Navigating AP Classes: Which One is the Best for You?
Image from College Board.
Abbie Dong
In the midst of class selection, finding out what AP class you should take is like a game of telephone as you’re trying to survey experienced students. While the senior sitting next to you swears AP Calculus is the hardest class they’ve ever taken, your friend might say the opposite.
In order to speed up this process, 190 students were surveyed on the AP classes they’ve taken. This form had students rate course difficulty, workload, and engagement, alongside AP exam difficulty, with the goal to better inform students on the various AP classes at Hamilton.
For classes that are becoming one semester-long (AP Statistics, AP Language and Composition, and AP Literature and Composition), keep in mind that the results reflect prior students’ experience of taking the two-semester version of the class.
The following AP classes were not included in the form due to a lack of responses: Music Theory, Seminar, Research, Computer Science Principles, Physics 2, Comparative Government, Drawing/2-D Art and Design, Studio Art 3-D Art and Design, and European History.
The sampled classes are organized by their respective subject.
Why take AP?
For those who are unfamiliar, AP courses are college-level classes that prepare students for an AP exam, which can provide college-credit. By taking AP exams in high school, future college students can skip courses—helping them save potentially thousands of dollars.
Taking such courses will expose students to the difficulty and workload of college, which looks great on transcripts. This shows universities that you are willing to challenge yourself and are dedicated to furthering your education.
AP Math
AP Calculus AB/BC
AP Calculus is a rigorous two-semester course, covering both differential and integral calculus, where students must apply all the skills they’ve learned throughout their math education. It is often referred to as the “hardest class” offered at Hamilton High School since it’s highly conceptual and has an intense workload. Overall, calculus is applied in many STEM careers and majors—such those related to engineering, medical areas,and economics—so students who plan on entering these fields should strongly consider this class.
Prior students agree Mr. Wunschel excels at preparing students for the exam, with the majority of students passing with a 5 on both* sections. This class is best paired with a growth mindset, strong organization, and commitment. In addition, incoming students should be prepared to collaborate with their peers to obtain the best understanding of the content.
*This exam features an AB and a BC section. Test takers will receive a score for each part.
Average responses for
How engaging is the content: 7.75/10
Difficulty level: 8.68/10
Workload: 9.27/10
Difficulty of AP exam: 3.66/10
AP Statistics
AP Statistics is the “Comm Arts class” of math. Some problems require students to write lengthy and descriptive paragraphs (note that the writing aspect is mainly repetitive and procedural). Students will learn how to properly conduct experiments to establish cause and effect, generate a representative sample, construct and analyze graphs, and additional skills that are important beyond STEM. The knowledge in this class can be applied in numerous AP courses as well—such as AP Psychology and Biology.
For the following school years after 2025-2026, AP Statistics is becoming a one-semester course. Many prior students agreed that the course may become overwhelming and rushed because the course is already content-heavy. Given that students will miss out on 2nd semester in class review days, the AP exam and class could be more difficult than what’s reported by the survey. Overall, students who are interested in AP Statistics should be ready to review in their own time and commit to what seems like an increasing workload.
Average responses for
How engaging is the content: 5.33/10
Difficulty level: 5.17/10
Workload: 5.54/10
Difficulty of AP exam: 5/10
AP Science
AP Biology
Imagine freshman Biology but more difficult with a magnifying glass—that’s AP Biology. This class teaches introductory college biology concepts, such as biochemistry, genetics, and evolution. AP Biology is heavily memorization-based due to the sheer amount of vocabulary and biological processes in the curriculum. In addition to this, it's recommended that those who plan on becoming medical professionals take this class.
Average responses for
How engaging is the content: 8.31/10
Difficulty level: 7.06/10
Workload: 6.43/10
Difficulty of AP exam: 6.67/10
AP Chemistry
AP Chemistry reflects an introductory chemistry college course. From topics like atomic structure to thermochemistry to reactions, the class itself can be very challenging with its concepts. Before taking this class, make sure you’re familiar with Algebra and the content learned in honors or regular Chemistry. Additionally, this is a great course for those interested in healthcare.
Past students find that Jeremy Krug and Michael Farabaugh on Youtube are great studying resources. It’s recommended that individuals who plan on taking AP Chemistry should consider taking Honors Chemistry rather than regular Chemistry to better prepare themselves.
