Is AP Chemistry easy or hard? We reveal the AP Chem difficulty rating, based on a unique combination of 2022 pass rate data, and 2,936 class reviews from real AP alumnae collected by r/APStudents.
Table Of Contents
- Is AP Chemistry Easy Or Hard?
- How Hard Is AP Chemistry: 175 Real AP Chem Alumnae Share Their Experiences
- What Does It Take To Succeed: How To Study For The AP Chem Exam
- Best books and test prep resources for AP Chemistry
- Where next?
- Higher grades, less sweat
Is AP Chemistry Easy Or Hard?
AP Chemistry is considered very hard, with class alumnae rating it 7.3/10 for overall difficulty (the 4th-most-difficult out of the 28 large AP classes surveyed).
The pass rate is lower than other AP classes, with 53% graduating with a 3 or higher.
AP Chemistry is quite widely-taken (134,316000 entries last year), and 87% would recommend the class, which is slightly lower than other AP classes.
![[2023] Is AP Chemistry Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated 'Very Hard' (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data) (1)](https://i0.wp.com/examstudyexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AP-Chemistry-overview-2022-23-973x1024.jpg "[2023] Is AP Chemistry Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated 'Very Hard' (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data) (1)")
Whilst AP Chem is rated as very hard, alumnae reviewers enjoyed the subject, and found it was manageable with regular study throughout the year, good review resources, and a thorough understanding of underlying concepts and particularly tricky topics.
You can see how AP Chem compares to other classes for difficulty in the below chart:
![[2023] Is AP Chemistry Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated 'Very Hard' (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data) (2)](https://i0.wp.com/examstudyexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AP-Chemistry-bubble-2022-23-1024x631.jpg "[2023] Is AP Chemistry Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated 'Very Hard' (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data) (2)")
We’ve highlighted AP Chemistry and related scientific classes (Biology, Environmental Science and Psychology) only – to see the full version of this chart, check out our article ranking ALL the AP classes from easy to hard.
You can read more about AP Biology, AP Environmental Science and AP Psychology here.
How Difficult Is AP Chem – As Rated By Class Alumnae
AP Chemistry is considered very hard, with class alumnae rating it 7.3/10 for overall difficulty, making it the 4th-most-difficult out of the 28 large AP classes surveyed.
![[2023] Is AP Chemistry Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated 'Very Hard' (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data) (3)](https://i0.wp.com/examstudyexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AP-Chemistry-difficulty-2022-23.jpg "[2023] Is AP Chemistry Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated 'Very Hard' (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data) (3)")
What Is the AP Chemistry Pass Rate 2022?
The AP Chem 2022 pass rate was 53%, lower than the all-AP average.
Almost three-quarters of candidates received a 1, 2 or 3. Only 17% of students achieved a 4, and 11% attained 5, both notably lower than the all-AP-classes average.
![[2023] Is AP Chemistry Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated 'Very Hard' (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data) (4)](https://i0.wp.com/examstudyexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AP-Chemistry-pass-rate-2022-23.jpg "[2023] Is AP Chemistry Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated 'Very Hard' (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data) (4)")
AP Chemistry Pass Rate / Score Distribution Over Time: 2022, 2021, 2020 …
The AP Chem score distribution has held quite steady for the past 5 years of exams, with a 4% drop in passing grades between 2020 and 2021.
![[2023] Is AP Chemistry Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated 'Very Hard' (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data) (5)](https://i0.wp.com/examstudyexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AP-Chemistry-score-distribution-2022-23.jpg "[2023] Is AP Chemistry Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated 'Very Hard' (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data) (5)")
Is AP Chemistry Time Consuming To Study: As Rated By AP Chem Alumnae
AP Chemistry is rated as quite time-intensive relative to other AP classes.
A survey of AP alumnae asked for a rating out of 10 for time needed to study each class, with 1 = least time needed, 10 = most time. The average rating for AP Chemistry was 6.8/10 (vs the average across all AP classes of 5.4/10).
![[2023] Is AP Chemistry Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated 'Very Hard' (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data) (6)](https://i0.wp.com/examstudyexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AP-Chemistry-time-required-2022-23.jpg "[2023] Is AP Chemistry Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated 'Very Hard' (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data) (6)")
Is AP Chem Easy or Hard To Self-Study
AP Chemistry is rated as very hard to self-study relative to other AP classes.
