Courses like AP Computer Science Principles, Psychology, Environmental Science, Human Geography, Microeconomics, and Macroeconomics are the easiest AP classes because they rely on conceptual learning rather than complex math or heavy memorization, meaning less study time and higher pass rates.
If you’re looking to build a class schedule that fits your time and academic bandwidth, read on for a full breakdown of every AP class ranked by difficulty.
Easiest AP Classes
Below is a list of the easiest AP classes based on data from 3,295 reviews by real AP class alumni.
| AP class | Assessment | Difficulty | Time | Self study |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Principles | Very easy | 2.9 | 3.3 | 3.7 |
| Psychology | Very easy | 3.5 | 4.7 | 3.4 |
| Computer Science A | Quite easy | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.3 |
| Environmental Science | Quite easy | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.0 |
| Human Geography | Quite easy | 4.3 | 4.9 | 4.5 |
| US Government & Politics | Quite easy | 4.4 | 4.8 | 4.6 |
| Microeconomics | Quite easy | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.1 |
| US Comparative Government | Quite easy | 4.8 | 5.1 | 4.4 |
| Macroeconomics | Quite easy | 4.9 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Statistics | Quite easy | 4.9 | 4.8 | 5.4 |
| Art History | Quite easy | 4.9 | 6.5 | 5.7 |
| Seminar | Quite easy | 5.0 | 6.7 | 7.1 |
All AP Classes Ranked by Difficulty
And here is a list of every AP class ranked by difficulty according to the same data.
| AP class | Assessment | Difficulty | Time | Self study |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Principles | Very easy | 2.9 | 3.3 | 3.7 |
| Psychology | Very easy | 3.5 | 4.7 | 3.4 |
| Chinese Language | Very easy* | 3.9 | 3.4 | 4.3 |
| Computer Science A | Quite easy | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.3 |
| Environmental Science | Quite easy | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.0 |
| Human Geography | Quite easy | 4.3 | 4.9 | 4.5 |
| US Government & Politics | Quite easy | 4.4 | 4.8 | 4.6 |
| Microeconomics | Quite easy | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.1 |
| US Comparative Government | Quite easy | 4.8 | 5.1 | 4.4 |
| Macroeconomics | Quite easy | 4.9 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Statistics | Quite easy | 4.9 | 4.8 | 5.4 |
| Art History | Quite easy | 4.9 | 6.5 | 5.7 |
| Seminar | Quite easy | 5.0 | 6.7 | 7.1 |
| Spanish Language | Moderate | 5.1 | 4.6 | 5.5 |
| English Language | Moderate | 5.2 | 5.1 | 4.6 |
| Calculus AB | Moderate | 5.6 | 5.5 | 6.2 |
| Calculus BC | Moderate | 5.6 | 5.5 | 6.2 |
| World History | Quite hard | 6.0 | 6.7 | 6.3 |
| US History | Quite hard | 6.0 | 7.3 | 6.3 |
| Music Theory | Quite hard | 6.4 | 4.9 | 6.5 |
| European History | Quite hard | 6.4 | 6.8 | 6.7 |
| Biology | Quite hard | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.8 |
| Physics 2 | Quite hard | 6.7 | 5.7 | 6.8 |
| English Literature | Very hard | 7.3 | 6.0 | 6.9 |
| Physics 1 | Very hard | 7.2 | 5.9 | 7.4 |
| Physics C: Mechanics | Very hard | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.9 |
| Physics C: E&M | Very hard | 8.0 | 7.1 | 7.8 |
| Chemistry | Very hard | 7.4 | 7.0 | 8.4 |
* Chinese Language is rated very easy but significantly harder for non-native speakers.
Should I Take an AP Class?
The AP program offers introductory college-level courses across 38+ different subjects, including foreign languages, history, language arts, math, science, and the social sciences.
