Unlocking AP Exam score trends
For many high school students, determining which AP classes to enroll in requires thoughtful evaluation and personal reflection. AP offers advanced students unique benefits beyond those provided in standard honors courses, most notably the opportunity to earn college credit by successfully completing the course. However, access to credit and advanced placement is contingent upon achieving a qualifying score on corresponding AP exams, which are administered to students at the end of the school year. Regardless of subject area, each cumulative AP exam demands significant focus and thorough preparation, as every test is designed to measure mastery of the material covered throughout the academic year.
A common concern among students is identifying which AP exams are considered the hardest and which may be more manageable when aiming for a qualifying score. Analyzing recent score distributions for AP exams sheds light on student performance across various subjects and highlights which tests are widely regarded as the most challenging. While score distributions are not a flawless indicator of exam difficulty, understanding the percentage of students who earn scores that qualify for college credit helps prospective AP students gauge their likelihood of success.
Below, we’ve examined and summarized recent AP exam data to reveal current trends and highlight which exams had the lowest average scores. We also discuss factors that contribute to certain AP tests being perceived as especially difficult or unexpectedly approachable, and provide tips on how to choose which classes to take.
What is AP?
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are intensive, college-level classes offered in high schools through the College Board, the organization responsible for both the AP program and the SAT exam. These AP classes, such as AP English, AP World History, AP Calc AB, AP Drawing, AP Precalc, AP Chinese, and more, are designed to boost college readiness by challenging students with advanced material that exceeds typical high school coursework. By enrolling in multiple AP courses, students not only gain critical academic experience in core areas but can also explore specialized subjects like ancient languages, music theory, or art history. This allows students to substitute or supplement standard curriculum requirements with AP classes that reflect their interests and strengths. Unique offerings such as AP Capstone emphasize research and inquiry, further expanding students’ opportunities for college credit recognition.
At the conclusion of each AP course, students are assessed through AP exams that measure their mastery of the subject content covered throughout the year. The AP scoring system adheres to the following standards: exams are graded on a scale from 1 to 5, where a score of 3 or higher indicates proficiency and is often considered a passing score for earning advanced standing. Scoring a 3, 4, or 5 can result in students receiving college credit or placement at participating institutions, though policies and the number of credits awarded for an AP class vary by school and subject area.
How does AP scoring work
After AP exams are administered, the scoring process begins by calculating the number of questions a student answered correctly and assessing overall performance:
- Multiple-choice questions are first scored digitally
- Free-response questions are scored manually by experienced educators and academic professionals.
- Portfolios submitted for design-oriented courses are evaluated by specially trained AP Readers using strict standards
These raw scores from each section are then statistically converted into the official AP scale of 1 to 5, designed to ensure consistent results across various exam versions. This statistical method adjusts for the overall difficulty of the year’s examination, guaranteeing fairness and maintaining reliability in AP scoring from year to year.
AP score distribution results are used by colleges as indicators of a student’s readiness and qualification for college credit or advanced placement. The meaning of each score reflects how prepared a student is for college-level work:
| AP exam score | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 5 | Extremely well qualified |
| 4 | Very well qualified |
| 3 | Qualified |
| 2 | Possibly qualified |
| 1 | No recommendation |
Many institutions grant college credit or advanced course placement for scores in the upper range, typically 3 or above, though exact requirements vary by college, program, and subject.
When should I take AP?
To make the most of AP courses and maximize your potential for earning college credit, it’s important to carefully consider how many AP classes you should take throughout high school and when you should take them. Many students begin with one or two AP classes in their sophomore year, then gradually increase the number of AP courses in junior and senior years as they gain confidence and experience. Deciding how many AP classes you should take depends on your academic strengths, your future college major, and the level of challenge you’re prepared to handle with each course and exam. Some advisors recommend taking at least 5, though anywhere between 8 and 12 is common for students applying to top colleges.
For students planning to major in hard sciences, taking multiple AP classes in math and science can demonstrate strong preparation for rigorous college-level work. Excelling in these AP courses not only bolsters your readiness but also signals your commitment to your intended field. However, including an AP course or two in history or literature can enhance your academic profile by broadening your skill set and strengthening communication abilities, qualities valued across all majors.
