Course selection season is upon us, and the ultimate question currently facing three-quarters of the Warde population is: Which classes should we take? So: on the last day of Course Selection, I’ve decided to help in that process because like any good AP student, my favorite subject is procrastination. Some may nonchalantly pick their classes after looking through the course selection packet once and while that must be a relaxing way to live, for the over-thinkers whose recent search history consists of ‘Easiest AP Classes’ or ‘Is AP____ difficult?’, this article will provide some insights from the ones who know it best, those who have taken and (barely) survived these classes and exams.
Disclaimer: These are opinions from members of the student population, NOT facts. Your experience can and will vary.
AP SCIENCE COURSES
The paradox of choice in its finest form, with 4 paths to choose from and about 2-3 (Depending on your tolerance for torture, of course) years to take them in. AP Chemistry (the scary one), AP Physics (the annoying math one that every counselor pushes their students to take), AP Environmental Science (the deceptively easy one), and AP Biology (the one with an introductory class taken in freshman year that no one’s quite sure if they even liked)
AP Chemistry
Difficulty: 8/10
Would You Take This Class Again?
“I would definitely take this class again. Not only do I love the curriculum but I just love the type of community that comes out of the AP Chemistry class.” -Personally, I’d call that a trauma bond.
How Did Your Teacher Influence Your Learning Experience?
“Ms. Ramchandani is a wonderful teacher and truly cares about her students though she gives a lot of work. However, the heavy workload prepares students well for the exam in May.”
What Would You Say to Someone Thinking of Taking This Class?
“It is a great class for those that are interested in Chemistry, if you’re just taking it because it’s an AP science class then you might be disadvantaged more than if you gambled with another science course. Because of this class’ difficulty, you learn what type of study habits work for you, ways to handle stress, and how you work under pressure. I would recommend it to anyone that is thinking about it!”
AP Biology
Difficulty: 8/10
Would You Take This Class Again?
“I’d definitely take AP Biology again. While I wouldn’t consider myself extremely inclined to STEM subjects, I truly enjoyed my Freshman Biology class, and wanted to continue to explore in that regard. I felt constantly challenged, and enjoyed the subject matter.“
How Much Does Your Teacher Prepare You For the AP exam?
“I had Mrs. Lutz for AP Biology, and I felt that she prepared us extremely well for the exam. Throughout the year, the tests you’ll take as a student are composed of questions from prior AP exams, which helped me to understand and acclimate to the testing format for the entire year. The exam is composed of multiple choice questions and a set of FRQs, both of which I was provided plenty of practice for. In early May, we took a Mock AP exam, which mimicked College Board’s length and structure. While it had been intimidating, I found that by the time that it rolled around, I felt prepared from class exercises and the studying I’d done at home.”
“I would recommend purchasing the review book your teacher recommends at the beginning of the year! In sum, I felt extremely well prepared, both by my own hand and what I’d learned in class. There is a lot of support to be found in school both by default and if you consult your teacher.”
How Would You Describe this Class to Someone Thinking of Taking it?
“A challenging class where you’ll need the drive to understand how different biological systems are interconnected. Expect a lot of labs, query-based activities, and a rewarding experience.”
AP Physics
Difficulty: 7/10
Would You Take This Class Again?
“Yes, while this class has challenged me and it took a little bit to get used to the workload, it hasn’t felt too overwhelming.”
How Much Does Your Teacher Prepare You For the AP exam?
“Mr. Gloria is going to give us 2 weeks before the exam to review. He is just very patient and helpful.”
How Would You Describe this Class to Someone Thinking of Taking it?
“The class is very math involved as it has many theoretical and a lot of hands-on projects and labs. So if you like math and don’t mind the critical thinking aspect of science, I’d recommend taking it, especially if you’re already considering a physics course.”
AP Environmental Science
Difficulty: 5/10
Would You Take This Class Again?
“Yes- I find the subject really interesting, and my teacher Mr. Foster is really open to student feedback on what we need help learning or to figure out a challenging but not overwhelming amount of work to give!”
How Much Does Your Teacher Prepare You For the AP exam?
“Much of our test prep is directly through the college board, so there’s a good amount of prep for the AP exam there. The only thing is there’s not a lot of time management preparation for the constraints of the AP exam.”
