemistry knowledge makes the biochemistry sections more manageable. Lab skills transfer to college science courses.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 56.1% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | {{FIVEABLE_PASS_RATE_CHEM}} |
| Prerequisites | Honors Chemistry, Algebra 2 |
What You'll Learn: AP Chemistry covers the composition, properties, and transformations of matter. Topics include atomic structure and periodicity, chemical bonding and molecular structure, intermolecular forces, chemical reactions and stoichiometry, thermodynamics and thermochemistry, kinetics and equilibrium, and acids, bases, and buffers.
Course Format: Lab-intensive with significant mathematical problem-solving. Exams require calculations, conceptual explanations, and analysis of experimental data. One of the more challenging AP sciences.
Why It Works for Juniors: Core requirement for STEM majors. Junior year chemistry builds on sophomore biology for students pursuing pre-med. Strong foundation for AP Physics.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 43.6% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | 89% |
| Prerequisites | Geometry, Algebra 2 (concurrent OK) |
What You'll Learn: AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based physics course covering mechanics and more. Topics include kinematics (motion), dynamics (forces and Newton's laws), energy and momentum, rotational motion, simple harmonic motion and waves, and basic circuits.
Course Format: Conceptual reasoning emphasis—you need to explain physical phenomena, not just calculate. Lab-based with experimental design questions. Many students find the conceptual questions harder than calculations.
Why It Works for Juniors: Foundation for engineering and physics majors. Algebra-based means you don't need calculus yet. Can be followed by AP Physics 2 or Physics C senior year.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 50.8% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | {{FIVEABLE_PASS_RATE_GOV}} |
| Prerequisites | None |
What You'll Learn: AP Gov covers the American political system. Topics include constitutional foundations and federalism, political beliefs and behaviors, political parties and interest groups, the three branches of government, civil liberties and civil rights, and policy-making process.
Course Format: Multiple choice and four free-response questions including a concept application, SCOTUS case comparison, quantitative analysis, and argument essay. Requires knowledge of 15 required Supreme Court cases.
Why It Works for Juniors: Fulfills civics requirements at many schools. Content connects to current events and election cycles. Strong pairing with APUSH—they reinforce each other.
Start studying AP US Government →
Take 2-4 APs aligned with your intended major. Include at least one demanding AP like APUSH, Calculus, or a lab science. Keep time for SAT/ACT prep and college visits.
Avoid taking so many APs that your grades suffer. Colleges would rather see A's in 3 APs than B's in 5.
Senior year is about continued rigor while managing college applications. Don't coast—colleges see your senior schedule and first semester grades matter.
These courses cap your high school career and demonstrate sustained academic commitment.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 45.3% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | 90% |
| Prerequisites | AP English Language recommended |
What You'll Learn: AP Lit focuses on reading and analyzing literary fiction, drama, and poetry. You'll study literary analysis techniques and terminology, character development and narrative structure, poetry analysis (meter, imagery, symbolism), how authors use literary devices to create meaning, and writing analytical essays about literature.
Course Format: Three essay types—poetry analysis, prose analysis, and literary argument using texts you've studied. You'll read full novels, plays, and poetry collections throughout the year. Multiple choice tests close reading skills.
Why It Works for Seniors: Caps your English sequence at the highest level. Deep textual analysis skills prepare you for college humanities courses. Natural progression from AP Language's rhetoric focus to Literature's aesthetic focus.
Start studying AP English Literature →
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 76.9% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | 94% |
| Prerequisites | AP Calculus AB |
What You'll Learn: If you took AB junior year, BC adds parametric, polar, and vector functions, infinite sequences and series, Taylor and Maclaurin series, advanced integration techniques, and introduction to differential equations.
Course Format: Builds directly on AB. Many students find the transition manageable because the foundational concepts are already solid. You'll cover BC-only topics in depth.