Similarly, if you’re interested in the social sciences or humanities, choosing a balanced mix of AP classes, including options in mathematics, design, or other disciplines, can showcase your versatility and well-roundedness. By reviewing previous AP exam pass rates, you can gauge the relative difficulty of different tests and make informed decisions about how many AP classes you should take to achieve both a manageable workload and strong scores. This approach helps you design a schedule that is challenging yet realistic, maximizing your chances of earning high marks in all AP courses while supporting your long-term academic goals.
2025 AP pass rates
Below, we’ll examine the most recent AP score distribution for 2025, providing insight into how students performed across all AP exams. The following AP score tables highlight the percentage of test-takers achieving each possible score, from 1 to 5, and indicate the overall proportion of students who earned a score above 3. These AP score distributions are organized by general subject area: Arts, English, History and Social Sciences, Math and Computer Sciences, General Sciences, World Languages and Culture, and AP Capstone.
Arts
This AP program features five courses across different art fields, including AP Drawing, AP 2D Art and Design, AP 3D Art and Design, AP Music Theory, and AP Art History. These courses encompass disciplines such as design and drawing, music theory, and historical or thematic analysis.
| Exam | 3+ | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP 2D Art & Design | 83.00% | 3.30% | 13.70% | 41.80% | 29.30% | 11.90% |
| AP 3D Art & Design | 71.60% | 3.90% | 24.50% | 39.90% | 24.90% | 6.70% |
| AP Art History | 65.60% | 10.30% | 24.10% | 26.20% | 23.30% | 16.00% |
| AP Drawing | 84.20% | 3.20% | 12.60% | 35.60% | 31.50% | 17.10% |
| AP Music Theory | 60.50% | 14.70% | 24.70% | 23.70% | 18.00% | 18.80% |
Among these options, AP Drawing had the highest AP pass rate at 84.2%, reflecting both its popularity and student preparedness. In contrast, AP Music Theory recorded the lowest AP pass rate in this category at 60.5%. Many students find the AP Music Theory exam particularly demanding, largely due to its aural component. This section requires learners to tackle melodic dictation, harmonic dictation, sight-singing, and identify musical elements by ear. Students with extensive experience in musical instruments or vocal training have a strong advantage in this challenging exam.
English
There are two main AP English courses available for high school students: AP English Language and Composition, which emphasizes the analysis of non-fiction texts, and AP English Literature and Composition, which explores a wide range of imaginative literature. Both AP English courses are designed to develop advanced reading, analytical, and writing skills necessary for college success.
| Exam | 3+ | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP English Language & Composition | 74.30% | 9.70% | 16.10% | 32.80% | 28.00% | 13.40% |
| AP English Literature & Composition | 74.20% | 10.00% | 15.90% | 31.00% | 26.90% | 16.20% |
The score distributions for the AP English exams are relatively similar, with approximately 74% of students earning a grade of 3 or higher on their respective AP English assessments. Interestingly, a greater percentage of students achieved a score of 5 on the AP English Literature exam (16.2%) compared to the AP English Language exam (13.4%), despite the perception among some test-takers that AP English Literature is more challenging due to its deep focus on complex literary texts, poetry, and analytical essays.
History and social sciences
AP offers a wide variety of history and social science courses for ambitious students, including highly sought-after options like AP Psychology and AP World History. These AP courses encompass U.S.-centered subjects, such as history and government, as well as globally focused classes that offer international perspectives. These rigorous AP courses are excellent preparation for students planning to major in history, political science, economics, psychology, or related disciplines that demand strong rhetorical and analytical skills.