Would You Say to Someone Thinking of Taking This Class?
“This class is great for anyone interested in environmental science or the basics of how our environment works as well as how it’s been treated by humans. I also think it’s a great introductory AP class for a student who is interested in easing their way into a more rigorous course load, since I’ve found that it is a relatively easier class compared to the other APs I’ve taken” Keep in mind “easy for an AP class” isn’t the same as an “easy class!” “.
AP HISTORY COURSES
The classes that are home to the dreaded DBQ, the only essay that’s graded on your ability to name-drop.
AP European History
Difficulty: 6.5/10
Would You Take This Class Again?
“Yes, I think this course has challenged my test taking and test preparation skills. In addition this course has pushed me to work harder because of the increased workload. Perfect for an introduction to the heavy workload of AP history for the sophomores taking it.”
“Yes I would, the teacher makes the class experience fun and exciting everyday. The material in the class is interesting and extensive and would be recommended if you are interested in a further “deep-dive” of European history.”
How Much Does Your Teacher Prepare You For the AP exam?
“Mr. O’Brien is an engaging teacher, who succeeds at making the subject matter interesting to his students.”
“We have organizers/study guides we add to throughout the year that assists us on not only the midterms and AP exam, but also regular tests.”
“The content of this course is not difficult to understand as long as you are willing to do the work to understand it. This would include textbook reading, participating in discussions in class and other additional resources not provided inside class that you can find. A lot of the work is done outside of class although it’s not an overwhelming amount of work.”
What Would You Say to Someone Thinking of Taking This Class?
“It is definitely a commitment to take that class, because it is a decent amount of work, but not a crazy amount. If you like history, take it!! It’s a fun experience and is usually never an uneventful class.”
“The content of this course is not difficult to understand as long as you are willing to do the work to understand it and make connections between the content. This would include textbook reading, note taking, participating in discussions in class and overall making sure you’re retaining the information.”
AP United States History(APUSH)
Difficulty: 6/10
Would You Take This Class Again?
“Yes I would, because I loved the topics and also the bond I formed with the other students in the class is unlike any other.”
How Much Are You Prepped For the AP exam?
“I had Mr. Flynn and he prepares us a ton for the Ap Exam, because of that the workload is pretty intense.”
What Would You Say to Someone Thinking of Taking This Class?
“Your experience will differ depending on the teacher you have but it is overall a fun class. But be prepared. It is HARD and it will be a struggle at times. But it is worth it.”
AP American Studies (AMSTUD)
Difficulty: 8/10
Would You Take This Class Again?
“I would absolutely take American Studies again, if given the chance – I feel that I forged such a close bond with my teachers and classmates, as well as became a stronger learner as a whole.”
How Did Your Teacher Influence Your Learning Experience?
“I had Ms. DelSole and Mrs. Murphy as my AMSTUD teachers, and the rigorous curriculum that they provided served to create such a solid foundation for me as a writer and historian. While reviewing outside of school for the exams is necessary (as it is for most any class you’d take), I walked into the Lang and APUSH exams with confidence that I had been supported and given the proper skills and strategies to succeed.”
How Would You Describe this Class to Someone Thinking of Taking it?
“A rigorous but rewarding way to connect different subjects within the humanities. If you plan to take AP Language and Composition as well as AP US History, I’d strongly recommend joining the two with this class. There’s nothing quite like finishing the day in the same classroom, with the same teachers and peers. You form a community.”
AP U.S. Government
Difficulty: 3/10
Would You Take This Class Again?
“Yes, The teachers are great and the course load is not too heavy. Overall the class is engaging and the content is interesting.”
How Are You Prepped For the AP exam?
“We do practice FRQs (Free Question Response) and MCQs (Multiple Choice Question) in class.”
How Would You Describe this Class to Someone Thinking of Taking it?
“Write 6-7 short papers total for the class (you have to write 2-3 over the summer). Large focus on applying government structures and policies into current events.”
AP Comparative Government
Difficulty: 9/10
How Would You Describe this Class to Someone Thinking of Taking it?
“It’s fun because we get to learn about the governmental structures and societies outside of the U.S like the UK, Russia, China, Nigeria, Iran, and Mexico.”