Average responses for
How engaging is the content: 7.06/10
Difficulty level: 6.91/10
Workload: 4.45/10
Difficulty of AP exam: 6/10
AP Environmental Science
AP Environmental Science seeks to educate individuals to be sustainable and how to be more mindful of their environmental impact. During this course, students will learn familiar topics (such as biodiversity and the development of a country), alongside analyzing environmental cycles, waste production, ecosystem formation, and other processes that connect to the Earth and/or sustainability. Incoming students should be prepared to read daily modules and take notes. In addition to this, content from AP Human Geography and Earth and Space is reiterated in this course. Overall, AP Environmental Science is an engaging course and a good choice for those who are unfamiliar with science APs.
Average responses for
How engaging is the content: 7.63/10
Difficulty level: 5.13/10
Workload: 4.79/10
Difficulty of AP exam: 5.13/10
AP Physics 1
AP Physics 1 is infamous for its historically low pass rate, sometimes with less than half of test-takers passing. However, do not let this deter you from taking the course as the test was recalibrated last year and saw a pass rate of 67.3%—the highest it’s been in 10 years!
AP Physics 1 requires strong algebraic and geometry skills to succeed. Students will apply various equations to derive another equation and solve for variables. This class is highly conceptual and focuses around motion, forces, and energy, with the majority of content building off one another as well. It’s important to take into account that Physics is not a subject that mainly requires memorization but rather clear critical thinking and analytical skills. All in all, AP Physics 1 is a great course for future engineers and STEM professionals.
Average responses for
How engaging is the content: 7.33/10
Difficulty level: 7.18/10
Workload: 5.67/10
Difficulty of AP exam: 5.88/10
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
Calculus plus Physics, two of the most objectively difficult STEM subjects, combine in one course! It’s not surprising that Physics C is insanely difficult, but taking this class can be very rewarding. While AP Physics 1 is not a prerequisite for this course, taking AP Physics 1 can help incoming Physics C students become adjusted to College Board’s expectations. Keep in mind that this class has two different AP exams: Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism. AP Physics C is the ultimate course for those interested in engineering.
Average responses for
How engaging is the content: 8.15/10
Difficulty level: 8.38/10
Workload: 7.08/10
Difficulty of AP exam: 9/10
AP Social Studies and History
AP Human Geography
This course is taught by objectively the nicest teacher (Mr. Helm!) at Hamilton and is one of the first AP classes freshmen can take! AP Human Geography is a great introductory AP course that helps students find out which study methods work best for them while also getting students adjusted to College Board’s expectations. This class explores human activities and interactions—such as society’s different cultures, farming, and population—to show how these shape society. While this is not a history class, students should have some background knowledge on influential events. Additionally, AP Human Geography has students memorize various models to explain development, urban development, and more. Students will be expected to memorize and apply lots of vocabulary words as well.
Many utilize Mr. Sinn, an AP Human Geography teacher, on Youtube to help them study and understand concepts. To memorize key terms and concepts, Quizlet and notecards can be very useful. Furthermore, students should do the daily readings every night to gain the best understanding of the content. If this is your first AP class, do not overestimate your abilities. Still put forth your best effort and study.
Average responses for
How engaging is the content: 6.55/10
Difficulty level: 4.51/10
Workload: 4.28/10
Difficulty of AP exam: 4.14/10
AP Macroeconomics
AP Macroeconomics is one of two AP economics courses offered by Hamilton High School and College Board. It evaluates the economy in the broader context through three main factors: unemployment, GDP, and inflation. In addition, graphs are used heavily in this class. Students will learn how to draw them and what characteristics shift the position of the lines. Those who want to join the business sector are advised to take this class.
Average responses for
How engaging is the content: 7.31/10
Difficulty level: 4/10
Workload: 3.69/10
Difficulty of AP exam: 4.33/10
AP Microeconomics
AP Microeconomics is very similar to AP Macroeconomics—both have a large emphasis on constructing and analyzing graphs. However, AP Microeconomics dives into the specific actions of firms and markets rather than the economy as a whole. Future business majors should also take this course in addition to AP Macroeconomics.
Averages responses for
How engaging is the content: 6.68/10
Difficulty level: 3.84/10
Workload: 3.42/10
Difficulty of AP exam: 5.33/10
AP Psychology
AP Psychology is a great beginner AP course! It follows a similar structure to that of AP Human Geography’s, meaning AP Psychology also features many models and vocabulary terms. The content is extremely intriguing, seeking to uncover what shapes an individual’s thought processes. There is typically daily homework consisting of at least one module reading, but nothing too stressful.