Why It Works for Seniors: Maximizes your college math credit. Demonstrates continued mathematical growth. Keeps calculus skills sharp before college STEM courses.
Start studying AP Calculus BC →
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 58.5% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | {{FIVEABLE_PASS_RATE_STATS}} |
| Prerequisites | Algebra 2 |
What You'll Learn: AP Statistics covers data analysis and statistical inference. Topics include exploring data (graphs, distributions, summary statistics), sampling and experimental design, probability, statistical inference (confidence intervals, hypothesis tests), and regression and correlation.
Course Format: Calculator-heavy with emphasis on interpretation over calculation. Free-response questions require explaining statistical concepts in context. Real-world data analysis throughout.
Why It Works for Seniors: Practical math applicable to any major—business, social sciences, health fields, and STEM all use statistics. Doesn't require calculus, so it's accessible to humanities-focused students. Strong complement to research-based courses.
Start studying AP Statistics →
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 73.4% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | {{FIVEABLE_PASS_RATE_PHYSICS_C_M}} |
| Prerequisites | Calculus (concurrent OK) |
What You'll Learn: AP Physics C: Mechanics is calculus-based physics covering motion and forces. Topics include kinematics and dynamics using calculus, work, energy, and power, systems of particles and momentum, rotation and angular momentum, and oscillations and gravitation.
Course Format: Problems require calculus (derivatives and integrals). Deeper mathematical treatment than Physics 1. Labs focus on quantitative analysis.
Why It Works for Seniors: Essential for engineering majors. The high pass rate reflects prepared students who enjoy math-intensive problem-solving. Taking it alongside calculus reinforces both subjects.
Start studying AP Physics C: Mechanics →
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 70.4% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | 95% |
| Prerequisites | AP Physics C: Mechanics, Calculus |
What You'll Learn: AP Physics C: E&M covers electricity and magnetism with calculus. Topics include electrostatics (Coulomb's law, electric fields), conductors, capacitors, and dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetic fields and forces, and electromagnetic induction.
Course Format: The most mathematically rigorous AP Physics course. Heavy use of calculus for field calculations. Often taken alongside Mechanics as a full-year sequence.
Why It Works for Seniors: The most rigorous physics option available. Engineering programs value seeing both Physics C courses. Demonstrates readiness for college-level physics.
Start studying AP Physics C: E&M →
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 59.2% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | 94% |
| Prerequisites | None (Algebra helpful) |
What You'll Learn: AP Microeconomics covers individual economic decision-making. Topics include basic economic concepts (scarcity, opportunity cost), supply and demand, consumer and producer theory, market structures (perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly), factor markets, and market failure and government intervention.
Course Format: Graph-heavy with supply/demand curves, cost curves, and market diagrams. Free-response requires drawing and analyzing graphs. Moderate math but mostly algebraic.
Why It Works for Seniors: Semester-long course pairs with Macroeconomics for two AP credits in one year. Relevant to business, policy, and everyday decision-making. Strong foundation for college economics.
Start studying AP Microeconomics →
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 58.7% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | 93% |
| Prerequisites | AP Microeconomics helpful but not required |
What You'll Learn: AP Macroeconomics covers economy-wide phenomena. Topics include measuring economic performance (GDP, inflation, unemployment), national income and price determination, financial sector and monetary policy, fiscal policy and budget deficits, and international trade and finance.
Course Format: Similar to Micro—graph-heavy with aggregate demand/supply models. Connects to current events like Federal Reserve decisions and economic policy debates.
Why It Works for Seniors: Pairs with Microeconomics for an efficient two-credit year. Understanding macroeconomics helps you interpret news and policy. Valuable for business, political science, and policy majors.
Start studying AP Macroeconomics →
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 65.3% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | {{FIVEABLE_PASS_RATE_CSA}} |
| Prerequisites | Algebra (prior programming helpful but not required) |
What You'll Learn: AP Computer Science A teaches programming in Java. Topics include object-oriented programming concepts, data types, variables, and operators, control structures (loops, conditionals), arrays and ArrayLists, classes and objects, inheritance and polymorphism, and recursion and algorithms.