What Would You Say to Someone Thinking of Taking This Class?
“While it’s not a bad class, just take AP US Gov. It’s easier with an overall lighter workload, especially if you’re thinking about it for Senior year.”
AP ENGLISH COURSES
If you can write a decent essay and don’t consider English to be torturous, you might want to hear what these people have to say.
AP Language and Composition
Difficulty: 5/10
Would You take This Class Again?
“Yes, because as someone more drawn to the humanities, I enjoyed the environment of a more advanced English course that incorporated complex and interesting novels.”
How Much Are You Prepared For the AP exam?
“We didn’t practice much of the essay writing for the AP exam so we were disadvantaged there.”
What Would You Say to Someone Thinking of Taking This Class?
“Take it. The workload isn’t terrible and I’ve heard from those who took English 11 Honors that they wish they just took AP Lang.”
AP Literature and Composition
Difficulty: 7/10
Would You Take This Class Again?
“Yes, like AP Lang it’s a rewarding advanced English course but more of a focus on literature, similar to 9th grade English with literary analysis’.”
How Are You Prepped For the AP exam?
“Not a lot of preparation for the test itself but it did a good job on focusing on developing our analytical skills.”
How Would You Describe this Class to Someone Thinking of Taking it?
“We mostly read books, watch plays and films, then analyze and discuss them while applying different types of theory to them. Then we write essays on them.”
AP MATH COURSES
For those who like Math, can tolerate it, or just are naturally good at it, you might want to look into these 3 options.
AP Statistics
Difficulty: 5/10
Would You Take This Class Again?
“Yes, since Statistics is very useful for a lot of areas of study, not just STEM I felt I could apply it more than previous math courses. But if you’re more of a straight forward math person who hates proofs in geometry or explaining your work in general, I wouldn’t recommend it.”
How Did Your Teacher Influence Your Learning Experience?
“Ms. Otterspoor is the only teacher for AP Stat and it’s clear that she knows the material well and wants us to succeed.”
How Would You Describe this Class to Someone Thinking of Taking it?
“Word problems, explaining your work, graphs, and more word problems. But as someone who isn’t necessarily a ‘math person’ while it challenged me consistently, this course also allowed me to combine the use of analytical skills with the concepts taught in class.”
AP Calculus AB
Difficulty: 4/10
Would You Take This Class Again?
“Yes, but while it’s easier than AP Calculus BC it doesn’t make it easy by any means. But if you’re interested in Math, enjoyed Pre-Calc and want to take an AP Calculus course with a lighter workload than BC, this is for you.”
How Would You Describe this Class to Someone Thinking of Taking it?
“Algebra and pre-cal are the base of everything we do, from there we add on new concepts that are nothing like you have done before. If you don’t know your basics it will be hard. This is math that will be difficult, but you will figure it out with help from Mrs.Shannon and other students.”
AP Calculus BC
Difficulty: 9/10
Would You Take This Class Again?
“Yes, it is difficult but rewarding. It also consists of a close knit class since you’ll be surrounded by people who are just as interested in math as you are, and who want to challenge themselves-Due to the difficult content, everyone struggles together and builds relationships across grade levels as you work through integrals and differentiation over the course of the year.”
How Are You Prepped For the AP exam?
“Mrs Shannon is the perfect teacher for this subject, as she both encourages you to figure out the content on your own while also offering lots of extra help if needed. She also does an amazing job helping you prep for the AP exam. It is very intense because it is such a quick pace test! But you learn a lot over the course of the year.”
How Would You Describe this Class to Someone Thinking of Taking it?
“This class is extremely difficult and moves at an incredibly fast pace. The tests and graded assignments are also very challenging and will push your understanding of math to its breaking point. Whether you’re interested in going into STEM, or enjoy other fields but want an extra challenge, this is the class for you, as long as you’re willing to work hard. A lot of preparation is required before tests and graded assignments in order to succeed, so don’t be afraid to ask for help!”
AP LANGUAGE COURSES
AP French
Difficulty: 4/10
Would You Take This Class Again?
“100% I would take this class again. Since I’ve taken French since 6th grade I know most of my classmates already and I can understand the language so much better than last year.”
How Did Your Teacher Influence Your Learning Experience?