| Exam | 3+ | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP African American Studies | 79.20% | 4.90% | 15.90% | 29.30% | 32.50% | 17.30% |
| AP Comparative Government & Politics | 71.80% | 11.70% | 16.50% | 32.20% | 23.30% | 16.30% |
| AP European History | 72.60% | 8.40% | 19.00% | 23.90% | 34.80% | 14.00% |
| AP Human Geography | 64.70% | 9.90% | 25.40% | 22.50% | 25.20% | 17.00% |
| AP Macroeconomics | 67.30% | 11.30% | 21.40% | 24.00% | 22.90% | 20.40% |
| AP Microeconomics | 68.20% | 11.50% | 20.30% | 22.60% | 24.00% | 21.60% |
| AP Psychology | 70.50% | 9.80% | 19.70% | 25.20% | 30.90% | 14.40% |
| AP United States Government & Politics | 71.70% | 9.90% | 18.40% | 23.20% | 24.80% | 23.70% |
| AP United States History | 73.70% | 8.00% | 18.40% | 23.30% | 36.20% | 14.20% |
| AP World History | 64.30% | 9.20% | 26.50% | 17.00% | 33.40% | 13.90% |
Among social science exams, AP World History had the lowest percentage of students scoring 3 or above, with 64.3% achieving a qualifying score. In contrast, nearly 80% of students earned a 3 or higher on the AP African American Studies exam. Notably, AP U.S. Government and Politics recorded the highest proportion of students earning a top score of 5, at 23.7%. Excelling in these courses requires extensive reading, memorization of key figures and historical events, and mastery of specialized terminology. Students are also evaluated on their ability to construct well-supported arguments and conduct original analysis using concepts learned throughout these advanced placement courses.
Math and computer sciences
AP’s math and computer science catalog features a comprehensive range of fields, including precalculus, calculus, statistics, and introductory programming. These options enable students to develop essential quantitative and analytical skills before progressing to more advanced coursework in college.
| Exam | 3+ | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Calculus AB | 64.20% | 13.00% | 22.80% | 15.00% | 28.90% | 20.30% |
| AP Calculus BC | 78.60% | 6.20% | 15.20% | 12.80% | 21.90% | 44.00% |
| AP Computer Science A | 67.20% | 22.00% | 10.90% | 19.80% | 21.80% | 25.60% |
| AP Computer Science Principles | 61.90% | 16.80% | 21.40% | 31.20% | 19.90% | 10.70% |
| AP Precalculus | 80.80% | 8.00% | 11.20% | 26.80% | 25.80% | 28.10% |
| AP Statistics | 60.30% | 23.70% | 15.90% | 21.90% | 21.40% | 17.00% |
The latest AP score distribution data highlight notable trends in AP pass rates across these challenging mathematics courses. For AP Precalc, a newer addition often taken by sophomores, over 80.8% of students earned a score above 3, offering a strong entry point for future AP math exams. By contrast, AP Statistics sees only 60.3% of students achieve a passing grade, and nearly one in four students scored a 1, reflecting the exam’s reputation for difficulty. Among upper-level classes, AP Calc BC stands apart: with the highest share of students receiving a top score (44% scoring a 5), this achievement likely reflects the advanced mathematical background of AP Calc BC test-takers, rather than a lack of rigor in the exam itself.
General sciences
In the sciences, students can take AP classes in biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, and physics at varying levels.
| Exam | 3+ | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Biology | 70.40% | 8.60% | 21.00% | 27.40% | 24.10% | 18.90% |
| AP Chemistry | 77.90% | 6.20% | 15.90% | 31.40% | 28.60% | 17.90% |
| AP Environmental Science | 69.20% | 15.80% | 15.00% | 28.80% | 27.80% | 12.60% |
| AP Physics 1 | 67.30% | 19.20% | 13.40% | 22.90% | 24.70% | 19.80% |
| AP Physics 2 | 72.60% | 7.20% | 20.20% | 22.00% | 28.80% | 21.80% |
| AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism | 72.90% | 9.20% | 17.80% | 24.10% | 23.70% | 25.20% |
| AP Physics C: Mechanics | 73.20% | 10.80% | 16.00% | 27.50% | 24.00% | 21.70% |
The exam with the lowest share of students scoring a qualifying result was AP Physics 1, with 67.3% of students scoring a 3 or higher. AP Physics 1 is the first class in the algebra-based physics sequence, and is followed by AP Physics 2, which had a higher pass rate of 72.6%. These results follow a similar trend as AP Calculus AB and BC, where the upper-level course had a larger share of students scoring well on the exam, likely because the pool of students who take these courses is high-achieving. Nearly 80% of students scored a 3 or higher on the AP Chemistry exam, the largest share out of all science exams.
