Toughest Advanced Placement CoursesListed and Strategies to Overcome - Challenging AP Tests on RevisionDojo
The Challenging AP Classes of 2025
In the academic world, Advanced Placement (AP) classes are renowned for their rigor and the potential benefits they offer for any academic or career path. However, some AP classes are more demanding than others, as reflected in their lower pass rates and scores.
According to College Board data, the hardest AP classes in 2025 include AP Physics 1, AP English Language and Composition, AP Latin, AP Environmental Science, and AP Human Geography. These classes tend to have the lowest pass rates and the lowest average scores among test-takers.
AP Physics 1, for instance, has one of the lowest pass rates, around 40-46%, and the lowest average score at about 2.53 out of 5. The subject's heavy load of abstract physics concepts and inquiry-based lab work make it challenging.
AP English Language and Composition also poses a significant challenge with its low pass rate near 45-50%, requiring strong analytical writing skills.
AP Latin is another challenging class, with a pass rate close to 59% and only about 13% scoring a 5. The difficulty lies in mastering classical language and literature.
AP Environmental Science and AP Human Geography both have pass rates near 50-65%, noted for their challenging content and sometimes deceptively difficult exam material.
Other AP classes with low pass rates include AP Music Theory, AP Statistics, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP World History, which often require specialized skills or extensive content mastery.
Beyond these challenging classes, there are other AP subjects that demand dedication and hard work. AP Physics C: Mechanics / Electricity & Magnetism is calculus-based physics with a steep learning curve. AP World History: Modern covers over 800 years of global history and requires mastery of historical thinking skills and essay writing. AP Biology includes a large volume of content across cellular biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology. AP Calculus BC covers the entire AP Calculus AB curriculum plus additional advanced topics. AP Chemistry covers complex concepts in stoichiometry, thermodynamics, equilibrium, and kinetics. AP Statistics requires the application of statistical concepts to real-world data.
Preparing for multiple hard APs requires careful planning of study schedule, use of efficient study techniques, and early start of review sessions. Resources such as the AP English Lit and Composition Exam Guide, AP Psych Exam Guide, AP World History Score Calculator, and APUSH Score Calculator are available on RevisionDojo to aid in your preparation.
While the hardest AP classes can be demanding, taking them can be worth it if the subject interests you and aligns with your future goals. A strong AP score can save time and money in college by fulfilling prerequisites. Moreover, demonstrating the ability to handle rigorous academic work is a valuable asset for college applications.
Pursuing AP Physics 1, AP English Language and Composition, AP Latin, AP Environmental Science, and AP Human Geography requires dedication, as these classes are known for their rigor and low pass rates. For those interested in online education, multiple hard APs can be prepared for with the aid of resources such as the AP English Lit and Composition Exam Guide available on RevisionDojo, offering efficient study techniques and early start of review sessions for improved learning.
