Top 10 Easiest AP Courses

Advanced Placement (AP) courses have become a cornerstone of academic success for high school students, offering a pathway to boost GPAs, earn college credit, and strengthen college applications. You should also know how AP compares to other curriculums like AP vs IB, which can help you decide which is the better fit for your academic goals. However, not all AP classes are equally challenging, which is why identifying the top 10 easiest AP courses can be a game-changer.

The easiest AP classes, such as AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science, and AP Human Geography, often feature manageable workloads and higher AP exam pass rates, making them popular choices. Courses like AP Computer Science Principles and AP Seminar balance academic rigour with flexibility, while subjects like AP Art or AP Spanish cater to students' creative and linguistic strengths.

Choosing an easier AP course allows students to focus on achieving high AP scores without the pressure of tackling notoriously difficult AP subjects like AP Chemistry or AP Calculus BC. This approach ensures both academic success and a smoother path to college admissions.

How Do We Define the 'Easiest' AP Courses?

When determining the easiest AP courses, it's essential to recognise that "easy" is subjective. While some AP classes, such as AP Psychology or AP Environmental Science, have high pass rates, other AP subjects might feel easier depending on a student’s strengths and background. Factors like AP exam difficulty, coursework intensity, and available resources all play a role in defining the easiest AP classes.

Criteria for Easiness

Several factors contribute to whether an AP course is considered easier:

• High pass rates and AP scores – AP courses like AP Human Geography and AP Computer Science Principles consistently see more students earning a 3 or higher on their AP tests.
• Subjectivity – A student fluent in Spanish might find AP Spanish easier than AP Chemistry, while those with a strong maths background may prefer AP Calculus BC over AP World History.
• Lower workload – Courses like AP Seminar and AP Art have less intensive memorisation compared to AP Biology or AP Physics C: Mechanics.
• Teacher and resources – The availability of AP comp sci resources or a supportive AP government teacher can significantly impact difficulty.

Common Misconceptions

• An easy AP exam does not mean an easy AP class – Some AP tests, such as AP Statistics or AP English Language, have straightforward formats but require consistent effort throughout the year.
• AP language exams may seem easy but require deep analysis – While AP Chinese or AP French might be easier for native speakers, students must demonstrate strong comprehension and writing skills.

The Top 10 Easiest AP Courses

Not all AP classes are created equal—some require intense memorisation and problem-solving, while others are more conceptual and manageable. Choosing the easiest AP courses can help students boost their GPA, earn college credit, and ease into the demands of AP-level coursework without overwhelming stress. Below is a breakdown of the top 10 easiest AP courses, starting with one of the most popular choices among high school students.

Table showing the percentage of students who scored a 3 or higher (passing score) in the easiest AP courses

1. AP Psychology

AP Psychology, commonly known as AP Psych, is one of the top 10 easiest AP courses due to its high pass rates and relatively straightforward content like IB Psychology. Many high school students choose this AP class to boost their GPA, earn college credit, and prepare for future coursework in psychology or social sciences.

Key Topics Covered

• Human behaviour and cognitive processes
• Psychological theories and case studies
• Brain functions, memory, and learning mechanisms
• Research methods and experimental psychology

Why AP Psychology is Considered Easy

• The AP Psychology exam consists primarily of multiple-choice questions, making it less intimidating than AP English Literature or AP World History, which require extensive writing.
• Many concepts are intuitive and easy to grasp, unlike the complex equations in AP Calculus BC or the rigorous lab work in AP Chemistry.
• With proper study habits, even students with no prior psychology background can achieve high AP scores on the AP Psychology exam.

2. AP Computer Science Principles

AP Computer Science Principles (AP Comp Sci Principles) is widely regarded as one of the easiest AP courses, making it a great choice for high school students looking to earn college credit without the intensity of AP Calculus BC or AP Chemistry. This AP class provides an introduction to computing, problem-solving, and digital technologies without requiring extensive coding experience.