World languages and cultures
AP provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in advanced language instruction, offering AP classes in Chinese, French, German, and even Latin.
| Exam | 3+ | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Chinese Language and Culture | 89.20% | 6.20% | 4.60% | 16.10% | 18.20% | 54.90% |
| AP French Language and Culture | 73.50% | 6.30% | 20.20% | 34.50% | 25.00% | 14.00% |
| AP German Language and Culture | 71.50% | 10.80% | 17.60% | 25.70% | 24.50% | 21.30% |
| AP Italian Language and Culture | 75.20% | 7.80% | 17.00% | 25.90% | 24.80% | 24.60% |
| AP Japanese Language and Culture | 74.70% | 17.80% | 7.50% | 20.20% | 11.30% | 43.30% |
| AP Latin | 58.60% | 16.20% | 25.20% | 29.40% | 16.70% | 12.50% |
| AP Spanish Language and Culture | 85.00% | 2.60% | 12.50% | 31.10% | 31.90% | 21.90% |
| AP Spanish Literature and Culture | 70.30% | 8.80% | 20.80% | 37.70% | 23.60% | 9.10% |
Within this language category, AP Chinese and AP Latin stand out for their contrasting exam outcomes. Nearly 90% of students achieved a score of 3 or higher on the AP Chinese Language and Culture exam, making it one of the highest pass rates among all AP exams. In contrast, only 58.6% of students “passed” the AP Latin exam, which has one of the lowest success rates. For most AP language courses, native or heritage speakers often have an advantage, even when learning formal grammar rules and advanced vocabulary. However, AP Latin presents a unique challenge due to its complex grammatical structure, unconventional spelling, and its status as a “dead” language. For students passionate about learning new languages or interested in classical history or translation at the undergraduate level, AP Latin can offer a demanding yet rewarding experience.
AP Capstone
AP Capstone differs from traditional AP courses due to its unique structure featuring two consecutive, year-long classes: AP Seminar and AP Research. Together, these AP Capstone courses provide a comprehensive program culminating in an official diploma awarded by the College Board upon successful completion. Unlike standard AP subjects that focus on specific academic disciplines, AP Capstone teaches students critical research skills, advanced analytical thinking, proficiency in academic writing, effective presentation techniques, and the ability to construct evidence-based arguments in a multidisciplinary way.
| Exam | 3+ | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Research | 88.50% | 2.20% | 9.30% | 45.60% | 28.10% | 14.80% |
| AP Seminar | 83.40% | 4.20% | 12.50% | 55.00% | 18.90% | 9.40% |
AP Capstone exams for both AP Seminar and AP Research consistently demonstrate strong performance statistics, with over 80% of students earning qualifying scores. Most participants score a 3 on the respective exams, whereas only a select 9.4% of students achieve a top score of 5 on the AP Seminar assessment. This illustrates both the challenge and accessibility of the AP Capstone pathway compared to other AP offerings.
What are the hardest AP exams?
Determining which AP courses and exams qualify as the hardest can be complex, as final test scores and score distributions alone often fail to reflect factors like students’ foundational knowledge or preparedness in particular subject areas. Despite these variables, an analysis of 2025 AP exam pass rates suggests certain AP exams proved especially challenging.
When looking at shares of students who scored a 3 or higher on all exams, certain tests reveal themselves to be outliers in terms of student performance. Notably, many students struggled with AP Latin (58.6%), AP Statistics (60.3%), and AP Music Theory (60.5%), which are consistently recognized as among the most challenging AP exams. In contrast, AP Spanish (85%), AP Research (88.5%), and AP Chinese (89.2%) ranked among the easiest AP exams for students to achieve high scores. It's worth mentioning that highly specialized APs like Latin or Music Theory are available at less schools and taken by fewer students, so results may be less reliable than those of more popular classes.
