How to Choose the Right AP Courses: The Ultimate Guide to AP Exam

Why should I take AP courses?
- AP courses strengthen your college applications by showcasing your ability to handle challenging material and your commitment to academic growth.
- Successfully completing AP exams can earn you college credit and advanced placement, saving time and money in college.
- AP courses provide rigorous, college-level coursework that can enhance your critical thinking and study skills.
How many AP courses are there in total?
There are currently 38 AP courses offered by the College Board.
Arts
- AP Art History
- AP Music Theory
- AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
- AP Studio Art: 3-D Design
- AP Studio Art: Drawing
English
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP English Literature and Composition
History & Social Sciences
- AP Comparative Government and Politics
- AP European History
- AP Human Geography
- AP Macroeconomics
- AP Microeconomics
- AP Psychology
- AP United States Government and Politics
- AP United States History
- AP World History: Modern
Math & Computer Science
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Computer Science A
- AP Computer Science Principles
- AP Statistics
Sciences
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Environmental Science
- AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
- AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
- AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
- AP Physics C: Mechanics
World Languages & Cultures
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
- AP French Language and Culture
- AP German Language and Culture
- AP Italian Language and Culture
- AP Japanese Language and Culture
- AP Latin
- AP Spanish Language and Culture
- AP Spanish Literature and Culture
Can I take AP courses outside my school?
Yes, you can take AP courses outside your school. You can take AP courses online through accredited providers such as the College Board’s AP Online Providers, or through community colleges. Online courses offer flexibility and a wide range of subjects, making them a great alternative for students whose schools have limited AP offerings.
How do I register for an AP exam outside my school?
To register for an AP exam outside your school:
- Contact AP Services for Students to find a nearby school that administers the exam.
- Get permission from the school to test there.
- Follow their registration process and pay the exam fee.
What if my school does not offer the AP course I want to take?
If your school does not offer the AP course you want, consider:
- Enrolling in an online AP course. College Board’s AP Course Ledger lists authorized secondary school courses offered worldwide.
- Taking the course at a local community college.
- Self-studying for the AP exam using textbooks and online resources.
What scores do I need to get for top universities?
For students aiming to attend top universities, achieving high scores on AP exams is often essential. Generally, top universities look for AP scores of 4 or 5. However, the specific score requirements can vary depending on the university and the program you are applying to. It’s important to check the AP credit policies of the universities you are interested in to understand how they value AP scores and which scores are necessary for credit or placement.
How many AP courses should I take?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but competitive students aiming for top universities often take between 5-12 AP courses throughout high school. Balance is key; consider your ability to handle rigorous coursework while maintaining good grades and participating in extracurricular activities.
What AP courses should I take?
Engineering
- Calculus AB or BC
- Physics C: Mechanics and/or Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
- Chemistry
- Computer Science A
- Statistics
Business
- Calculus AB or BC
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Statistics
- Computer Science Principles
Pre-Med
- 生物学
- Chemistry
- Physics 1 or Physics 2 (or Physics C)
- Calculus AB or BC
- 心理学
Computer Engineering
- Calculus AB or BC
- Physics C: Mechanics and/or Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
- Computer Science A
- Computer Science Principles
- Statistics
心理学
- 心理学
- Statistics
- 生物学
- English Language and Composition
- English Literature and Composition
Biomedical Engineering
- Calculus AB or BC
- 生物学
- Chemistry
- Physics C: Mechanics and/or Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
- Statistics
Aerospace Engineering
- Calculus AB or BC
- Physics C: Mechanics and/or Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
- Chemistry
- Computer Science A
- Statistics
Nursing
- 生物学
- Chemistry
- 心理学
- Statistics
- English Language and Composition
Architecture
- Calculus AB or BC
- Physics 1 or Physics 2
- Art History
- Studio Art: 2-D Design or 3-D Design
- Environmental Science