Starting high school and wondering if you should take an AP class? Freshman year is about adjusting to a new environment, building study habits, and setting yourself up for success in the years ahead.
Taking one AP as a freshman can introduce you to college-level work without overwhelming your schedule. Taking zero APs is also a valid choice. Below you will find which AP classes work best for 9th graders based on pass rates, prerequisites, and feedback from 500,000+ Fiveable students.
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The short answer: it depends on you and your school.
Some high schools don't offer APs to freshmen at all. Others offer 1-2 options. If your school allows it and you feel ready, taking one AP can help you understand what college-level courses expect, build skills for future APs, and show colleges you challenge yourself early.
If you skip APs freshman year, focus on honors classes and strong grades instead. Colleges care more about your trajectory from freshman to senior year than whether you took an AP at 14.
Taking zero APs freshman year is fine if you ramp up in later years. Colleges evaluate you in context.
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These courses work well without much background knowledge. They introduce AP-level work without requiring specific prerequisites.
| 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 shape the Earth and how geography influences behavior. Topics include population and migration patterns, cultural practices and how they spread, political boundaries and why countries form the way they do, agricultural systems, and urban planning.
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 built with freshmen in mind—70% of test-takers are 9th graders. Content connects to current events like immigration debates and urban growth. No prior coursework needed. The pass rate looks lower than it is because most test-takers are taking their first AP exam.
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 computing without requiring you to become a programmer. Topics include how the internet works, data analysis, basic programming with block-based or text-based code, cybersecurity basics, and how computing affects society.
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. The 66.5% pass rate reflects how accessible it is.
Start studying AP Computer Science Principles →
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Pass Rate | 53.7% |
| Fiveable Pass Rate | 92% |
| 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. Topics include ecosystems and biodiversity, population ecology, land and water use, energy resources, pollution, and climate change.
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-heavy than AP Chemistry or Physics. Content connects to current events like climate change and conservation. Many students find the material personally meaningful. While College Board recommends prior biology and chemistry, some schools offer APES to freshmen who excel in science.
Start studying AP Environmental Science →
Not all APs work for 9th graders. These courses need prerequisite knowledge, have heavy workloads, or assume skills that take time to develop.
AP US History — Some schools let freshmen take APUSH, but the 48.2% pass rate and demanding DBQ essays make it better suited for juniors. You need strong analytical writing skills to succeed.
AP Calculus AB/BC — Requires Pre-Calculus. Most freshmen are in Algebra 1 or Geometry. Taking Calculus as a freshman means skipping several math courses.
AP Chemistry — Assumes strong Honors Chemistry background and algebra skills. Most students take AP Chemistry as juniors after completing prerequisite courses.
AP Physics 1 — It's algebra-based, but the conceptual difficulty and 43.6% pass rate (lowest of all APs) make it tough for students new to high school.
AP English Language — The rhetorical analysis and argumentative writing requirements are better suited for juniors who have developed writing skills.
For most freshmen, the answer is 0-1 AP classes.
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Still adjusting to high school | 0 APs, focus on honors |
| Strong middle school student | 1 AP (Human Geo or CSP) |
| Very advanced, school allows | 1-2 APs maximum |
| Taking more than one AP as a freshman is rarely necessary. Colleges want to see an upward trajectory—starting with 3 APs freshman year leaves little room to grow. Save your energy for sophomore through senior years when APs matter more for admissions. |
Focus on grades first. A 4.0 in honors classes looks better than a 3.2 with one AP. Freshman GPA sets the foundation for your cumulative GPA.
Build study habits. Use freshman year to figure out how you learn best. What study methods work for you? When are you most productive? These skills matter more than which specific AP you take.
Explore interests. Join clubs, try new activities, and figure out what subjects genuinely interest you. This self-knowledge helps you choose better APs in future years.
Talk to older students. Ask sophomores, juniors, and seniors at your school about specific AP teachers and courses. Their insights about workload and teaching style are valuable.
