AP and honors classes both offer more challenge than regular courses. But they work differently and serve different purposes. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right path.
Honors classes are advanced versions of standard courses at your school. AP classes follow a national curriculum from College Board and end with a standardized exam. Both can boost your GPA and impress colleges, but the benefits vary.
The biggest difference comes down to standardization. Every AP Biology class covers the same material and takes the same exam. Honors classes vary by school since each district sets its own curriculum.
| Factor | AP Classes | Honors Classes |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum | National (College Board) | Set by your school |
| Final exam | Standardized AP Exam | Regular school exam |
| College credit | Possible with score of 3+ | No |
| GPA weight | Usually +1.0 | Usually +0.5 |
| Workload | College-level | Above average |
| Availability | 38 subjects | Varies by school |
AP teachers must cover specific content because their students take a national exam in May. This creates consistency. An AP US History student in Texas learns the same material as one in New York.
Honors teachers have more flexibility. They can dive deeper into topics that interest them or adjust pacing based on their class. The rigor depends on your school and teacher.
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AP classes are generally harder than honors classes. The workload is heavier, the material is college-level, and you face a high-stakes exam at the end.
Some honors classes at competitive schools rival AP difficulty. Your school's honors chemistry might cover more material than AP Chemistry at another school. It depends on your specific program.
The exam pressure also differs. With honors, you take regular tests throughout the year. With AP, one exam in May carries significant weight for college credit.
Most schools weight both AP and honors classes, but AP typically gets a bigger boost.
| Class Type | Unweighted | 5.0 Scale | 6.0 Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular A | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Honors A | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| AP A | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 |
Check your school's specific policy. Some schools don't weight at all. Others use different scales or cap the number of weighted classes that count.
If your school calculates rank using weighted GPA, taking AP classes helps more than honors. A student with all A's in AP classes will rank higher than one with all A's in honors.
This matters most at schools where rank affects admission to state universities or scholarship eligibility.
Only AP classes offer the chance to earn college credit while in high school. This is their biggest advantage over honors.
Score a 3 or higher on the AP Exam and many colleges grant credit. Some require a 4 or 5. Each school sets its own policy.
The benefits add up:
Honors classes don't earn college credit. They show colleges you challenged yourself, but you won't skip any classes because of them.
That said, doing well in honors classes still strengthens your application. Colleges want to see you took rigorous courses available at your school.
Colleges want to see you challenge yourself with the hardest classes available. Whether that means AP or honors depends on what your school offers.
85% of selective colleges say AP experience favorably impacts admissions decisions. But they also value strong performance in honors classes, especially if your school has limited AP options.
Admissions officers look at your transcript in context. They know which schools offer 20 AP classes and which offer 5. Taking all available AP classes at a school with few options impresses just as much as taking 10 at a school with many.
Take the most challenging classes where you can still earn strong grades. An A in honors often looks better than a C in AP. Colleges value both challenge and performance.
For subjects you love and excel in, go AP. For subjects that challenge you more, honors might be smarter.
AP makes sense when you want college credit, have strong skills in the subject, and can handle the workload alongside your other commitments.
Choose AP if you:
Check out our guides on easier AP classes → and harder AP classes → to plan your schedule.
Honors classes let you challenge yourself without the pressure of a standardized exam or college-level workload.
Choose honors if you:
Many students start with honors freshman and sophomore year, then add AP classes as juniors and seniors. This builds skills gradually.
Whether you choose AP or honors, strong preparation makes the difference. AP classes move fast and cover a lot of material.
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Is AP or honors harder?
AP classes are generally harder than honors classes. AP courses cover college-level material, have heavier workloads, and end with a standardized exam. Honors classes are advanced but stay at the high school level with more flexibility in pacing and content.
Do colleges prefer AP or honors classes?
Colleges want to see you challenge yourself with what's available. Both AP and honors show rigor. However, AP classes offer the additional benefit of potential college credit, which can be attractive to admissions officers at selective schools.
How much do AP and honors classes boost your GPA?
Most schools weight AP classes by +1.0 and honors classes by +0.5 on a 5.0 scale. So an A in AP gives you a 5.0 while an A in honors gives you a 4.5. Check your school's specific weighting policy since it varies.
Can you get college credit from honors classes?
No. Only AP classes can earn college credit through AP exam scores. Honors classes demonstrate rigor on your transcript but don't provide any college credit regardless of your grade.
Is it better to get an A in honors or a B in AP?
An A in honors is often better than a B in AP. Colleges value both challenge and performance. A strong grade shows you can handle difficult material successfully. A B in AP shows you challenged yourself but struggled somewhat.
Should freshmen take AP or honors?
Most freshmen start with honors classes to build skills before tackling AP. However, some schools offer AP Human Geography or AP Computer Science Principles to freshmen. It depends on your readiness and what your school allows.
What's the difference between pre-AP and honors?
Pre-AP classes specifically prepare students for future AP courses using College Board curriculum. Honors classes are general advanced courses without AP-specific preparation. Pre-AP is more standardized while honors varies by school.
Do AP classes have more homework than honors?
Yes, AP classes typically assign more homework including summer assignments, extensive reading, and regular practice problems. The workload reflects college expectations. Honors homework is heavier than regular classes but usually lighter than AP.
Can you switch from honors to AP mid-year?
Switching mid-year is difficult because AP classes follow a specific curriculum leading to the May exam. You'd miss essential content. Most students who want to move to AP wait until the following year to start fresh.
Are honors classes worth it if you can take AP?
Honors classes are worth it when you need to build foundation skills, balance your workload, or aren't ready for AP-level demands. They're also valuable in subjects where your school doesn't offer AP or where you want challenge without exam pressure.