A survey of AP alumnae asked for a rating out of 10 for how easy each class is to self study, with 1 = easiest to self study, 10 = hardest to self study. The average rating for AP Chemistry was 8.3/10 (vs the average across all AP classes of 5.7/10).
![[2023] Is AP Chemistry Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated 'Very Hard' (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data) (7)](https://i0.wp.com/examstudyexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/AP-Chemistry-self-study-2022-23.jpg "[2023] Is AP Chemistry Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated 'Very Hard' (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data) (7)")
If you’re looking forward to taking AP Environment, it’s important to take both the positive and negative feedback in context. There are multiple factors that could contribute to a great or poor experience of the class, such as your teacher, struggling with science, and your personal preferences as a learner.
87% would recommend the class, which is slightly lower than other AP classes.
The majority of the reviews focus on course enjoyment, the importance of underlying concepts, the need for basic math (and a calculator), and helpful study methods.
1. Many students really enjoy AP Chem …
“The concepts may seem easy/simple at first glance, but there are a myriad of applications that you need to be familiar with to pass the AP exam. I know it’s a difficult process trying to wrap your head around a million new things, but I’m really glad I took it since AP Chem provides a very solid foundation for more advanced chemistry in college.” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“AP Chemistry is too dense of a subject to not study. You will have to put in extra time to truly capture the many concepts and strategies that go with the class. However, I really enjoyed the labs, and AP Chemistry provides a look in life that can’t be found in any other class.” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“Oh man, you’re in for a treat with this one. Use the Princeton review book to study for tests and the AP Exam, make sure you do your labs correctly and have data for the lab reports, teach yourself electrochem if you have a bad teacher. That’s all” – AP Chemistry Score: 3
“’Every day was constant learning and moving on to the next topic. i had a strong understanding of regents chem that helped me but it required a lot of group thinking” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“It was a great class and I loved it! Talk to the other students in your class and work together to understand the material.” – AP Chemistry Score: 4
“Class is awesome (dependent on teacher), probably the most you’ll learn in any ap. Do a ton of frqs, multiple choice, UNDERSTAND instead of memorize – a 5 is totally doable – topics are difficult but so gratifying to learn” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
2. … despite finding it a difficult class
“Very interesting class, but difficult subject material” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“AP Chem is maybe the most heavy class I took in high school, and was rather stressful at times. However, I had a great teacher and class, and I genuinely enjoyed the class content, so that helped me pull through the course.” – AP Chemistry Score: 3
“Review books won’t help as much as direct review from a teacher, I’ve found. This course is difficult but so rewarding. I would highly recommend taking a class rather than self studying.” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
3. AP Chemistry requires some proficiency at math
“Understanding the math behind the chemistry is critical to this class. If you can go back and forth between equations and chemical concepts in the larger picture, you’ll be much better off.” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“If you’re good at connecting mathematical relationships with actual atomic/chemical behaviors, you’re golden” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“Don’t take it if you’re not good at math” – AP Chemistry Score: 4
4. You need a good base of knowledge and understanding
“Make sure you know your chem fundamentals or have taken a chem. course before this – class moves very fast and assumes you have prior chem knowledge” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“If you try to memorize everything you’re gonna have a bad time. Rather you should focus on understanding the material.” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“Practice, practice, practice! … You don’t need to be amazing at math since you have the help of a calculator, but you still need to be very familiar with all relevant equations and how they work. Good luck with this class.”- AP Chemistry Score: 5
“The content covers a vast amount of concepts, many of which are challenging to get your head around. The class is difficult, but the amount you learn about the universe and how it works is so great that the class is worth taking. Very fun.” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“Know mechanical aspects of chemistry (dimensional analysis, stoichiometry, nomenclature) so that you don’t need to worry about them during the year” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“Memorize your facts as fast as possible, and it helps to know the periodic table very well.” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“If you try to memorize everything you’re gonna have a bad time. Rather you should focus on understanding the material.” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
5. Some topics require extra attention
“Spend extra time studying thermo, equilibrium, acids/bases (especially titration), and electrochem because these topics almost always come up. Try not to rely on review books too much. Instead, work on past FRQs and MC questions to prep for the exam.” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“It’s tough. please please please understand equilibrium well. no hope of acid/bases if you don’t understand equilibrium to its fundamentals. also get familiar w/ polyatomic ions the summer before!!!!” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“Acids and Bases might be underplayed by your teacher, but definitely not by Collegeboard.” – AP Chemistry Score: 4
“Make sure to have a solid knowledge of acid-base reactions and all relevant topics including titrations, indicators, etc.” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
What Does It Take To Succeed: How To Study For The AP Chem Exam
What is AP Chemistry? Course Outline & Requirements
According to College Board:
“The AP Chemistry course provides students with a college-level foundation to support future advanced coursework in chemistry. Students cultivate their understanding of chemistry through inquiry-based investigations”.