Key Topics Covered

• Basic programming concepts and algorithms
• The impact of computing on society
• Data analysis and cybersecurity
• The structure of the internet and networks

Why AP Computer Science Principles is Considered Easy

• Unlike AP Computer Science A, which focuses on Java programming, this AP course emphasises conceptual understanding rather than complex coding.
• The AP exam consists of multiple-choice questions and a project-based AP test (Create Performance Task), allowing students to demonstrate skills beyond traditional exams.
• Many students find this AP subject more approachable compared to hardest AP classes like AP Physics C: Mechanics or AP Biology.

3. AP Human Geography

AP Human Geography (AP Human Geo) is one of the most popular easiest AP classes for high school students. This AP course focuses on how human populations interact with their environments, making it a great choice for those who enjoy social sciences. Compared to harder AP subjects like AP Chemistry or AP Calculus BC, AP Human Geography requires less memorisation and problem-solving.

Key Topics Covered

• Population growth and migration patterns
• Cultural landscapes and globalisation
• Urban development and economic systems
• Political geography and government structures

Why AP Human Geography is Considered Easy

• Many of the concepts are intuitive and closely related to current events, making it easier to understand than AP Physics or AP Calculus class.
• The AP exam consists mostly of multiple-choice questions and free-response questions, requiring analysis rather than deep technical knowledge.
• It’s often the first AP class taken by high school students, serving as an introduction to other AP classes like AP World History or AP Government.

4. AP Environmental Science

AP Environmental Science (APES) is a great option for students looking for a science-based AP course without the intense calculations required in AP Chemistry or AP Physics C: Mechanics. This AP class explores real-world environmental issues, making it one of the top 10 easiest AP courses for high school students.

Key Topics Covered

• Ecosystems and biodiversity
• Climate change and sustainability
• Pollution and resource management
• Human impact on the environment

Why AP Environmental Science is Considered Easy

• Compared to harder AP classes like AP Calculus BC or AP Biology, AP Environmental Science has fewer complex equations and a greater focus on real-world applications.
• The AP exam includes multiple-choice and free-response questions but requires less technical problem-solving than AP Physics or AP Calculus class.
• Students who enjoy learning about environmental issues and sustainability often find this AP course engaging and manageable.

5. AP Art and Design Courses

AP Art and Design courses, which include AP Drawing, AP 2-D Art and Design, and AP 3-D Art and Design, are among the easiest AP classes because they do not require a traditional AP exam. Instead, students create a portfolio showcasing their artistic skills, making this AP course an excellent choice for those with a passion for creativity.

Key Topics Covered

• Drawing techniques and artistic composition (AP Drawing)
• Digital and traditional media exploration (AP 2-D Design)
• Sculpture, modelling, and spatial design (AP 3-D Design)
• Development of a personal artistic style and theme

Why AP Art and Design is Considered Easy

• No standardised AP test with multiple-choice or free-response questions, unlike AP World History, AP Government, or AP Calculus BC.
• The focus is on creativity and skill development rather than memorisation or problem-solving, making it a different challenge from AP Physics C or AP Chemistry.

Students have the entire school year to develop their portfolios, reducing last-minute pressure compared to other AP classes.

6. AP Seminar

AP Seminar is part of the AP Capstone programme and is often considered one of the easiest AP classes because it focuses on research, collaboration, and presentation skills rather than memorisation or technical problem-solving. Unlike harder AP courses such as AP Calculus BC or AP Chemistry, AP Seminar allows students to explore topics of personal interest while developing critical thinking skills.

Key Topics Covered

• Researching and evaluating credible sources
• Forming logical arguments and persuasive writing
• Collaboration and group projects
• Public speaking and multimedia presentations

Why AP Seminar is Considered Easy

• Unlike AP exams in subjects like AP Physics C: Mechanics or AP Biology, AP Seminar assessments include essays, presentations, and teamwork rather than a single high-stakes AP test.
• Students have significant instructor support and flexibility in choosing research topics.
• Many find it a good way to improve writing and analysis skills before taking AP English Language or AP Research.

7. AP English Language and Composition

AP English Language and Composition (AP Lang) is one of the more accessible AP courses for students who enjoy reading, writing to improve your essay-writing skills, and analysing texts. Unlike harder AP classes such as AP Chemistry or AP Calculus BC, this AP class focuses on developing writing and argumentation skills rather than mastering complex formulas or scientific concepts.