Course Format: Coding-intensive with hands-on programming assignments. Exam includes multiple choice and free-response questions where you write and analyze code. You'll complete labs throughout the year.
Why It Works for Seniors: Essential for CS majors but valuable for any STEM field. Programming skills are increasingly useful across disciplines. Strong job market relevance regardless of major.
Start studying AP Computer Science A →
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 82.6% |
| Prerequisites | AP Seminar |
What You'll Learn: AP Research is the capstone of the AP Capstone program. You'll conduct independent research on a topic of your choice, develop a research question and methodology, write an academic paper (4,000-5,000 words), present and defend your findings, and engage in peer review.
Course Format: Year-long independent project with teacher guidance. No traditional exam—you're assessed on your paper, presentation, and oral defense. You choose your topic based on your interests.
Why It Works for Seniors: Culminates the research skills from AP Seminar. Produces a portfolio piece for college applications. Mirrors college-level independent research. High pass rate reflects skill-based rather than content-based assessment.
Learn more about AP Research →
Take 3-5 APs if sustainable. Include at least one challenging AP to show continued growth. Continue in subject sequences when possible (AB to BC, Language to Literature).
Balance with applications: don't let APs tank your first semester grades. Leave time for college essays and interviews. Remember that colleges see your senior year schedule—don't suddenly drop rigor.
Your AP choices should match your intended field.
| Intended Major | Essential APs | Recommended APs |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Calculus BC, Physics C | Chemistry, CSA |
| Computer Science | CS A, Calculus | Statistics, Physics |
| Biology/Pre-Med | Biology, Chemistry | Calculus, Statistics |
| Mathematics | Calculus BC, Statistics | Physics, CS A |
| Intended Major | Essential APs | Recommended APs |
|---|---|---|
| English/Writing | Eng Lang, Eng Lit | History APs, Psychology |
| History | APUSH, Euro, World | Government, English |
| Political Science | US Gov, Comp Gov | APUSH, Economics |
| Psychology | Psychology | Biology, Statistics |
| Intended Major | Essential APs | Recommended APs |
|---|---|---|
| Business | Micro, Macro | Calculus, Statistics |
| Finance | Calculus, Statistics | Economics, CS |
| Marketing | Psychology, Statistics | Economics, English |
There is no magic number. Colleges evaluate you in context.
Did you take the most rigorous courses available at YOUR school? Are your AP choices aligned with your stated interests? Did you maintain strong grades in challenging courses? Is your course load sustainable?
| College Type | Typical AP Range | What Matters More |
|---|---|---|
| Ivy League/Elite | 8-12 APs | Taking hardest available, alignment with interests |
| Selective (Top 50) | 6-10 APs | Rigor relative to school offerings |
| Competitive | 4-8 APs | Balance of challenge and grades |
| State Schools | 2-5 APs | Meeting specific credit requirements |
A student with 6 APs at a school offering 8 is more impressive than a student with 10 APs at a school offering 25. Context matters.
Taking Too Many APs Too Soon
Burnout, declining grades, and lost extracurricular time are the result. Build gradually: max 1 freshman, 2 sophomore, then increase.
Choosing APs Randomly
Creates no coherent narrative and wastes effort. Align AP choices with intended major and interests.
Avoiding Hard APs Entirely
Colleges notice if you duck rigorous courses. Include at least one challenging AP when ready (junior/senior year).
Ignoring Prerequisites
Struggling in AP Chemistry without a strong honors chemistry background is common. Follow recommended sequences.
Sacrificing Grades for Quantity
Bs and Cs in many APs look worse than As in fewer. Take APs you can do well in.
Use this framework to map your four years.
Assess What Your School Offers
List all available AP courses. Note which years each is typically taken. Identify any prerequisites or restrictions.