“Madame Mairech is an amazing teacher for the subject, since we have many in class activities and field trips to help us engage with both the language and culture.”
How Would You Describe this Class to Someone Thinking of Taking it?
“If you’ve been taking French through all of high school, unless you have a schedule conflict, you should take AP French. The class helps to synthesize your understanding of the language itself, helping you to feel more confident interacting with fluent speakers. It’s also a good idea to take a language all four years of high school, and sticking with the same one shows your dedication and willingness to master French.”
AP Spanish
Difficulty: 5/10
Would You Take This Class Again?
“Even if you’ve already earned your biliteracy seal, I’d recommend AP Spanish to any Spanish student! I feel that the work has become a lot more conversational, and that what I’m learning could be used in realistic situations. It’s a bit more rigorous than the other Spanish classes I’ve taken in the past, but feel it’s worth it.”
How Did Your Teacher Influence Your Learning Experience?
“Profe Seara teaches both sections of AP Spanish, and is very attentive in making sure that each of her students feels comfortable with the language and prepared for the exams to come. I’m having a lot of fun in class with her this year.”
How Would You Describe this Class to Someone Thinking of Taking it?
“A class where what we learn feels like it will be helpful in the future, in a challenging setting where your class becomes a community.”
AP ELECTIVES
These are the classes that don’t fit into the Core 3 or the language track, so it’s less about which one to take and more about if you want to take them at all
AP Psychology
Also Known As: Getting graded on overthinking
Difficulty: 7/10
Would You Take This Class Again?
“Yes, because it is very interesting and combines social science with biology.”
How Are You Prepped For the AP exam?
“All of our tests and quizzes are in AP format so we are used to practicing that as well as FRQ’s.’
How Would You Describe this Class to Someone Thinking of Taking it?
“It is a course that requires a lot of memorization, but if you’re generally interested in the psychology of the human brain, and want a ‘fun’ AP for your senior year, I’d recommend taking it.”
AP Studio Art
Difficulty: 7/10
Would You Take This Class Again?
“Yes, because it is so fun to have absolute freedom over what you get to create and the ideas you can express.”
How Are You Prepped For the AP exam?
“Whether or not you take the AP exam you have to create a portfolio and all the work needed so you are aware of preparing for the exam all year.”
How Would You Describe this Class to Someone Thinking of Taking it?
“If you’re interested in art, then take it but if you’re choosing this class just because it seems easy I wouldn’t recommend it as you have to have some artistic interest to motivate you to be consistently creating.”
AP Computer Science
Also Known As: A class for those that don’t mind a hands off learning environment and want to code their own websites or hack into the school’s website (NOT advised)
Difficulty: 2.5/10
Would You Take This Class Again?
“No”- I love the bluntness.
How Did Your Teacher Influence Your Learning Experience?
“He is pretty hands off – he assigns us cohesive assignments, videos, and projects to explain the material.”
What Would You Say to Someone Thinking of Taking This Class?
“It is known as an “AP study hall” but the content is still quite hard.”
“If you have any interest in computer science I would recommend it. It will definitely give you a good basis for you to decide if you want to continue with Computer Science.”
AP Micro/Macroeconomics
Difficulty: 8/10
Also Known As: The class widely recommended by business teachers but just because you have an A+ in Marketing, aesthetics sadly don’t translate into graphs
Would You Take This Class Again?
“No, because it was a challenging class and test based. I wasn’t also passionate enough to care/focus in the class so information was hard to grasp.”
How Did Your Teacher Influence Your Learning Experience?
“Ms. Finn is nice and wants her students to succeed. Throughout the semester she assigns groups of students to complete a study guide based on different chapters from the textbook.”
What Would You Say to Someone Thinking of Taking This Class?
“It is not formatted like the other business classes and I would compare it more to a math class due to the influence of graphs and interpreting trends-especially for microeconomics.“
“Make sure you’re passionate or the class is relevant to you because there is a lot of memorizing and understanding content. Also since you can’t just sit down and expect to understand the content on the spot it’s also hard to catch up if you’ve missed a day.”
Due to the fact that most of these past students would take these classes again, either they’ve deluded themselves into thinking it was better than it was or your success in each class really is what you put into it…but it’s probably the first one.