For students specifically interested in which AP tests see the highest percentages of 5s, the top achievement, the data from the 2025 cycle provides noteworthy trends that differ from those related to pass rates (3+). Unsurprisingly, nearly 55% of AP Chinese examinees earned a 5, though more than 40% of students attained a 5 on both AP Calculus BC and AP Japanese. On the other end of the spectrum, the lowest proportion of students earning a 5 was found in AP Seminar, AP Spanish, and AP 3D Art and Design, with only 6.7% achieving “extremely qualified” status. Despite the high overall pass rate of AP Spanish, only a small number of students managed to secure a near-perfect score.
Another interesting observation from the data is that strong AP exam performance isn’t concentrated within a single discipline; in fact, most AP exam pass rates hover around 70%. For 2025, math courses had an average pass rate of 68.8%, while social sciences achieved a rate of 70.4%, and general science classes had an average pass rate of 71.9%. Arts and design exams reached 73%, English courses saw an average of 74.3%, and language exams led at 74.8%. However, even within these categories, there is significant variability among individual exams. Examining historical score distributions may provide additional insight into year-to-year changes in difficulty for specific AP subjects (for example, the AP Physics 1 mean score increased from a low of 2.59 to 3.12 between 2024 and 2025).
While reviewing pass rates and percentages of students who score well can give a helpful approximation of difficulty, these are guidelines rather than guarantees for future outcomes. Every student’s performance will depend on their previous familiarity with core concepts, dedication to study and excel in the class, and individual learning style. Ultimately, while score data highlights patterns among the most challenging AP exams, each student’s results will ultimately come down to their personal commitment and study efforts.
How many credits is an AP class?
There is no universal standard for determining the value of AP credits, but most colleges award three or more credits (equivalent to one course) per qualifying exam score. When thinking about how many AP classes to take in high school, it’s important to recognize that earning academic credits from AP courses can reduce your overall college coursework load. Some colleges offer advanced placement, allowing you to skip introductory-level courses and fulfill degree requirements faster. In these cases, while you might not see an immediate increase in your credit total, you can still progress through your degree more efficiently thanks to AP exam performance.
For students able to handle the rigorous demands of multiple AP classes, completing several can help satisfy many prerequisites before arriving on campus. Excelling in AP subjects not only demonstrates strong academic ability but also enhances a college application, as many competitive institutions seek applicants who have challenged themselves with advanced coursework. Ultimately, it’s smarter to focus on a manageable number of AP classes so you can achieve strong scores rather than overcommitting and risking low performance. Thoughtfully considering how many AP classes you can take and understanding how many credits each AP class may provide at your college of choice is crucial as you plan your course schedule.
Final thoughts
When considering AP courses to choose from, students often wonder which classes are the most challenging and which are simply “GPA boosters.” Some may hesitate to enroll in certain AP classes due to the reputation of tough or “impossible” exams. Others may be tempted to fill their schedule with AP classes that are considered “easy” with the hope of achieving high scores in each. However, analyzing AP score distributions reveals that test performance varies significantly within subjects, performance is not always associated with perceived rigor, and “difficulty” is fairly subjective.
While beginner-level AP courses sometimes see a higher percentage of students scoring above a 3, advanced courses such as AP Calc BC defy expectations: this course consistently boasts some of the highest pass rates and a large share of students earning a 5. This data suggests that the intensity of even the most challenging AP exams depends more on individual preparation and comfort with the subject matter rather than broad assumptions about the class.
Some AP exams, including uniquely challenging subjects like AP Music Theory, are especially demanding due to their unconventional formats and rigorous content, which is reflected in their lower pass rates. Still, deciding which AP classes to take should extend beyond simply reviewing which are considered the most challenging. Score distributions can provide helpful insights into student performance during particular years, but they should only be one factor when selecting your courses. It’s best to prioritize classes that align with your intended major or field of study, supplement with a few diverse AP subjects, and realistically assess the total number of AP classes you can handle without stretching yourself too thin.
If your school doesn’t offer certain AP courses you’re interested in, consider options like nearby schools or legitimate online AP courses to round out your schedule. Regardless of what you choose, remember that every AP class requires significant effort and consistent practice in order to achieve a score of 3 or higher on the final exam. Make thoughtful decisions about your classes based on your goals, interests, and workload to increase your chances of success.
