AP Tier List

Ranking all 40 AP classes from Tier S (the highest) down to Tier F (the lowest).

Choosing which Advanced Placement (AP) classes to take can be overwhelming. With 40 AP courses available, it helps to know which ones offer the biggest benefits. This AP Tier List ranks all AP classes from Tier S (the highest) down to Tier F (the lowest). The ranking considers several factors:

• GPA Boost and Rigor: AP classes are weighted on a 5.0 scale at many high schools, so they can raise your GPA above 4.0. However, not all APs are equally rigorous or respected by colleges.
• College Admissions Value: Admissions officers like to see challenging courses on your transcript. Some APs carry more weight in demonstrating academic commitment in core subjects.
• Difficulty Level: AP classes range from very challenging (lots of content or tough exams) to relatively easy. Difficulty alone isn't everything, but it often correlates with how much the course will impress colleges.
• Popularity: Some APs are extremely popular (like AP Psychology with over 290k test-takers), while others are niche. Popular courses might be widely offered and known.
• College Credit Potential: Earning a qualifying AP exam score (usually 4 or 5) can translate to college credits or let you skip introductory courses.

How to Use This Tier List: Higher-tier courses (S or A) are generally the most valuable—they are rigorous, look great on applications, and often earn useful credit. Lower-tier courses (E or F) might be considered easier or less impactful overall. That doesn't mean they have no value; any AP can strengthen your schedule and interests. But if you're aiming to maximize your time and effort, this list can guide you. Always balance these rankings with your own interests and strengths – enjoying a subject can make even a hard class worth it, and colleges know you'll do best in classes you care about. Now, let's break down the tiers!

AP Tier List Summary Table

For quick reference, here is a table listing all 40 AP courses and their assigned tier in our ranking:

(Courses listed alphabetically. "Art and Design" refers to the AP Studio Art portfolio courses in 2-D, 3-D, or Drawing.)

Tier S – The Elite APs (Top Value and Rigor)

Tier S includes the AP classes that are most highly regarded for their rigor and benefits. These courses are the gold standard – they challenge you at the college level and signal academic excellence to admissions officers. They often cover core subjects deeply and can earn substantial college credit if you score well. These classes are hard work, but they carry the biggest "wow" factor on a transcript.

Courses in Tier S:

• AP Calculus BC – Covers a full year of college-level calculus (Calc I & II). It's one of the most advanced math courses available in high school. Doing well demonstrates top-tier math ability and preparation for STEM majors. Many colleges grant credit for Calc I (and sometimes II) with a high AP score. Rigor: Very high – moves fast and expects strong math skills.

• AP Physics C (Mechanics & Electricity/Magnetism) – Two separate exams, both calculus-based physics. AP Physics C is considered among the hardest AP courses, but also the most respected for future engineers and physics majors. You'll tackle college-level physics topics with calculus, showing exceptional analytical skills. Credit: Often can place you out of introductory physics in college if you score well.

• AP Chemistry – A deep, college-level chemistry course with lab work. It demands strong math and problem-solving. AP Chem covers atomic structure, reactions, thermodynamics, and more in great detail. It's highly valued for STEM fields (pre-med, engineering, etc.) and often yields college credit for general chemistry.

• AP English Literature & Composition – The pinnacle of high school English. You'll analyze literary works and write critical essays. It's challenging due to the volume of reading and depth of analysis. AP Lit is one of the harder AP exams to score a 5 on, reflecting its rigor. Success in AP Lit shows advanced reading comprehension and writing skills, valued by virtually all college programs.

• AP United States History (APUSH) – A comprehensive study of U.S. history that's known for heavy reading and writing. It's one of the most popular APs (nearly half a million take it yearly) and also one of the toughest humanities APs. The exam's pass rate is among the lowest (around 48% in 2022), indicating its difficulty. Mastering APUSH shows you can handle college-level historical analysis. Many colleges give credit or require a strong foundation in U.S. history, so this AP can fulfill those needs.

Tier S summary: These APs are high-risk, high-reward. They require lots of effort, but in return they offer the greatest boost to your GPA and admissions profile. S-tier classes demonstrate intellectual maturity and willingness to take on challenges. If you excel in these, you'll stand out as a student who has mastered some of the hardest material available in high school.