According to the College Board’s report on AP exams, in May 2024:
- 3,079,134 high school students took AP exams
- 5,744,259 exams were taken
- 77% of students took 1–2 AP exams
- 23% of students took 3+ AP exams
A June 2021 study of 1.5 million students noted 3 key benefits of taking an AP class:
- AP students are 16–19% more likely to enroll in a 4-year college, compared to academically similar students who don’t take any AP classes.
- Many colleges and universities accept AP exam scores of 3 or higher for college credit or placement into a more advanced course. Today, half of students entering a 4-year college start with some credit from AP classes.
- AP classes prepare students to succeed in introductory college classes. Even students who scored a 2 on the AP exam had college grades that were 0.36 grade points higher than students who didn’t take an AP class.
How Do AP Classes Affect College Admissions?
Taking an AP class can help you get into college.
College admissions officers like to see AP classes on a student’s transcript. Academic performance remains one of the most important factors in college admissions, and AP courses showcase a student’s ability to handle rigorous coursework. Colleges look for students who not only earn high grades but also push themselves to learn demanding material.
As long as you can earn a B or higher, consider taking an AP class. It shows college admissions officers that:
- You’re willing to push yourself academically.
- You’re prepared for the demands of college-level work.
- You’ve improved your critical thinking skills.
- You’re passionate about your intended major/area of interest.
Also, taking AP classes can boost your GPA. Many high schools use a weighted scale, giving extra points for AP courses (e.g., an A in an AP class might be a 5.0 instead of a 4.0). This can raise your overall GPA and make you more competitive for college admissions.
Additionally, if you’re applying as test optional—without SAT or ACT scores—then taking an AP class shows college admissions officers that you can succeed at a standardized academic test.
Tips for Succeeding in an AP Class
AP classes are challenging, but with the right strategies, you can manage your workload and perform well. Here are some key tips to help you succeed:
Don’t Overcommit: It might be tempting to take every AP class your school offers, but taking too many at once can easily overwhelm you. Be realistic about your workload and balance your AP courses with activities, personal time, college applications, and other responsibilities. It’s better to excel in a few AP classes than to struggle with too many.
Learn How to Study: AP courses require strong study habits. It’s important to develop a consistent study routine, take effective notes, and review material regularly rather than cramming before exams. Active learning strategies, such as self-quizzing and teaching concepts to others, can improve retention. To learn more, check out our Ultimate Guide on Building Good Study Habits.
Use Extra Resources: There are tons of digital resources out there to help you succeed in your AP classes. Check out YouTube tutorials, online study guides, and AP practice tests. Apps like Anki for flashcards or Khan Academy for explanations can help make complex topics easier to understand.
Ask for Help Early: If you’re struggling with a topic, don’t wait until the week (or even the month!) before the exam to ask for help. Reach out to your teacher, join a study group, or consider academic tutoring for extra support. Reaching out early can keep small struggles from turning into big problems.
Easiest AP Classes FAQs
Which AP classes are the easiest?
The easiest were Computer Science Principles, Psychology, and Chinese (though Chinese is much harder if you’re not a native speaker).
Which AP classes have the lightest workload?
Computer Science Principles, Chinese, and Computer Science A required the least homework and studying.
Which AP exams have the highest pass rates?
Seminar, Chinese, and Spanish Language had the largest percentage of students scoring a 3 or higher.
Which AP exams are the easiest to get a 5 on?
Top scores were most common in Chinese, Calculus BC, and Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism.
Which AP classes did students love the most?
Favorites included Psychology, Microeconomics, and Computer Science A, with nearly all students recommending them.
Which AP exams are the easiest to self-study for?
The easiest to prepare for independently were Psychology, Computer Science Principles, and Environmental Science.
Conclusion
Class selection is one of the first decisions a student makes that can influence their college applications. If you want help building a course load that reflects your strengths and aligns with your target schools, HelloCollege’s college admissions counselors will help turn your AP strategy into a stronger application strategy.