Key Topics Covered

• Rhetorical analysis of non-fiction texts
• Argumentative and persuasive essay writing
• Synthesis of multiple sources into a cohesive argument
• Effective use of evidence and logical reasoning

Why AP English Language is Considered Easy

• Students already practise many of these skills in high school English classes, making it easier than technical AP subjects like AP Physics C or AP Computer Science A.
• The AP exam consists of multiple-choice questions and free-response questions, but there is no need to memorise large amounts of information like in AP Biology or AP World History.

Strong writers often find this AP course easier since success is based on skill rather than pure content memorisation.

8. AP Spanish Language and Culture (or Other Native Language Courses)

AP Spanish Language and Culture, along with other AP language classes such as AP French, AP Chinese, and AP Italian, is often considered one of the easiest AP courses for students who are already fluent or have significant experience with the language. This AP class focuses on communication skills, cultural appreciation, and literary analysis rather than technical subjects like AP Chemistry or AP Calculus BC.

Key Topics Covered

• Reading and listening comprehension
• Writing essays and structured responses
• Speaking exercises and conversational fluency
• Cultural comparisons and historical perspectives

Why AP Spanish Language is Considered Easy

• Native and heritage speakers have a major advantage, making it easier than subjects like AP Physics C: Mechanics or AP Computer Science Principles.
• The AP exam includes multiple-choice and free-response questions, but there is no need for advanced calculations or lab work like in AP Biology or AP Environmental Science.
• Many students have been studying the language for years, making the AP test more manageable compared to hardest AP classes like AP World History or AP Statistics.

9. AP Statistics

AP Statistics is a popular choice for students looking for a math-based AP course that is more approachable than AP Calculus BC. This AP class focuses on data interpretation and probability rather than abstract mathematical theories, making it one of the easiest AP courses for students who prefer applied mathematics over pure calculus.

Key Topics Covered

• Data collection and experimental design
• Probability and statistical inference
• Hypothesis testing and confidence intervals
• Regression analysis and data interpretation

Why AP Statistics is Considered Easy

• Unlike AP Calculus BC or AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Statistics requires less algebraic manipulation and focuses more on logical reasoning and data analysis.
• The AP exam consists of multiple-choice and free-response questions, but it is generally more straightforward than math-heavy AP tests in AP Calculus or AP Chemistry.
• Many students find AP Statistics useful for real-world applications, such as business, social sciences, and government, making the concepts easier to grasp than those in harder AP classes.

10. AP Comparative Government and Politics

AP Comparative Government and Politics (AP Comparative Government) is one of the easiest AP courses for students interested in political systems and international relations. Unlike AP United States Government, which focuses solely on American politics, this AP class explores governments worldwide, making it a great choice for students who enjoy social studies.

Key Topics Covered

• Comparison of political structures in countries like the UK, China, Russia, and Mexico
• Types of governments, electoral systems, and political ideologies
• Policy-making and political participation in different nations
• The impact of globalisation on governance

Why AP Comparative Government is Considered Easy

• The AP exam has a straightforward multiple-choice section and a free-response section that is less demanding than essay-heavy AP tests like AP World History or AP English Literature.
• A smaller syllabus compared to harder AP classes like AP Economics or AP Biology, allowing students to master the content more efficiently.
• Many students find the subject engaging since it ties into current events and global politics, making it easier to retain information compared to more technical AP subjects like AP Calculus BC or AP Physics C: Mechanics.

How to Choose the Right AP Course for You

Selecting the right AP courses is crucial for academic success, college admissions, and maintaining a balanced workload. While some students aim for the top 10 easiest AP courses, others may challenge themselves with hardest AP classes like AP Calculus BC or AP Physics C: Mechanics. The key is to choose AP classes that align with your strengths, interests, and future goals.

Consider Your Interests and Strengths

• Align courses with future college major or career aspirations – If you're interested in engineering, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science, and AP Physics are excellent choices. For social sciences, AP Psychology, AP Human Geography, and AP Comparative Government might be better.
• Pick subjects you genuinely enjoy – If you dislike writing, AP English Literature may not be ideal. If you love problem-solving, AP Statistics could be a great fit. Choosing an AP class based on passion makes studying more enjoyable and leads to better AP scores.