Consider your whole schedule. One AP plus honors English, honors science, and honors math creates a balanced challenging load without overwhelming you.
If your school restricts AP access for freshmen, focus on excelling in the highest-level courses available to you. Colleges look at transcripts in context—they know what your school offers.
Options if you want AP-level challenge:
Colleges understand that AP availability varies. What matters is taking the most challenging courses available at YOUR school.
Once you finish freshman year, you'll be ready for more challenging APs. Planning your full four-year course load helps you make smart choices.
See AP classes for sophomores → | Plan all four years →
Choosing to take an AP class as a freshman shows initiative. Succeeding in it 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.
Join 500,000+ students who use Fiveable to excel in their AP classes. Just $72/year for all subjects.
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Can freshmen take AP classes?
Yes, freshmen can take AP classes. Many high schools offer at least one AP course to 9th graders. AP Human Geography is specifically designed for freshmen, with about 70% of test-takers being 9th graders. Other common freshman options include AP Computer Science Principles and AP Environmental Science.
What is the best first AP class for freshmen?
AP Human Geography is the best first AP class for most freshmen. It was designed with first-time AP students in mind, requires no prerequisites, connects to current events, and teaches skills useful in other AP courses. AP Computer Science Principles is another strong choice for students interested in technology.
How many AP classes should a freshman take?
Most freshmen should take 0-1 AP classes. Freshman year is about adjusting to high school, building good study habits, and maintaining strong grades in honors courses. One AP is enough to get introduced to college-level work without overwhelming your schedule.
Is AP Human Geography easy for freshmen?
AP Human Geography is considered one of the more accessible AP courses, but it still requires effort. The 53.8% pass rate looks low because most test-takers are freshmen encountering AP exams for the first time. With consistent studying, freshmen can succeed in this course.
Should freshmen skip AP classes entirely?
Taking zero APs freshman year is a valid choice. Colleges understand that AP availability varies and that students need time to adjust to high school. Focus on getting strong grades in honors classes and building extracurricular involvement. You can increase AP rigor in later years.
What AP classes should freshmen avoid?
Freshmen should avoid AP classes that require prerequisites, such as AP Chemistry (needs honors chemistry), AP Calculus (needs pre-calculus), AP Physics 1 (needs algebra 2), and AP Biology (benefits from chemistry). Also avoid the most demanding APs like APUSH or AP English Language until you have AP experience.
Do colleges care if freshmen take AP classes?
Colleges evaluate your transcript in context. They want to see increasing rigor over four years. Taking zero APs freshman year is fine if you increase rigor later. Taking one AP and doing well shows you can handle college-level work. What matters more is your trajectory from freshman to senior year.
Is AP Computer Science Principles good for freshmen?
Yes, AP Computer Science Principles is excellent for freshmen. It requires no prior coding experience, uses project-based learning, has a 66.5% pass rate, and teaches valuable digital literacy skills. The course emphasizes creativity and problem-solving rather than memorization.
Can freshmen take AP Environmental Science?
Yes, though it depends on your school. AP Environmental Science is less math-intensive than other science APs and connects to current events. While College Board recommends prior biology and chemistry, some schools offer it to strong freshmen. Check your school's requirements.
How do I prepare for my first AP exam as a freshman?
Start reviewing 8-10 weeks before the exam. Use official College Board materials and practice tests. Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing facts. Take practice exams under timed conditions. Use study resources like Fiveable to supplement your class materials.
What if I fail my freshman AP exam?
Failing one AP exam as a freshman is not catastrophic. Colleges see your course grades, not necessarily your exam scores. Use the experience to learn better study strategies for future APs. Many students who struggle freshman year go on to pass multiple AP exams later in high school.
Should freshmen take AP World History?
Most students take AP World History as sophomores or juniors, not freshmen. While some schools allow it, the heavy reading and writing requirements may be challenging for students new to high school. AP Human Geography is a better first history-adjacent AP.