What is The Easiest AP Class?

Choosing your first AP class can feel like a big decision, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to explore what you’re passionate about. With over 30 different subjects to choose from, it’s normal to wonder which one will be a good fit without overwhelming your schedule or social life.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all “easiest” AP class. What works well for a friend who thrives in math might feel completely different for someone who enjoys writing or the arts, and that’s okay!

The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. This guide will help you find an AP class that aligns with your strengths, interests, and future goals, so you can feel confident about the path you’re taking.

What Do We Mean by "Easiest"?

Before we dive into specific subjects, let's make sure we have a solid understanding of what "easiest" actually means. 

High Pass Rates Don't Tell the Whole Story

Some people look at pass rates alone and assume that higher percentages mean the AP exams are easier. But that's not always true. AP Chinese has one of the highest pass rates, but that's mainly because most students taking it are native speakers.

Different Types of "Easy"

When students talk about easy AP classes, they usually mean one of these things:

Lower workload: Some AP courses require less homework and reading than others. AP Environmental Science, for example, typically has lighter reading requirements than AP English Literature.

Less prior knowledge needed: Certain subjects don't require extensive background knowledge. AP Psychology can be more accessible to beginners compared to AP Calculus BC, which builds on advanced mathematical concepts.

More engaging content: If you find a subject naturally interesting, it won't feel as hard. A student who enjoys learning about art might breeze right through AP Art History, but struggle with AP Physics.

Familiar question formats: Some students do really well with multiple-choice questions. Others may prefer essay questions as they can reason out and write out their thoughts on the subject.

Your Strengths Matter Most

The "easiest" AP class is ultimately the one that aligns with your natural abilities and interests. A course that feels manageable to you might be a huge challenge for someone else.

Easiest AP Classes by Exam Pass Rate

The 2025 College Board exam statistics (opens in a new tab) show us which of the AP exams have the highest pass rate. Here are the AP classes with the highest percentage of students scoring 3 or above:

What These Numbers Really Mean

High pass rates don’t always reflect how difficult the exam was. There are other things to consider when determining if an AP exam is easy or hard. For instance, think about these circumstances that can influence how difficult an exam might be.

Language courses: AP Chinese (opens in a new tab) and AP Japanese (opens in a new tab) have high pass rates because many students are native or heritage speakers who have a lot of exposure to these languages.

Advanced math courses: AP Calculus BC (opens in a new tab) students are typically high-achieving math students who have already passed Calculus AB (opens in a new tab). They're well-prepared for the challenging content.

Art courses: AP Art subjects (opens in a new tab) are likely to attract students who are seriously interested in art and have already gained a lot of art-related experience.

Research and Seminar: These are part of the AP Capstone program, and they are usually taken by highly motivated students in their last couple of high school years.

How to Pick the Right AP Class for You

Choosing an AP class isn't just about finding the "easiest" option. The best choice balances your academic strengths, interests, and long-term goals.

Self-Assessment Questions

Before making your decision, think about these questions and answer them as honestly as you can.:

What's your learning style? 

Do you prefer memorizing facts and details, or do you enjoy analyzing and solving problems? For example, AP Psychology will require more memorization, but AP Economics will involve a lot of analytical thinking.

How do you handle different assessment types? 

Some students excel at essays, others at multiple-choice questions. The AP English Language exam is an essay-based test, but the AP Biology exam has mostly multiple-choice questions.

What genuinely interests you? 

Taking an AP class in a subject you find boring will make even an "easy" course feel hard. Picking an AP class that interests you will help you tackle challenging topics, because your natural curiosity will fuel your learning.

How much time can you realistically commit? 

Be honest about your schedule. If you're already stretched thin with extracurricular activities, consider courses that have lighter homework loads.

Do you want creative or analytical challenges? 

Some students enjoy working on creative projects (AP Art courses). Others prefer subjects that are driven by data (AP Statistics).

Consider Your Future Plans

Think about how each AP class might benefit your university applications and future studies:

University credit: Check which AP scores your target universities will accept for credit. Some institutions are more generous with certain subjects.

Degree requirements: If you're planning to study engineering, AP Physics or Calculus might be more valuable than AP Art History.

Skill development: Even if you don't plan to major in a subject, some AP courses develop transferable skills. For instance, AP English improves writing across all disciplines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which AP class is easiest for self-study?

AP Psychology and AP Environmental Science are often considered the most self-study-friendly courses. Both of them have great textbook resources and don't require lab equipment or a lot of prior knowledge.

AP Human Geography is another popular choice for students who like to learn independently. The content is engaging, and it won’t require you to have a lot of advanced mathematical skills.

Just remember that self-studying any AP course will take a lot of discipline and motivation on your part. Make sure you have access to study materials and the practice exams, like those at Save My Exams. 

Can I earn university credit from an "easy" AP class?

Absolutely! Universities don't distinguish between "easy" and "difficult" AP classes when awarding credit. A score of 3, 4, or 5 in any AP subject can potentially earn you university credit, regardless of the course's reputation for difficulty.

Many students choose AP courses strategically to help them fulfill a college’s general education requirements. This gives them more time to focus on their major coursework once they are in school at the university.

Check with your target universities to learn about their specific AP credit policies (opens in a new tab). Some institutions are more generous than others.

Should I take an "easy" AP just to boost my GPA?

This depends on your school's weighting system and your overall academic plans. Many schools give additional GPA points for AP courses, so even a B in an AP class might boost your weighted GPA more than an A in a regular course.

However, consider these factors:

Admissions officers review course rigor: Universities prefer students who challenge themselves appropriately, rather than those who just try to chase easy grades.

Authentic interest matters: You'll perform better in subjects that you are really interested in,  even if they're a little more challenging.

Time management: Taking several "easy" APs might seem manageable, but the workload can still add up quickly. Make sure you have time to take on multiple classes.

The best approach is choosing AP courses that you can manage realistically and reach your academic goals.

Final Thoughts

Every AP course is designed to be university-level work. Even the most "manageable" options will require that you be dedicated, have good study habits, and put in the effort. 

What does exist is the right AP class for you – one that matches your strengths, interests, and goals. When you find that sweet spot, challenging work becomes manageable work.

The best AP choice isn't necessarily the one with the highest pass rate. It's the course you'll engage with enthusiastically, learn from meaningfully, and potentially earn credit for.

Before making your final decision, speak with teachers, current students, and your school counselor. They can help provide valuable insights about a course’s workload and whether a specific course aligns with your academic goals.

Remember, taking any AP class demonstrates to university admissions committees that you are dedicated to your academic journey. Choose wisely, prepare thoroughly, and you'll set yourself up for success with the AP classes you choose.

Looking for more AP guidance? Save My Exams offers comprehensive AP study resources to help you succeed in your AP exams. Written by experienced teachers and examiners, they’re aligned to the College Board specification and help students improve by 2 grades on average. 

References

2025 College Board Exam Stats (opens in a new tab)

College Board AP Chinese Class Description (opens in a new tab)

College Board AP Japanese Class Description (opens in a new tab)

College Board AP Calculus BC Course Description (opens in a new tab)

AP Calculus AB Course Description (opens in a new tab)

AP Art Courses (opens in a new tab) 

College Board Credit Placement Policy Search (opens in a new tab)