Assess Your Workload

• Balance AP courses with extracurricular activities and other commitments – Taking too many AP courses at once can be overwhelming. Consider how many AP classes you can handle while maintaining a strong GPA and participating in extracurriculars like sports, clubs, or part-time jobs.
• Mix challenging AP classes with easier AP classes – A combination of AP Chemistry and AP Calculus BC might be tough, so pairing them with easier AP courses like AP Environmental Science or AP Art can help manage stress.

Leverage Teacher and Peer Recommendations

• Ask about teachers’ experience and teaching styles – A great teacher can make even AP United States Government or AP Economics enjoyable, while a difficult instructor can make an easier AP class feel much harder.
• Learn from peers about their experiences – Talk to students who have taken AP language classes, AP Psych, AP Music Theory, or AP History to get insight into coursework, exams, and study tips.

Choosing the right AP courses is a strategic decision that depends on your strengths, workload, and future aspirations. Whether aiming for easiest AP exams or tackling a challenging AP class, the key is to find the right balance for success in high school and beyond. If you're considering AP vs. other qualifications, like IB or A-Levels learn about the differences in difficulty, coursework, and university recognition.

Benefits of Taking Easier AP Courses

Many students believe that AP classes must be difficult to be worthwhile, but taking a mix of easier AP courses and more challenging ones can be a smart academic strategy. Opting for the top 10 easiest AP courses, such as AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science, or AP Human Geography, can still provide valuable benefits without the intense workload of hardest AP classes like AP Calculus BC or AP Chemistry.

Boost GPA with Weighted Grades

• Many high schools offer weighted GPAs for AP courses, meaning an A in AP Seminar or AP Computer Science Principles carries more weight than an A in a standard class.

Choosing easier AP classes allows students to maintain a high GPA while still demonstrating academic rigour on their transcripts.

Gain College Credits (Saves Time and Money)

• Scoring well on AP exams can earn college credits, helping students graduate early or skip introductory college courses.
• Subjects like AP Spanish Language, AP Statistics, or AP Government and Politics often fulfil general education requirements, reducing tuition costs.

Many colleges accept AP language exams, AP Economics, and AP Art and Design as credit, depending on AP scores.

Build Confidence and Familiarity with AP-Level Coursework

• Taking an easier AP course like AP Human Geography can prepare students for more demanding AP subjects in later years.
• Performing well on easiest AP exams can boost confidence, making students more comfortable tackling AP Biology, AP Physics C: Mechanics, or AP English Literature in the future.

Is it easy to get a 5 in AP?

Achieving the top score of 5 on an AP exam is a significant accomplishment that requires a comprehensive understanding of the course material. The ease of obtaining this score varies by subject and student:

• Course Difficulty: Some AP courses have higher rates of students scoring 5, indicating varying levels of challenge across subjects.
• Student Preparation: A strong grasp of the content, effective study habits, help from online resources, AP tutoring, along with practice with AP-style questions can help you achieve this score.
• Exam Performance: Excelling in both the multiple-choice and free-response sections is essential for a top score.

Data shows that courses like AP Calculus BC and AP Chinese Language and Culture often see higher percentages of students achieving a score of 5, but this is not universal across all AP subjects. Ultimately, scoring a 5 is challenging and requires dedication, thorough preparation, and a deep understanding of the course content.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Academic Path

Selecting the right AP courses is a critical step in shaping your high school experience and future academic journey. While this guide has explored what are considered the top 10 easiest AP courses based on statistics and data, the ultimate choice should hinge on more than just perceived ease. It's essential to factor in your personal interests, strengths, and academic aspirations. What might be easy for one student could be challenging for another, and vice versa. Success in AP classes is largely influenced by your dedication, study habits, and genuine interest in the subject matter. The most beneficial AP course for you is one that not only aligns with your future goals but also challenges and engages you, fostering both personal and academic growth. Remember, the aim is to build a foundation that prepares you for college and beyond, making each course selection a pivotal part of your educational pathway.