What Are The Least Popular AP Classes in 2025?

If you're considering your Advanced Placement (AP) options, you might be curious about which classes other students aren't choosing. Maybe you want to avoid courses that could be difficult without much support, or perhaps you're wondering if taking a rare AP could actually help you stand out. Let's explore the least popular AP classes and what they mean for your academic journey.

Key Takeaways

• Language courses dominate the least popular list: AP Italian Language had just 2,246 exam registrations in 2024, making it the least enrolled AP course, followed by other languages like Japanese, Latin, and German

• "Unpopular" doesn't mean "bad": Less common AP classes often have smaller class sizes, unique subject matter, and can demonstrate genuine passion on university applications

• Availability is the biggest challenge: Many international schools simply don't offer these courses due to limited demand and the difficulty of finding qualified teachers

• Strategic choices matter more than popularity: The right AP for you depends on your interests, strengths, and future goals—not how many other students are taking it

Why Students Are Curious About Unpopular AP Classes

There are lots of reasons why you might be researching the least popular AP courses. 

• You may be worried about taking a class with fewer classmates to study with, or limited online resources. 

• Maybe your school has warned that certain AP courses might not run if not enough students sign up.

• Some of you might want to avoid the toughest classes. 

• Others are on the hunt for hidden gems—subjects that haven't caught on yet. 

• Perhaps you're thinking about how to stand out academically on your university applications by taking something different.

• Maybe you have a genuine interest in a subject, but you're nervous because not many people take these courses.

Understanding which AP classes are least popular, and why, can help you make informed decisions about your course selection.

Top 10 Least Popular AP Classes by Enrollment

Based on the 2024 College Board program report (opens in a new tab), here are the AP courses with the lowest enrollment:

For comparison, the most popular AP course in 2024 was AP English Language and Composition with nearly 600,000 exam registrations.

Why These AP Classes Are Less Common

Why do some AP classes attract fewer students? There are several practical reasons. 

Limited Teacher Availability

Staffing is one. Your school needs qualified teachers to run AP courses. Finding someone who can teach AP Italian Language and Culture or AP Music Theory isn't always easy, especially at smaller schools. This means many schools simply can't offer these subjects, which keeps enrolment low.

Perceived Difficulty 

This plays a huge role. Classes like AP Physics C: Mechanics require you to know calculus whilst learning complex physics concepts. Similarly, AP Latin involves mastering a classical language with complicated grammar rules that can feel quite different from modern languages.

Limited Awareness

Many students simply don't know some classes exist or what they involve. Lots of students haven’t heard of AP Seminar, for example. AP Art History might sound niche. Without understanding what the course covers (analysing artworks from different periods, understanding cultural context, and developing visual literacy) students overlook it.

Relevance to Popular University Majors

Courses appeal to students with specific interests. If you're planning to study engineering, business, or medicine, AP French Language and Culture or AP German might not seem directly useful. However, universities appreciate students who pursue interests beyond their intended major.

Are There Benefits to Taking a Less Popular AP Class?

Yes. In fact, unpopular AP classes might actually be great choices. There are some genuine advantages to choosing a less-travelled path.

Smaller, More Personalised Classes

When you're one of eight students instead of thirty, you get far more individual attention from your teacher. You can ask questions freely, have deeper discussions, and receive more personalised feedback.

Unique Skills

Unique subject matter can make learning genuinely exciting. AP Music Theory develops sophisticated listening and compositional skills. These are valuable capabilities that set you apart, even if they're not directly related to your university major. If you're fascinated by ancient Rome, AP Latin opens up classical texts in their original form, teaches you analytical thinking through translation and helps you understand the roots of modern Romance languages. 

University Opportunities

University admissions officers read thousands of applications from students on popular courses. When they encounter someone who's pursued AP Japanese because they genuinely love the subject, it stands out. It shows intellectual curiosity beyond ticking boxes. Taking a less common AP course that aligns with your interests might earn you university credit just as easily as a popular course, but you might enjoy it more.

When Avoiding a Less Popular AP Might Be the Right Move

Now, let's flip this around. Sometimes skipping an unpopular AP class is the smartest choice.

Your School Doesn't Offer It

If your school doesn't provide the course, self-studying for an unusual AP is very challenging. AP Physics C requires lab work and hands-on experiments that are nearly impossible to replicate at home. Languages and specialised subjects like Music Theory require consistent instruction. 

You can register for AP exams without taking the course, but you’ll likely need to register elsewhere if your school doesn't offer it.

