Every year, students wonder which AP exams are “easiest” or “hardest” to pass. While the difficulty depends on your personal strengths, College Board score trends reveal which AP exams consistently have the highest pass rates — and which ones challenge students the most.
This guide covers:
- What AP score trends are
- Which AP exams have the highest pass rates
- Which AP exams have the lowest pass rates
- How to interpret pass rate data when choosing classes
Understanding AP Score Trends
- Pass rate = percentage of students scoring 3 or higher on the 1–5 AP scale
- Data is released annually by the College Board
- Trends vary year to year but often show consistent patterns for certain subjects
AP Exams with the Highest Pass Rates
While these rates don’t mean the classes are “easy,” they do suggest students are more likely to earn passing scores:
- AP Chinese Language and Culture – Often above 85% pass rate, but most test-takers are native speakers
- AP Calculus BC – Around 75–80% pass rate, usually taken by strong math students
- AP Physics C: Mechanics – Often 75% or higher, typically taken by advanced STEM students
- AP Drawing – Pass rates around 85%, but grading is portfolio-based
- AP Research – Around 75% pass rate, project-based rather than exam-based
AP Exams with the Lowest Pass Rates
These exams often challenge students due to heavy content loads or complex skills:
- AP Physics 1 – Pass rates around 40–45%, with a high volume of abstract concepts
- AP U.S. History (APUSH) – Often around 48–52%, due to vast content and analytical writing demands
- AP English Literature – Around 45–50%, requiring deep literary analysis and strong essays
- AP Environmental Science – Pass rates around 50%, but with a reputation for being deceptively challenging
- AP Human Geography – Pass rates around 50%, often taken by younger students with less AP experience
How to Use Pass Rate Data
- High pass rate ≠ easy class — often reflects that only highly prepared students take the exam
- Low pass rate ≠ impossible — strong study habits and preparation can lead to a 5 in any subject
- Use trends to guide your AP schedule based on your strengths, not just perceived difficulty
Related RevisionDojo Resources
- Easiest AP Classes
- Hardest AP Classes
- AP Study Tips
- How Many AP Classes Should You Take?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do pass rates predict my personal score?
A1: Not exactly — your preparation and strengths matter more than national averages.
Q2: Why do language AP exams have high pass rates?
A2: Many test-takers are native or heritage speakers, which boosts scores.
Q3: Is a low pass rate a reason to avoid an AP class?
A3: No — take it if it aligns with your interests and academic goals.
Q4: Do AP score trends change much year to year?
A4: They shift slightly, but most subjects stay in similar rank positions over time.
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