If you’re looking to take APs next year, but aren’t sure which ones will be too much on your plate, don’t stress! Here is a list of the best and worst APs to take based on how stressed out you’ll be, rated 0 (chill) to 10 (crashout worthy).
AP Psychology – 3/10
Starting off strong, we have AP Psychology. While the workload can be a lot, the content itself is pretty interesting! Honestly, as long as you lock in and pay attention, you’ll probably enjoy the class! Sophomore Grey Fischer noted, “It’s really fun. There are a lot of terms, but it’s actually interesting.” If you’re currently a freshman looking for an AP to take next year, or an upperclassman thinking of adding an easier AP to your schedule, psych is definitely a good choice!
AP Pre Calculus – 4/10
Next up, AP Pre Calc. The content can be hard but compared to other APs, this class is relatively low-stress. Something to keep in mind, however, is that the majority of colleges won’t take the credit from the AP exam. As junior Chloe Tinsler puts it, “it was mainly for the GPA boost.” She also added, “The class is difficult depending on your math skills; if you truly apply yourself then it will be really easy.” Sophomore Emmanuel Abera noted, “Just lock in for unit 7.”
AP Language and Composition – 7/10
If you’re planning on taking this class, expect a lot of writing. Timed essays, rhetorical analysis, all of that. “It was just constantly writing essays,” reflected Charlotte Gately, a current senior who took the class last year. So if writing is your thing, or you want to get better at it, take AP Lang!
AP African American Studies – 2/10
This class is one of the newer courses in the AP lineup and is seemingly not too stressful. Ali Green, sophomore, noted that “most of the information on the test was related to stuff already learned from history class.” She also added, “I spent less time studying compared to other APs, so I wasn’t that stressed.” Overall, there aren’t that many cons to taking it, so if you have room in your schedule, add APAAS!
AP Human Geography – 6/10
Next up, AP HUG. While the class is generally considered easy, it tends to be pretty stressful because it’s one of the first APs that students take. Grey Fischer, sophomore, stated, “Not my favorite at all. The readings are really boring and there is a lot of work.” However, after the AP exam on May 6th, the feedback was pretty positive. According to sophomore Olma Dagim, “The test was kinda easy. It sort of told you the answer.”
AP United States History – 7/10
Get ready to learn hundreds of years of US history all in one class. You’ll be expected to do a lot of reading and writing. Tinsler noted, “it’s manageable if you stay up to date with the content.” If you’re a history buff, this class will be perfect for you! However, if you aren’t a history fan, and aren’t open to becoming one, then it’s probably not the class for you.
AP Calculus BC – 9/10
“What even is a polar graph?” said Gately. That pretty much sums up the class. If you took AB and thought that was bad, just you wait. Prepare to be confused in almost every unit. If you’re good at math and can learn things at a quick pace, you’ll be fine. But if you’re neither, get ready to stay up till 2AM trying to make sense of the packet of homework you were given. Overall, it will definitely test your limits (get it?) so good luck!
AP Chemistry – 10/10
Lastly, with the highest stress ratings from all the people interviewed, we have AP Chem. The course is content-packed with a very heavy workload. Tinsler noted, “If you’re doing this class on top of other stressful classes it can be very difficult because it’s very time consuming. It’s also two class periods, so more work outside of class.” A few weeks into the class you’ll probably be reconsidering your life choices, but imagine how accomplished you’ll feel by the end of the year! If you decide to take the class, I wish you the best!
Whether you’re trying to stack your schedule for next year or just survive the school year, hopefully this gives you a better idea of what you’re signing up for! Just remember that one person’s experience doesn’t mean it will be yours. Good luck next year, you’ve got this! •