Prerequisites for AP Chem are the successful completion of a general high school chemistry course, and Algebra II.
AP Chemistry has a lab requirement: “25 percent of instructional time engages students in lab investigations. This includes a minimum of 16 hands-on labs (at least six of which are guided inquiry). It is required that students keep a lab notebook throughout.”
You will develop skills in:
- Describing, analyzing and interpreting models and representations
- Determining scientific questions and methods
- Creating models of chemical phenomena
- Solving mathematical problems
- Developing scientific arguments
The exam consists of one 3 hour 15 minute exam, with 50% (90 minutes) of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and 50% (105 minutes) with 7 free-response questions.
For more details, see: College Board’s AP Chemistry course page.
Examiners’ Reviews: Takeaways From AP Chemistry Test Assessors
College Board released the following official comments about the 2021 exam results:
Multiple-choice section
- “As usual, students scored significantly higher on the multiple-choice section than on the free-response questions.”
- “P Chemistry students demonstrated solid mastery of Units 4 (Chemical Reactions) and 5 (Kinetics), with ~15% of students earning a perfect score across all questions about these units.”
- “Students generally scored least well on Unit 1 (Atomic Structure and Properties), in which 5% of students answered all questions correctly and 8% answered none correctly; Unit 7 (Equilibrium), and Unit 8 (Acids and Bases).”
- “Students generally demonstrated somewhat stronger understanding of Transformations and Energy than of Scale/Proportion/Quantity and Structure/Properties.”
- “Students demonstrated strongest skills on questions that required application of Science Practice 1 (Models and Representations; 11% of students answered every such question correctly) and Science Practice 4 (Model Analysis).”
- “Students’ scores would increase with more proficiency on questions related to Science Practice 2 (Question and Method)—somewhat lower than their performance on all other science practices.”
Free-response section
The strongest sections were:
- “Long Question 2 about silicon spectra; 9% of students earned 8–10 points out of 10 possible.”
- “Long Question 3 about copper sulfate precipitation; 16% of students earned 8–10 points out of 10 possible.”
For best results, you may therefore want to consider investing a little extra study time on Unit 1 “Atomic Structure and Properties”, Unit 7 “Equilibrium”, and Unit 8 “Acids and Bases”. You should also focus on Big Ideas 1 and 2, which are, respectively: “Scale/Proportion/Quantity” and “Structure/Properties”; and Science Practice 2 “Question and Method”.
For more details, see: College Board’s AP Chemistry 2021 exam results page.
How To (Self) Study AP Chem: Advice From Class Alumnae
Practice tests and problems will be a great help …
“Take mock exams, and try to avoid using a calculator whenever possible throughout the year.” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“Always do the homework, Webassign if possible, study for the AP exam by looking at past exams” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“The best way to study for tests and quizzes is to go through released AP exams and do questions which are relevant to the material.” – AP Chemistry Score: 4
“Doing a [ton] of practice problems is more useful than memorization.” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“Takes more practice than the other AP tests I’ve taken.” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“Studying will make your life easier. Before the exam, make sure you do a [ton] of practice tests, it helps alot’ – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“If you want to do well on the AP Exam do the practice tests on the CollegeBoard website and use a review book. I got an A in the class but didn’t do as well on the AP Exam because I didn’t prepare properly.” – AP Chemistry Score: 3
“Do practice problem after practice problem. If you get a bad grade on something, don’t let it discourage you as this will cause you to do bad on the next test, too. It is very possible to succeed in this course with hard work and diligence.” – AP Chemistry Score: 4
… especially when it comes to free-response questions
“Do a lot of FRQs. A BUNCH. Like 6-7 per unit, it will save your ass many times. Chemistry FRQs aren’t too hard, but they’re usually tedious and/or time consuming, so understanding what you’re supposed to do in a short amount of time will help you complete sections more quickly. Also practice MC, and don’t forget to study up on your polyatomic ions and charges for each column of the periodic table. Electron configurations and stuff. DON’T GET OVERWHELMED. The FRQs look hard, but they’re not bad. One step at a time.” – AP Chemistry Score: 4
“Take LOTS of practice tests and do AP FRQ’s” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“Make sure you understand the concepts and read the textbook thoroughly, also be sure to do plenty of practice free response questions to understand the general format and types of questions” – AP Chemistry Score: 4
AP Chem requires dedication throughout the year!
