What Are The Least Popular AP Classes in 2026?

Choosing your Advanced Placement (AP) subjects is stressful enough without worrying about which classes barely anyone takes.

Maybe you've found a subject you love, then panicked that there'll be no study group, few past papers, and a class that gets cancelled if not enough people sign up. Or perhaps you're hunting for a "hidden gem" to help you stand out, but you don't want to gamble your grades on a subject nobody talks about.

This guide breaks down the least popular AP classes in 2026 using the latest 2025 College Board score data (opens in a new tab), so you can see exactly how many students sit each exam and decide what's right for you.

Key Takeaways

• Languages dominate the least popular list. Just 2,241 students sat AP Italian Language and Culture in 2025 - the lowest entry of any AP subject - followed by Japanese, German and Latin.

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

• Availability is the biggest hurdle. Many schools simply can't offer these courses because demand is low and qualified teachers are hard to find.

• Fit beats popularity. The right AP for you depends on your interests, strengths and goals rather than 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. 

• Worries about taking a class with fewer classmates to study with, or limited online resources. 

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

• Wanting to avoid the toughest classes. 

• Hunting for hidden gems - subjects that haven't caught on yet. 

• Thinking about how to stand out academically on your university applications by taking something different.

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

Top 10 Least Popular AP Classes by Enrollment

Based on the number of students who sat each exam in the (opens in a new tab)2025 College Board score distributions (opens in a new tab), here are the AP courses with the lowest entries:

For comparison, the most popular AP course in 2025 was AP English Language and Composition, with 616,294 students - more than 270 times the entry for AP Italian.

Why These AP Classes Are Less Common

So why do some AP classes attract so few students? There are a few practical reasons.

Limited teacher availability

Your school needs qualified teachers to run AP courses. Finding someone who can teach AP Italian or AP Music Theory isn't easy, especially at smaller schools. Many schools simply can't offer these subjects, which keeps entries low.

Perceived difficulty

Difficulty plays a huge role. AP Latin means mastering a classical language with tricky grammar that feels very different from modern languages. AP 3-D Art and Design requires a niche skill set.

Limited awareness

Lots of students don't know some classes exist, or what they involve. Plenty haven't heard of AP Drawing, for example. 

Relevance to popular university majors

If you're heading into engineering, business or medicine, AP French or AP German might not feel directly useful. That said, universities do appreciate students who explore interests beyond their intended major.

Are There Benefits to Taking a Less Popular AP Class?

Yes. In fact, unpopular AP classes make great choices. There are real 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 makes learning really 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 it. Sometimes skipping an unpopular AP is the smartest call.

Your school doesn't offer it

Self-studying an unusual AP is tough. Languages and AP Music Theory need consistent instruction.

You can register for AP exams without taking the course, but you'll need to find a school that will host you as an exam-only candidate if your own school doesn't run it.

It doesn't match your strengths or goals

If you're not musical, AP Music Theory will be frustrating rather than fun. If languages aren't your thing, adding AP Japanese just to look different isn't wise.

Planning to study computer science at university? Mix up your AP Computer Science class with AP Calculus rather than with AP Italian "because it's unusual".

Limited resources and support

Less popular courses often have fewer study guides, practice materials and past papers. If you rely on lots of supplementary resources, that can make revision harder.

Time and workload constraints

If you're already juggling several demanding APs, piling on an unusual course that needs lots of independent study could tip you into burnout. AP French, for example, assumes you've already got some knowledge of the language.

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 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?

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

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.

Can taking an uncommon AP course improve my college application?

Yes, at times. 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 because 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.

Nail Your AP Scores With Save My Exams

The least popular AP classes aren't unpopular because they're inferior. They just serve more specialised interests and have less uptake because of this. The best AP class for you is the one that works with your strengths, interests, and goals. 

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

Ready to nail your AP scores? Join over 2 million students who use Save My Exams, the leading online revision platform. Our AP study guides, past exams and exam questions are written by real examiners and expert teachers, and designed to match your exact exam board.

References

2025 College Board score data (opens in a new tab)

AP - Find Universities Outside the United States That Recognize AP Scores (opens in a new tab)