Does anyone know which AP exams are considered the toughest according to College Board? I want to balance my schedule by avoiding stacking too many difficult ones in a single year.
Certainly, the perceived difficulty of an AP exam can vary greatly depending on a student's strengths and interests. However, according to pass rates provided by the College Board, some exams do tend to be more challenging for a larger number of students.
For languages, AP Physics C can be particularly demanding as it requires strong skills in calculus and a deep understanding of physics. In the social sciences, AP World History and AP European History are known to be comprehensive and conceptually challenging.
The AP English Literature, with its emphasis on in-depth analysis of complex literary works and advanced writing skills, tends to be a tougher nut to crack than AP English Language.
On the other hand, AP Human Geography and AP Environmental Science are commonly seen as less demanding in comparison to the subjects above, though they still require a significant time commitment and rigorous understanding.
Remember, the difficulty of an AP course and how well you do is largely dependent on your background knowledge, interests, and the amount of effort you're willing to put into the class. It would be wise to discuss your course selection with your school counselor or teachers who are familiar with your academic performance and aspirations. They can guide you to make well-balanced choices that will challenge but not overwhelm you.
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