Which AP Exams Have The Highest Pass Rate?

Choosing which AP exams to take can be stressful. You want classes that challenge you, but you also want a good chance of passing.

Even though it’s an individual thing, you may want to know which exams students usually do well on. Some students worry they’ll choose an exam that’s too hard and end up disappointed with their score.

The good news is that looking at AP exam pass rates (opens in a new tab) can help you make smarter choices. Pass rates shouldn’t be the only thing you think about, but they are one helpful tool when planning your AP classes.

This guide explains which AP exams have the highest pass rates and what those numbers really mean—so you can make confident decisions.

Key Takeaways

• Some AP exams have very high pass rates, like Chinese Language and Culture, Calculus BC, and AP Drawing.

• A high pass rate does not always mean the exam is easy.

• Many high-scoring exams are taken by students who are already very prepared.

• The best AP exam for you is one that matches your strengths and interests, not just the numbers.

What Counts as a "Pass" on an AP Exam?

AP exams are scored on a scale from 1 to 5. A score of 3 or above is generally considered a pass. This means you've demonstrated college-level understanding of the subject.

However, what counts as “passing” can vary depending on where you're applying. Some universities accept scores of 3 for credit. More competitive schools will usually require a 4 or 5.

It's worth checking the AP credit policies at your target universities before you start choosing your AP exams.

Here’s basically what the scores mean:

• 5: extremely well-prepared for college-level coursework

• 4: well-prepared for college-level coursework

• 3: qualified for college-level coursework

Top AP Exams by Pass Rate

Based on 2025 College Board data (opens in a new tab), here are the AP exams with the highest pass rates.

Why High Pass Rates Don't Always Mean "Easy"

Here's the thing about pass rates: they can be a little misleading. For example, Chinese Language and Culture has the highest pass rate. But many of the students who take this class are native Chinese speakers. If you could look at students who learned Chinese in school, the pass rate might be a lot lower.

What’s misleading is that students can choose AP courses that they feel confident in. Of course, this can be a good thing and help you build confidence. But previous knowledge isn’t measured or indicated in the pass rates for AP exams. 

It can also vary based on what students are interested in. If you have already taken a few math classes, you’ll probably do well on Calculus BC. Students who are not planning on taking a lot of science in college decide to take AP Environmental Science. It’s considered an “easier” science class, but it has a lower pass rate. 

While pass rates are a good indicator, they don’t reflect the wide variety of students that take each class or their strengths and interests. 

AP Exams That Are High-Scoring and Widely Taken

Some AP exams are both popular and high-scoring. These subjects offer a sweet spot: they're accessible enough that many schools offer them, and students tend to do well on them. The College Board offers a list of the most popular courses based on student grade-levels (opens in a new tab). But let’s look at the classes that are most popular and have higher pass rates.

How to Choose the Right AP Exams for You

Pass rate data is helpful, but it shouldn't be your only consideration. There are several factors that can help you choose which AP exams are best for you. Taking AP courses can help you by:

• Helping you earn college credit, advanced placement, or both.

• Help you stand out to colleges and organizations offering scholarships.

• Boosting your GPA, depending on your school’s policy.

Here are some tips for picking the right AP exams for you.

• Availability. There are 40 AP courses, but each school gets to select which ones they offer. Check with your school counselor or AP coordinator to find out what is available to you.

• Strengths and Interests. When choosing AP courses, find ones that are aligned with subjects you enjoy or the ones you want to learn more about. AP courses can help you explore interests, so you can decide if you want to pursue that line of study in college.

• Future Goals. Do you know what career path or college major you plan on pursuing? Taking AP courses that align with your goals can help give you a head start.

• School Counselor Advice. Your school counselor can help you know which AP courses you should enroll in. They’ll know which ones are available and when you can enroll in them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are AP exams with high pass rates easier?

Not necessarily. High pass rates sometimes reflect self-selection and personal interest rather than exam difficulty. The students who are the most prepared do well on the exams, whether they are difficult or easy. Even though you may look at pass rates to get an idea, there should be other considerations you make before signing up.

What's the hardest AP exam to pass?

Lower pass rates can be an indicator of an AP course’s difficulty. The difficulty isn't just about the content. It's about who's taking the exam and how well they've prepared. In 2025, the three classes with the lowest pass rates (opens in a new tab) were:

• AP Statistics: 60.3% pass rate

• AP Music Theory: 60.5% pass rate

• AP Computer Science Principles: 61.9% pass rate

Should I avoid APs with low pass rates?

Absolutely not. Low pass rates shouldn't automatically disqualify an AP exam from your consideration. If you are interested in a subject, you should take it. Colleges are more interested in your effort and how you deal with academic challenges.

Do colleges care about which AP exams you take?

Yes. Selective universities want to see that you've challenged yourself with rigorous courses. They'd rather see you take AP exams relevant to your intended major, even if those subjects have lower pass rates.

If you're applying as a STEM major, taking AP Biology, Chemistry, and Physics matters more than taking “easier” humanities APs you're not interested in.

However, balance is important. Most universities appreciate students who demonstrate breadth as well as depth in their learning.

Final Thoughts

Pass rates are useful, but they don’t tell the full story.

The AP exams with the highest pass rates aren’t always the easiest. They’re often taken by students who are already very prepared and have shown interest in the subject.

Instead of chasing high pass rates, choose AP exams that match your skills, interests, and goals. Colleges value effort and challenge more than perfect scores in subjects you don’t care about.

Pick wisely, study consistently, and trust yourself. You’ve got this!

References

College Board Score Distributions 2025 (opens in a new tab)

College Board Popular AP Courses by Grade (opens in a new tab)