Identify Your Goals
What is your intended major, even roughly? What are your strongest subjects? How much time do you realistically have?
Map Your Sequence
| Year | My AP Plan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman | ||
| Sophomore | ||
| Junior | ||
| Senior |
Build in Flexibility
Leave room to adjust based on results. Do not over-commit freshman or sophomore year. Plan for junior year testing and college apps.
Choosing the right AP classes is the first step. Succeeding in them requires the right resources.
Fiveable offers study guides for all 38 AP subjects, 10,000+ practice questions per course, downloadable cheatsheets, and live review sessions with expert teachers. Our students have a 96% pass rate (2026 data).
Start Your AP Success Journey →
Join 500,000+ students who use Fiveable to excel in their AP classes. Just $72/year for all subjects.
Join 500,000+ students with a 96% pass rate
Just $72/year for all subjects
Can freshmen take AP classes?
Yes, freshmen can take AP classes. AP Human Geography is specifically designed as a freshman-friendly course, with about 70% of test-takers being 9th graders. Other popular freshman options include AP Computer Science Principles, AP Environmental Science, and AP World History at schools that allow it.
How many AP classes should I take each year?
A general guideline: 0-1 APs freshman year (if any), 1-2 sophomore year, 2-4 junior year (when it matters most for college apps), and 3-5 senior year. Quality over quantity matters. Strong grades in fewer APs are better than mediocre grades in many.
What AP classes should freshmen take?
Good AP classes for freshmen are AP Human Geography (designed for 9th graders), AP Computer Science Principles (no prerequisites, project-based), and AP Environmental Science (accessible science option). These courses introduce AP-level work without requiring extensive background knowledge.
What AP classes should sophomores take?
Sophomores often do well in AP World History, AP Psychology, AP European History, and AP Chemistry (if they excelled in honors chemistry). AP Seminar also helps with research and writing skills. Build on freshman courses and align with your interests.
What AP classes should juniors take?
Junior year is the best time for challenging APs that match your intended major. Top choices include AP US History, AP English Language, AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and AP US Government. Colleges pay closest attention to junior year rigor.
What AP classes should seniors take?
Seniors should keep challenging themselves while managing college applications. Good options include AP Literature, AP Calculus BC, AP Physics C, AP Economics (Micro/Macro), AP Statistics, and APs related to your intended college major. Stay rigorous but avoid overloading.
Which AP classes are hardest?
The most challenging APs are typically AP Physics C (E&M), AP Chemistry, AP Calculus BC, AP Biology, AP US History, and AP English Literature. These require strong foundational skills, significant study time, and often have lower pass rates. Plan to take them when you have time to focus.
Which AP classes are easiest?
The most accessible APs include AP Psychology, AP Human Geography, AP Environmental Science, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Micro/Macroeconomics. These have straightforward content, clear exam formats, or connect to real-world knowledge you already have.
Do colleges care which AP classes you take?
Yes, colleges care about both the number AND type of AP classes. Taking APs relevant to your intended major shows you have explored that field. Taking the most rigorous courses available at your school matters too. A 5 in an AP related to your major is more valuable than random APs.
How many AP classes do I need for Ivy League schools?
Ivy League admits typically take 8-12 AP classes throughout high school, but there is no magic number. What matters more is taking the most challenging courses available at YOUR school. A student with 6 APs at a school offering 6 is more impressive than 8 APs at a school offering 20.
Should I take AP classes if my school has limited options?
Yes. Colleges evaluate you in context of what is available. Take all the AP classes your school offers that align with your goals. You can also self-study for additional AP exams or take online AP courses through accredited providers to supplement limited offerings.
What order should I take science APs?
A typical progression: AP Environmental Science (anytime), then AP Biology or AP Chemistry (after honors equivalents), then AP Physics 1, then AP Physics C or AP Chemistry (whichever you did not take). Take AP Physics C after or alongside Calculus.