Is Taking Multiple AP Classes a Good Idea, or Is It Too Much Stress?
- Vinayak Khattar
- Apr 21
- 5 min read
Today’s high school students face more pressure than ever before to get perfect grades, crush standardized tests, and build college applications that stand out in a sea of achievers. One of the biggest questions we hear at Solomon Tutoring is:
“How many AP classes should I take, or will taking multiple AP classes just cause too much stress?”
AP (Advanced Placement) classes are rigorous college-level courses offered in high school, and while they can boost your GPA and help you earn college credit, they can also push students into burnout if not chosen carefully.
This blog dives deep into the reality of taking multiple AP classes: the benefits, the challenges, and the smartest way to approach your course load.
What Are AP Classes?
AP (Advanced Placement) courses are offered by the College Board, which is also the creator of the SAT. These are college-level courses taught in high school, designed to give students a taste of university-style learning. At the end of each course, students take a standardized AP exam in May, which is scored on a scale from 1 to 5.
Achieving a score of 3 or above on the AP exam can often earn you college credit or allow you to bypass entry-level courses at many universities.
But the benefits go beyond just credits:
Critical thinking: AP classes demand more than memorization; they develop your analysis, writing, and reasoning skills.
Time management: With tight deadlines and heavy workloads, AP courses help students build strong academic habits.
Depth of learning: AP courses offer a more thorough exploration of the subject matter. In AP U.S. History, you’ll do more than memorize dates, you’ll analyze causes, effects, and perspectives.
Weighted GPA: At most schools, an A in an AP class is worth 5.0, giving your GPA an extra boost.
Still, these classes aren’t easy, and they’re not always the right fit for every student.
How Many AP Classes Should You Take?
Determining the optimal number of AP classes to undertake during high school is a pivotal decision that can significantly influence your academic trajectory and college prospects. It's essential to approach this decision with a strategic mindset, considering various factors that align with your personal goals and capabilities.
Understanding the Average AP Course Load
While there's no universal standard, it's observed that many students aim to balance their academic challenges across different grade levels. Here's a general guideline to consider:
Freshman Year: Starting with 0-2 AP classes can provide a manageable introduction to advanced coursework.
Sophomore Year: Progressing to 1-3 AP classes allows for continued academic growth without overwhelming yourself.
Junior Year: Taking 3-5 AP classes can demonstrate your commitment to academic excellence and prepare you for college-level work.
Senior Year: Completing 4-6 AP classes can showcase your dedication and readiness for post-secondary education.
Are AP Classes Worth It?
In most cases, yes, but only when taken for the right reasons.
Why AP Classes Can Be Worth It:
Save money on college: Scoring a 4 or 5 on an AP exam can knock out general ed requirements, saving you a semester or more.
Boost your GPA: Most schools offer GPA weighting for AP courses.
Stand out in admissions: They show you challenged yourself academically.
Develop real skills: Writing, analysis, problem-solving, and exam strategy.
Feel college-ready: Students who take APs often report being better prepared for the pace of college.
College admissions teams care about balance. If you take four APs but struggle with C’s and anxiety, that doesn’t impress anyone. It’s better to take two APs and excel than five and crash.
Important Note: Students turn to Solomon Tutoring for trusted support in AP Math and test preparation. Our experienced tutors provide personalized guidance that helps students master challenging AP coursework and perform their best on AP exams, whether they’re aiming for college credit, higher GPAs, or a competitive edge in admissions.
What Are the Hardest AP Classes?
Some AP courses are more challenging than others due to factors like content complexity, fast pacing, or exam difficulty. Based on student feedback and AP score reports, we can identify which subjects are the most challenging.
The following table shows the percentage of students who scored 3 or higher on each AP exam in May 2022:
Subject | % Scoring 3 or Higher |
AP Art and Design: Drawing | 88.3% |
AP Art and Design: 2-D | 86.6% |
AP Art and Design: 3-D | 73.6% |
AP Art History | 61.5% |
AP Biology | 67.9% |
AP Calculus AB | 55.7% |
AP Calculus BC | 76.9% |
AP Chemistry | 54.0% |
AP Chinese Language and Culture | 86.9% |
AP Computer Science A | 67.9% |
AP Computer Science Principles | 63.5% |
AP Economics - Macro | 55.8% |
AP Economics - Micro | 59.0% |
AP English Language and Composition | 55.7% |
AP English Literature and Composition | 77.9% |
AP Environmental Science | 53.5% |
AP European History | 58.9% |
AP French Language and Culture | 71.6% |
AP German Language and Culture | 65.5% |
AP Government & Politics - Comparative | 70.5% |
AP Government & Politics - United States | 48.6% |
AP Human Geography | 53.2% |
AP Italian Language and Culture | 70.5% |
AP Japanese Language and Culture | 75.5% |
AP Latin | 57.0% |
AP Music Theory | 61.9% |
AP Physics 1 | 43.3% |
AP Physics 2 | 69.7% |
AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism | 69.4% |
AP Physics C: Mechanics | 73.4% |
AP Psychology | 58.3% |
AP Research | 82.7% |
AP Seminar | 82.6% |
AP Spanish Language and Culture | 81.7% |
AP Spanish Literature and Culture | 64.2% |
AP Statistics | 60.5% |
AP United States History | 48.2% |
AP World History | 62.1% |
This data is sourced from the College Board's official 2022 AP Score Distributions.
Observations on Exam Difficulty
Based on the percentage of students scoring 3 or higher, certain AP exams are perceived as more challenging:
AP Physics 1: With just 43.3% of students earning a score of 3 or above, this exam is considered more challenging compared to other AP subjects.
AP United States History: With 48.2% scoring 3 or higher, this exam also presents challenges for many students.
Conversely, exams like AP Art and Design: Drawing (88.3%) and AP Research (82.7%) have higher percentages of students scoring 3 or higher, suggesting they might be less challenging.
So, if you ask, “What Are the Easiest AP Classes?” AP Art and Design: Drawing and AP Research stand out as less challenging options based on the 2022 data.
To learn more about other popular topics, check out these posts:
How Solomon Tutoring Supports Your Path to AP Success?
One-on-One Tutoring: Receive personalized instruction tailored to your learning style and pace.
24/7 Math Help via Chat: Access immediate assistance with math problems anytime, ensuring continuous learning.
Note-Taking Tips: Learn effective strategies to organize and retain information, enhancing study sessions.
Effective Study Skills: Develop personalized study plans and time management techniques to maximize exam preparation.
AP Practice Tests: We simulate the test with numerous real AP practice exams to help you become more familiar with the test format, question style and identify areas for improvement.
Custom Study Plans: We work with you to create a customized study schedule that fits in with your school and extracurriculars and also ensure comprehensive coverage of all AP math topics.
Confidence-Building Approach: We focus on more than just scores; we help students feel capable, prepared, and motivated.
Taking multiple AP classes can be a smart move - but only if it aligns with your goals, strengths, and capacity to manage the workload. It’s not about how many you take, but how well you handle them. Choose wisely, plan carefully, and prioritize balance.
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