“Self-study is the most important way to succeed on the test and in class.” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“Do the work. Don’t slack off, especially on all the base concepts. Do lots of practice problems (FRQ and MC) to prep for the exam and familiarize yourself with the format if your teacher doesn’t use the same style.” – AP Chemistry Score: 3
“STUDY STUDY STUDY!!!! There is absolutely no chance of doing well on this test if you do not STUDY!!! IMO review books are a must. 4-6 weeks beforehand skim through a review book and figure out which topics you need to review. Review those topics and do LOTS of practice problems with them until you can do the problem before you actually do it. Practice tests also help immensely, especially with timing and getting a feel for the style of the test.” – AP Chemistry Score: 4
“Study over AP questions when studying for tests throughout the year. Learn how to do math without a calculator. Look over and correct any and all tests or quizzes afterward.” – AP Chemistry Score: 4
“Study topics often throughout the year so they’ll stick. A month or two before the AP test, go through as many FRQs and released multiple choice questions as you can and learn from your mistakes. Make sure you understand the concepts and can apply them appropriately. I recommend watching Bozeman Science and following the one-month study guide from Albert.io.” – AP Chemistry Score: 5
“Utilize you time at home wisely. The moment you are shaky with a topic READ the textbooks at home for more clarification. Don’t let yourself fall behind” – AP Chemistry Score: 3
“DO YOUR HOMEWORK! You cannot cram for this test in the weeks prior as it is a whole lot of information to understand. Make sure when your teacher goes over the information that you thoroughly understand every part of it as things you learn later may build upon it. It is very easy to get lost so you need to keep up.” – AP Chemistry Score: 4
Best books and test prep resources for AP Chemistry
The most popular textbook for test prep and review for AP Chem is Princeton Review, used by 63% of students. It has an average rating of 4.9/5.0 from reviewers on Amazon.com.
![[2023] Is AP Chemistry Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated 'Very Hard' (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data) (8)](https://i0.wp.com/examstudyexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/AP-Chemistry-textbooks.jpg "[2023] Is AP Chemistry Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated 'Very Hard' (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data) (8)")
Other popular AP Chemistry test prep / review books and resources for include:
Where next?
Find out how AP Chemistry compares to other classes: click here for an overview of all AP Classes ranked by difficulty, from easiest to hardest.
Or check out how other science courses are rated with our analysis of Is AP Biology Easy or Hard?
Wishing you every success in the class!
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FAQs
Is it hard to pass AP Chem? ›
AP Chemistry consistently ranks among the most difficult AP courses. The course covers many topics, while prioritizing essential scientific practices. AP Chemistry test data overlooks factors like the quality of teachers and schools. The AP Chemistry exam comprises both multiple-choice and written sections.
Which AP test is the hardest? ›United States History, Biology, English Literature, Calculus BC, Physics C, and Chemistry are often named as the hardest AP classes and tests.
Which AP exams have the lowest pass rate? ›AP Physics 1
Despite a reputation as one of the most difficult AP classes, Physics 1 is also one of the most popular—144,526 students took it in 2022. Physics 1 has the lowest pass rate of any AP exam (43.3%) along with one of the lowest percentages of students scoring a 5 (just 7.9%).
Is AP Chemistry Easy Or Hard? AP Chemistry is considered very hard, with class alumnae rating it 7.3/10 for overall difficulty (the 4th-most-difficult out of the 28 large AP classes surveyed). The pass rate is lower than other AP classes, with 53% graduating with a 3 or higher.
What is the most failed course in high school? ›Can you name the most frequently failed high school course? It's a subject that students have called “difficult,” “challenging,” and, at times, “torture.” Yes. It's a math class.