Tier A – Excellent Choices (High Rigor and Benefit)

Tier A courses are excellent AP classes that still offer substantial benefits in rigor and college prep, just a notch below S-tier. They tend to be core academic subjects as well, covering important ground and impressing colleges, but they might be slightly less intense or universally valued than S-tier courses. These will still strengthen a challenging schedule and often provide college credit.

Courses in Tier A:

• AP English Language & Composition – Focuses on rhetoric, non-fiction, and effective writing. It's usually taken before AP Lit and is extremely popular. AP Lang isn't easy, but it's a bit more straightforward than AP Lit. It's highly useful: you build college-level writing skills and many universities grant credit for freshman writing courses if you score well.

• AP Biology – A comprehensive biology course covering cellular processes, genetics, evolution, ecology, and more. It involves a lot of memorization and conceptual understanding. AP Bio is challenging (lots of labs and details) but not quite as math-heavy as AP Chem or Physics. It's essential for aspiring biology or pre-med students and often counts for introductory biology in college (though pre-meds may retake it in college for a stronger foundation).

• AP Calculus AB – Covers the first semester of college calculus (differential and basic integral calculus). It's a rigorous math course, though not as fast-paced as Calc BC. AP Calc AB is highly regarded (especially if BC isn't an option or you're on the normal math track). A strong score often earns credit for Calc I. This AP shows you're willing to challenge yourself in math, which is great for STEM and business majors.

• AP World History: Modern – A global history course covering from 1200 CE to present. It's broad in scope, which means a lot of content, but less depth on each nation compared to APUSH. It requires good essay writing and the ability to connect historical themes across regions. AP World is often taken in 10th grade in many schools; doing well demonstrates strong reading and analytical skills early on. Colleges appreciate seeing a world perspective, and it can fulfill general education history requirements at some schools.

• AP European History – Covers European history from the Renaissance to modern times. Similar in format to APUSH and AP World (document analysis essays, lots of content). It's typically as challenging as AP World, though usually taken as an elective. Excelling in AP Euro shows strong interest in history and solid analytical abilities. It's valued by colleges, especially for humanities applicants, though it's slightly more niche than APUSH or World.

• AP Spanish Language & Culture – A rigorous language course for students who have typically had 3–4 years of Spanish. Reaching AP level in a language demonstrates serious commitment and proficiency. Spanish Language is one of the most common AP language exams (and has a high pass rate because many native or advanced speakers take it). A good score can often fulfill college language requirements or place you into advanced Spanish classes. For admissions, it shows cultural literacy and communication skills. (Note: Other language APs like French, Chinese, etc., are also valued—see Tier B.)

Tier A summary: These courses are highly respected and quite challenging, just shy of the S-tier. They build strong skills in core areas like English, math, science, and history. Taking Tier A APs can significantly boost the rigor of your transcript and prepare you well for college academics. They're a smart choice for students aiming for competitive colleges or wanting solid preparation in fundamental subjects without taking on the absolute toughest load.

Tier B – Strong Options (Above-Average APs)

Tier B AP classes are solid choices that generally carry above-average value. They might be a bit more specialized, slightly less rigorous, or not as universally essential as Tier S/A courses, but they still look good on transcripts. Many of these are electives in social sciences, math, or world languages that complement a strong course load. They often provide college credit in their respective fields and are well-regarded, though not usually the most challenging available.

Courses in Tier B:

• AP Statistics – An AP math class focused on data analysis, probability, and statistical inference. It's often seen as easier than calculus, but it's still an AP math course that strengthens analytical skills. Many students take AP Stats alongside or after a calculus class, or as an alternative if they're more into data than pure math. It's valuable for social science, business, or biology interests (fields where stats is useful). Colleges often give credit for an introductory statistics course if you score a 4 or 5.

• AP Microeconomics & AP Macroeconomics – Two separate half-year AP courses (often taken together across one year). They cover basic economic principles – Micro deals with individual markets and consumers, Macro deals with the economy as a whole. Both are not too difficult if you grasp the concepts, making them popular add-ons in junior or senior year. They're quite beneficial: understanding economics is useful, and many colleges accept AP Econ scores for introductory econ requirements. These APs show you have an interest in business or economics and can handle college-level concepts in the social sciences.

• AP Computer Science A – A programming-focused course (in Java). It's essentially an intro computer science class, covering algorithms, data structures, and problem solving through coding. If you're into programming or engineering, AP CSA is a great pick and demonstrates technical skill. It's moderately challenging (especially if you're new to coding), but very doable with practice. Colleges may give credit for an introductory CS course. It's considered more rigorous than AP Computer Science Principles (which is broader and less coding-intensive), so CSA sits higher on the tier list.

