If your passion lies in literature, history, languages, philosophy, or the arts, choosing the right AP classes can strengthen your college applications and prepare you for your intended major. Humanities APs develop critical reading, writing, and analytical skills that are essential in these fields.
This guide covers:
- The most valuable AP classes for humanities students
- Why they matter for college admissions
- How to plan your AP schedule for maximum impact
Why Humanities Majors Should Focus on Specific AP Classes
- Skill Development: AP humanities courses sharpen analytical writing, argumentation, and source interpretation
- Admissions Appeal: Colleges expect humanities-bound students to excel in reading- and writing-intensive APs
- Preparation for College-Level Work: These APs often match the rigor of first-year college humanities courses
Top AP Classes for Humanities Majors
- AP English Literature and Composition – Analyzes poetry, prose, and drama with college-level literary criticism
- AP English Language and Composition – Focuses on rhetoric, argument, and persuasive writing
- AP U.S. History (APUSH) – Deepens historical analysis skills and content knowledge for U.S.-focused majors
- AP World History: Modern – Expands global historical perspective and comparative analysis skills
- AP European History – Focuses on political, cultural, and intellectual movements in Europe
- AP Psychology – Useful for sociology, anthropology, and education majors
- AP Art History – Essential for art, design, or cultural studies students
- AP Human Geography – Builds understanding of global demographics, culture, and spatial relationships
How Many Humanities APs Should You Take?
- Aim for 4–6 humanities APs by graduation if applying to competitive programs
- Include a balance of literature, history, and social sciences to show versatility
Tips for Succeeding in Humanities AP Classes
- Read widely beyond the textbook to deepen context knowledge
- Practice writing timed essays regularly
- Use primary sources and document analysis practice for history APs
- Engage in discussions and debates to refine your arguments
Related RevisionDojo Resources
- AP Lang Study Tips
- APUSH Exam Test Guide
- AP World History Calculator
- AP Psychology Review
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Should I take both AP Lang and AP Lit?
A1: Yes — taking both shows advanced writing and reading skills.
Q2: Is AP Psychology considered a humanities AP?
A2: Yes — it’s part of the social sciences, which are under the humanities umbrella.
Q3: Is AP Art History hard?
A3: It’s content-heavy, but manageable with consistent visual and historical review.
Q4: Which AP history should I take for political science?
A4: AP U.S. History and AP Comparative Government are the most relevant.
Call to Action
🎯 Want to stand out as a humanities student?
Use RevisionDojo’s humanities AP guides to choose the right classes and develop the skills that will impress colleges and set you up for academic success.