Is AP Chem hard to self study? ›AP Chem is one of the more challenging courses to take, especially for self-study. However, with hard work, the right resources, and dedication, you could do it if you really wanted to.
What are the hardest topics in AP Chemistry? ›Overview of the AP Chemistry Exam
Atomic Structure and Properties (7-9%) Molecular and Ionic Compound Structure and Properties (7-9%) Intermolecular Forces and Properties (18-22%) Chemical Reactions (7-9%)
There is definitely quite a heavy load of math in AP Chem. In AP Chem you have to know concepts and how to do calculations, which often involve math incorporated into Algebra 2 or higher.
What is the easiest AP class to pass? ›- Physics C: Mechanics. 84.3% 41.6%
- Calculus BC. 81.6% 44.6%
- Spanish Literature. 75.1% 17.6%
- Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. 74.4% 40.4%
- Physics 2. 73.3% 14.0%
- Computer Science Principles. 71.6% 10.9%
- Psychology. 71.3% 22.4%
- Computer Science A. 70.4% 25.6%
Environmental Science:
The second hardest AP class is environmental science, with a passing rate of 53.4%. This class is often known for students underestimating the course.
Is AP Chem worth it? ›
AP Chemistry will teach you to think at higher levels. You will be forced to think and apply concepts to new situations, and even derive your own theories from application. This is excellent preparation for the higher levels of thinking required in college.
What is the least popular AP class? ›Many of the least popular AP exams are world language tests, as these exams generally target a more niche group of students. What's more, some languages are less commonly taught at high schools than others (e.g., Japanese and Italian courses are rarer than Spanish courses).
What is a good grade in AP chemistry? ›What is a good AP® Chemistry score? Scores of 3, 4, or 5 are considered “passing” scores on the AP® Chemistry Exam. The College Board describes a 3 as 'qualified,' 4 as 'well qualified,' and a 5 as 'extremely well qualified.
How many people fail AP exams? ›According to a recent study by The College Board, nearly 50% of high school students taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses do not pass the exams to qualify for college credit.
What is the average score on the AP Chemistry exam? ›| Exam Name | Average Score |
|---|---|
| World History | 2.71 |
| Human Geography | 2.69 |
| Environmental Science | 2.67 |
| Chemistry | 2.66 |
Based on College Board pass rates, AP Physics 1 is more difficult than AP Chemistry. That said, AP Chemistry is not far behind -- AP Physics 1 has a pass rate of about 52% while AP Chemistry has a pass rate of 56%.
What is the most failed subject in school? ›What is the most failed subject? Algebra is the single most failed course in high school, the most failed course in community college, and, along with English language for nonnative speakers, the single biggest academic reason that community colleges have a high dropout rate.
What is the most failed course in college? ›College algebra is the most failed course with about half of all students not getting credit for the course with a grade of a D, F, incomplete, or withdrawing. The challenges of learning algebra aren't unique to college.
What is the most failing grade? ›Grades A–F in the United States
In primary and secondary schools, a D is usually the lowest passing grade.
The 4 easiest AP exams to self-study are Psychology (3.4/10), Computer Science Principles (3.8 / 10), Microeconomics (3.9/10) and Environmental Science (3.9/10), as rated by over 2,900 real AP class alumnae reviewers who rated self-study difficulty from 1 (easiest to self-study) to 10 (hardest to self-study).
What is the best way to learn AP Chemistry? ›
- Ace the basics. Know the basic stuff forwards and backwards. ...
- Memorize it NOW. If you need to memorize something (mono and polyatomic ions, solubility rules) memorize it ASAP. ...
- 3. “ ...
- Learn by doing. ...
- Do full practice exams. ...
- Don't read the textbook like you would a novel.
Ideally, your preparation for your AP test should begin one and a half months before the actual exam. For the first week of preparation, focus on gathering together all of your notes and relevant materials. Organize these materials in a way that makes them easy to study.
What is the most important question in chemistry? ›The most important question in chemistry is "Where are the electrons?" electronegative atoms (e.g. F, Cl, O, N) of a molecule. The electronegative atoms pull electron density away from the less electronegative atoms (e.g. C, H) to which they are bonded.
How hard is it to get a 5 on AP Chemistry? ›Usually, only the most driven students take AP Chemistry, and they're still not passing the test at an especially high rate. We can also look at the 5 rate for the test. The 5 rate for AP Chemistry is 11.5%. Only nine other AP tests have lower 5 rates.