Studying-wise, Mr. Sinn (who was mentioned in the AP Human Geography section) does a great job reinforcing the topics learned in class. Students should take advantage of Quizlets and notecards to retain vocabulary terms and their definitions. To better recall terms, individuals can make use of the spacing effect: consistent studying over a couple days rather than cramming.
Average responses for
How engaging is the content: 7.93/10
Difficulty level: 4.34/10
Workload: 5.2/10
Difficulty of AP exam: 4.46/10
AP U.S. Government/Politics
AP U.S. Government/Politics is an extremely informative course. Students will learn how they can have a voice in politics and the inner workings of the American government through topics like checks and balances and federalism. Expect to memorize vocabulary, important documents, and vital Supreme Court cases. The curriculum of this course also has some overlap with AP United States History. If you plan on taking this class, know that it requires you to take either AP Macroeconomics or AP Microeconomics as well. Those who want to go into political majors and professions or be well-informed should consider taking this class.
Average responses for
How engaging is the content: 6.08/10
Difficulty level: 3.98/10
Workload: 4.82/10
Difficulty of AP exam: 3.54/10
AP United States History
From 1491 to modern America, AP United States History has it all! Within this time range, students will cover nine major time periods, historical events within these eras and why they occurred, and how they contributed towards American culture, politics, and more. This course is excellent in helping students become more knowledgeable citizens.
There’s one distinct figure that stands out when individuals are trying to study for AP United States History: Heimler. Heimler’s Youtube channel is dedicated towards “milking your brain cows” and summarizing course content.
Average responses for
How engaging is the content: 7.4/10
Difficulty level: 6.6/10
Workload: 5.88/10
Difficulty of AP exam: 5.39/10
AP English
AP Language and Composition
If you want to prepare for the ACT’s English and Reading section, take this class. If you want to learn how to write essays in 40 minutes, also take this class! AP Language and Composition focuses primarily around non-fiction topics, with students learning how to write three types of essays: Argumentative, Rhetorical Analysis*, and Synthesis.** Put in the work and you’re guaranteed to become a better, more sophisticated writer.
*Rhetorical Analysis essays have students read a text and interpret how rhetorical devices (e.g: repetition, imagery, etc.) reflect the message, author, and audience.
**Synthesis essays are argumentative essays, but students are given six sources to find evidence rather than coming up with it on their own.
AP Language and Composition, starting the next school year, is turning into a one semester course. The majority of past students believe this will hurt incoming students’ ability to succeed as they’ll need to plan practicing essays in their own time and the quality of the course may be significantly damaged. For the sake of ensuring that all required materials will be taught, certain projects—such as the service project that focuses on creating an impact within the community—could be getting cut, which will reduce what students get out of this class.
Average responses for
How engaging is the content: 6.99/10
Difficulty level: 5.66/10
Workload: 4.1/10
Difficulty of AP exam: 6.03/10
AP Literature and Composition
AP Literature and Composition is the fiction counterpart of AP Language and Composition. From poetry to plays, the curriculum has students read and evaluate a variety of texts. This class teaches students how to write three essays, including a poetry analysis, prose fiction analysis*, and literary argument.** If you enjoy reading and want to polish your writing skills, think about taking this course.
*a short piece of fiction is given and students will analyze the message through an essay
**students will pick a book and write an essay on its meaning
For the 2026-2027 school year and onwards, AP Literature and Composition will be one semester long. Similar to the other AP courses that are being shortened, it’s expected to have a greater workload and students will have to dedicate time outside of class to practice for the exam. Both of these factors may contribute to an increase in the difficulty of the class and AP exam.
Average responses for
How engaging is the content: 4.91/10
Difficulty level: 5.55/10
Workload: 5.36/10
Difficulty of AP exam: 6/10
With each year bringing more academic pressure to not only do well in school but also take the hardest classes you can, know that you can still be successful without taking a full AP class schedule.
Remember, be rational; these summaries do not reflect everyone’s strengths and weaknesses, so do not let these deter you from taking courses. Also, the average scores are taken; any outliers could inflate or deflate the value. With all this being said, which AP classes will you take?