It Doesn't Align With Your Strengths or Goals

If you're not musical, AP Music Theory will be frustrating rather than fulfilling. If you struggle with languages, adding AP Japanese to your schedule just to be different isn't wise. 

If you're planning to study computer science at university, adding AP Italian just because it's "different" might make things more complicated. Your time may be better spent on AP Computer Science or AP Calculus. 

Limited Resources and Support

Less popular courses often have fewer study guides, online resources, and practice materials available. If you're someone who benefits from extensive supplementary materials, this could make preparation more difficult.

Time and Workload Constraints

If you're already taking several demanding APs, adding an unusual course that requires a lot of extra or independent learning might overwhelm you. Don't set yourself up for struggle. AP Physics C assumes you've already done well in physics and are comfortable with calculus.

Choosing AP Classes That Are Right For You

How do you actually decide which AP classes to take? Here are some ideas to help you choose:

Start With Your Interests

What subjects genuinely excite you? Which topics do you find yourself reading about outside of school? These are clues to AP courses you'll enjoy and excel in. Passion makes difficult work manageable!

Consider Your University Plans

If you're eyeing engineering, focus on maths and sciences. For further language study, AP Japanese or AP German could be perfect.

If you're applying to American universities, strong AP subjects demonstrate academic preparedness. If you have an Ivy League college in your sights, you’ll generally get credit for higher AP scores and coursework. 

Thinking of a British university? One A Level is the equivalent of 1 to 2 AP subjects. You can look through our guide on the differences between the UK and US education system. 

It’s a good idea to check with your preferred university about their requirements. There’s a link on the College Board website where you can Find Universities Outside the United States That Recognise AP Scores (opens in a new tab). 

Balance Difficulty and Enjoyment

Create a balanced schedule. Play to your strengths with challenging courses and take interesting courses that bring you joy. You don't want to burn out by taking a string of tricky courses. Equally, taking a set of subjects you find boring will make your studies a chore. 

Talk to Current Students and Teachers

Students who've taken less popular APs can give you first-hand reviews! Look on forums or speak to a student on the course. What was the workload really like? How did they find the exams?

Examiner reports (opens in a new tab) can offer great insight. For instance, in AP Art History students found discussing historical context tricky.

Your teachers can help, too. Ask them if the AP subject you have in mind would suit you and your learning style.

Don't Chase Popularity

Just because fewer people take a course doesn't make it less valuable. Choose subjects that work for your unique aims, skillset, and personality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the least popular AP class overall?

AP Italian Language and Culture is currently the least popular. This is largely due to staffing and limited take-up.

Are the least popular AP classes harder than others?

Not necessarily. Difficulty depends on your personal strengths and motivations. Less popular exams often show generally higher scores. More students achieved 5s (opens in a new tab) in AP Chinese, Japanese, and German than in AP English Language, for instance. Perhaps this is because students who choose these courses are well-prepared and motivated. However, some courses (like Physics 2) do have reputations for being quite challenging.

Can taking an uncommon AP course improve my college application?

It may do. Admissions officers appreciate students who pursue their interests. Taking AP Latin because you're passionate about classical history is impressive. Still, don’t ignore courses that directly help you with future goals. 

Why don't schools offer all AP classes?

Schools may not offer all the AP courses for practical reasons. They need qualified teachers with expertise. Finding someone certified to teach AP Japanese or AP Music Theory can be difficult, especially in smaller communities. There's also the issue of student demand. Schools won't run a course if only three students want to take it. Finally, resources and costs matter: some AP courses require lab equipment, specialised materials, or specific facilities that not all schools can afford.

Final Thoughts

The least popular AP classes aren't unpopular because they're inferior. They may just serve more specialised interests that come with practical challenges. The "best" AP class isn't the one that most people take. It's the one that works with your strengths, interests, and goals. What matters most is your engagement and effort.

Talk to your school's university counsellor about which AP courses best support your applications,and  chat with students who’ve done the course. 

Be thoughtful, be strategic, and most importantly, be true to your own academic interests. 

Explore our detailed notes on AP options to help you choose the best course for you. 

Ready to explore AP courses further?

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References: 

CollegeBoard AP Data and Research (opens in a new tab)

PROGRAM SUMMARY REPORT 2024 | AP Central (opens in a new tab)

2024 AP Score Distributions – AP Students | College Board (opens in a new tab)

AP Art History Chief Reader Report from the 2018 Administration (opens in a new tab)