What do I need to know before taking AP Chemistry? ›Before you take AP Chemistry, you should have taken the College Board's recommended prerequisites of high school chemistry and Algebra II. Taking these courses will give you the foundation of chemistry (ie, intro into the basics of atomic structure, chemical reactions, energy transfer, etc.)
Is AP Chem worth it in high school? ›AP Chemistry will teach you to think at higher levels. You will be forced to think and apply concepts to new situations, and even derive your own theories from application. This is excellent preparation for the higher levels of thinking required in college.
How much homework do you get in AP Chemistry? ›Chemistry 1 hr of homework per class (problem sets). This might become 1.5-2 hrs per class if student is absent and is making up work.
Is AP Bio or Chem harder? ›However, our son thinks taking AP bio in junior year makes more sense since AP biology tends to be relatively 'easier' than AP chemistry for most kids and his next year classes are rigorous.
How easy is it to get a 1 on an AP exam? ›The lowest possible score you can get on an AP exam, a 1 indicates that students were completely unfamiliar with the material. No U.S. colleges currently offer college credit for a score of 1. In some exams, earning a 1 is extremely rare, like in AP Studio Art, where only 1.1% of students earn a 1.
Is it OK to get a 1 on an AP exam? ›Since a 1 is the lowest score that you can get on an AP® exam, this is not desirable. Thankfully, not many students leave the exam with a 1 unless complications arise during the test and they need to leave, or they are just trying to take the exam without knowing any of the material.
How do you get straight A's in AP classes? ›
- Study like the test depends on it. (It does.) ...
- Understand that taking notes is not a casual endeavor. You'll need to take notes every day in your AP class. ...
- Organize like you mean it. ...
- Don't fall behind. ...
- Learn outside the box.
| Exam Name | Passing Rate (3+) | 5 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| United States History | 52.10% | 11.70% |
| Human Geography | 51.70% | 11.90% |
| World History | 51.20% | 6.50% |
| US Government & Politics | 50.90% | 12.40% |
To be competitive at some of the most highly selective colleges in the country, 8-12 AP courses may be the sweet spot amount, assuming the student can handle that level of rigor. There are no colleges out there that require you to take 14, 17, or some other obscene number of Advanced Placement offerings.
What are the new AP courses for 2023? ›The College Board has announced that they will be piloting two new AP courses in the 2022-2023 school year: AP Precalculus and AP African American Studies.
What is the best AP class to take? ›| Grade | Recommended Number of AP Classes to Take | Recommended AP Classes |
|---|---|---|
| 11th Grade | 3-5 | English, Calculus AB, Biology, Spanish (or other foreign language), U.S. Government and Politics |
| 12th Grade | 3-6 | Chemistry, Physics C, Calculus BC |
The majority of engineering students will be required to take a basic chemistry course during college, even if they decide to pursue a degree outside of chemical engineering. By taking AP Chemistry during high school, you will develop a solid understanding of the concepts and challenge you academically.
Should I take AP Chem without taking Chem? ›AP chemistry is a rewarding but extremely challenging class. Because of this, and to ensure that students have the proper lab experience to prepare them for college, the College Board recommends that students take regular chemistry first, followed by AP chemistry.
What is the most liked AP class? ›- AP English Language and Composition.
- AP United States History.
- AP Psychology.
- AP Calculus AB.
- AP Spanish Language and Culture.
If you are going for the most competitive colleges, you should take the toughest core courses available at your school—including AP English Literature and/or Language, Calculus or Statistics (or both!), US, World, or European History, and at least one of the sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics).
What are impressive AP classes? ›...
Best AP classes for Ivy League schools
- AP English.
- AP Chemistry.
- AP Biology.
- AP Computer Science Principles.
- AP World History.
- AP US History.
- AP Psychology.
- AP Economics (Macro)
What is the average chemistry grade? ›
...
Top 10 Hardest AP Classes by Exam Pass Rate.
| AP Class/Exam | Pass Rate (3+) | Perfect Score (5) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Physics 1 | 51.6% | 8.8% |
| 2. Environmental Science | 53.4% | 11.9% |
| 3. Chemistry | 56.1% | 10.6% |
| 4. U.S. Government and Politics | 57.5% | 15.5% |
Chemistry- 3.13 GPA
A degree in chemistry prepares students to become professional chemists in a variety of different fields including biology and medicine. Chemistry majors gain knowledge in organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry. Curriculum typically includes courses on: Calculus.
The most failed AP exams are Physics 1 (failed by 48.4% of all students), Environmental Science (failed by 46.6% of all students), and Chemistry (failed by 43.9% of all students). For a full chart of the hardest AP exams (those with the lowest passing rate), check out this site.
What AP has the lowest pass rate? ›AP Physics 1
Despite a reputation as one of the most difficult AP classes, Physics 1 is also one of the most popular—144,526 students took it in 2022. Physics 1 has the lowest pass rate of any AP exam (43.3%) along with one of the lowest percentages of students scoring a 5 (just 7.9%).
What happens if you fail an AP exam? If you fail an AP exam, you will not receive college credit for that course. The good news is that a failed exam does not affect your GPA. In addition, you can retake the AP exam the next year.
Is AP bio or chem harder? ›However, our son thinks taking AP bio in junior year makes more sense since AP biology tends to be relatively 'easier' than AP chemistry for most kids and his next year classes are rigorous.
Is AP physics or Chem harder? ›Based on College Board pass rates, AP Physics 1 is more difficult than AP Chemistry. That said, AP Chemistry is not far behind -- AP Physics 1 has a pass rate of about 52% while AP Chemistry has a pass rate of 56%.
What is the most easiest AP class? ›- Physics C: Mechanics. 84.3% 41.6%
- Calculus BC. 81.6% 44.6%
- Spanish Literature. 75.1% 17.6%
- Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. 74.4% 40.4%
- Physics 2. 73.3% 14.0%
- Computer Science Principles. 71.6% 10.9%
- Psychology. 71.3% 22.4%
- Computer Science A. 70.4% 25.6%
It shouldn't surprise you that organic chemistry takes the No. 1 spot as the hardest college course. This course is often referred to as the “pre-med killer” because it actually has caused many pre-med majors to switch their major.
What are the hardest topics in AP Chem? ›
Atomic Structure and Properties (7-9%) Molecular and Ionic Compound Structure and Properties (7-9%) Intermolecular Forces and Properties (18-22%) Chemical Reactions (7-9%)
Is AP Chemistry easy? ›The simple truth is that AP® Chemistry is a difficult class, but if you know what you're getting yourself into and plan accordingly, it is possible to pass the AP® Chemistry exam with a high score.
How hard is it to get a 5 on AP Chem? ›Usually, only the most driven students take AP Chemistry, and they're still not passing the test at an especially high rate. We can also look at the 5 rate for the test. The 5 rate for AP Chemistry is 11.5%. Only nine other AP tests have lower 5 rates.
What is the passing rate for AP Chemistry? ›| Exam | 5 | 3 |
|---|---|---|
| AP Chemistry | 12.5% | 24.5% |
| AP Environmental Science | 8.9% | 17.5% |
| AP Physics 1 | 7.9% | 18.3% |
| AP Physics 2 | 16.3% | 35.3% |
The 4 easiest AP exams to self-study are Psychology (3.4/10), Computer Science Principles (3.8 / 10), Microeconomics (3.9/10) and Environmental Science (3.9/10), as rated by over 2,900 real AP class alumnae reviewers who rated self-study difficulty from 1 (easiest to self-study) to 10 (hardest to self-study).
Do colleges care about easy AP classes? ›While colleges definitely seek out students whose transcripts are peppered with plenty of Advanced Placement courses, the AP exam scores are unlikely to have a significant impact on your odds of admission. However, that doesn't mean you should skip the AP classes in favor of a less rigorous course of study.
What is the hardest chapter in chemistry? ›- Physical Chemistry is the hardest branch of chemistry.
- It involves the study of physical properties and constitution of matter, the laws of chemical combination, and theories governing chemical reactions.
One of the most difficult concepts in chemistry for students to grasp is that the entirety of the course is based on the behavior of matter. We talk about matter typically at the molecular or atomic level not seen without advanced equipment.
Is chemistry the most difficult subject? ›The hardest degree subjects are Aerospace Engineering, Law, Chartered Accountancy, Architecture, Chemistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, Psychology, Statistics, Nursing, Physics, Astrophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Astronomy, and Dentistry.