• AP African American Studies – A new AP course (being rolled out nationally) focusing on African American history, culture, and contributions. It's interdisciplinary and covers a lot of important material that hasn't traditionally been in standard curricula. As a new course, its credit policies will vary, but academically it's intended to be a challenging, college-level humanities course. Taking it shows intellectual curiosity and cultural awareness. Colleges are likely to view it positively, especially for students interested in social sciences or history, though being new means not all admissions folks are familiar with its content yet.

• AP Art History – An in-depth survey of art through the ages around the world. Students study 250+ artworks, learning to analyze style, historical context, and meaning. It's a challenging course (lots of memorization and essay writing) – some even consider it as tough as an AP history class because of the breadth of content and critical thinking required. AP Art History is an impressive elective if you have interest in art or history. It can often count as an arts or humanities credit in college. While not a must-take for everyone, it definitely adds diversity to your profile and signals strong memorization and analytical skills.

• AP World Languages (French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Latin, Spanish Literature, etc.) – Taking any foreign language to the AP level is commendable. We've placed AP Spanish Literature and all other language AP courses in Tier B. These courses require advanced proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking (except Latin, which focuses on translation). For example, AP French or AP Chinese will have you communicating nearly at a college intermediate level. They can fulfill language requirements or place you into higher-level classes in college. Among these, AP Latin and AP Spanish Literature are known to be particularly tough (rich literary content in the original language). In general, language APs show global awareness and dedication to mastering another language. They're not quite as universally crucial as AP Spanish Language (which we put in Tier A due to its wide use), but they are still strong courses that colleges value, especially if relevant to your intended field or background.

Tier B summary: Tier B AP classes are generally impressive and useful, though they may be more elective or specialized compared to Tier A. These courses often round out a rigorous schedule, giving you expertise in areas like economics, computer science, art, or foreign languages. They strike a good balance by offering challenge and college credit potential without being as notoriously difficult as some Tier S/A classes. If these subjects interest you, they're definitely worth taking and can enhance your college applications.

Tier C – Moderate APs (Average Challenge and Benefit)

Tier C AP courses are middle-of-the-road in terms of difficulty and impact. They are genuine AP classes that will boost your weighted GPA and teach you a lot, but they're either not especially rigorous or not especially valued beyond the GPA boost and potential credit. Think of these as the average AP experience – definitely a step up from regular classes, but not the ones that make admissions officers raise their eyebrows (positively or negatively). They still can earn you college credit and strengthen your readiness for college material.

Courses in Tier C:

• AP Physics 1 & 2 – These are algebra-based introductory physics courses (Physics 1 covers mechanics and basic circuits; Physics 2 covers fluids, thermodynamics, electricity, optics, etc.). They are often taken by students not ready for or not needing the calculus-based Physics C. In terms of difficulty, Physics 1 has one of the lowest pass rates of any AP exam (only ~43% pass), but that's a bit misleading – it's partly because many 11th graders take it without calculus and sometimes underestimate it. Conceptually, Physics 1 and 2 are middle-tier: easier content than Physics C, but still challenging if physics isn't your strong suit. For college, a high score might give credit for a general physics course (especially for non-engineering majors), but many engineering programs prefer the calculus-based physics. These APs show you did take a lab science at AP level, which is good, but they don't carry the same weight as AP Chem or Bio for science rigor.

• AP Statistics – (Moved to Tier C) While we listed AP Stats in Tier B for its usefulness, it's actually one of the more accessible AP math classes. Many students find AP Stats to be moderate in difficulty – it involves less abstract math than calculus, focusing instead on interpreting data and using formulas that are often provided. The coursework includes projects or labs that apply stats to real scenarios, which can be fun. We've placed it in Tier C here because, although it's valuable, it's not viewed as intensely rigorous. It's a great AP to have, especially if you're headed into fields like psychology, business, or biology where statistics knowledge is a plus. Colleges usually accept it for a basic stats requirement. Overall, AP Stats is a solid but not standout AP – it won't impress like Calc, but it won't be seen as a fluff class either.

• AP United States Government & Politics – This course examines the structure and function of the U.S. government, the Constitution, political parties, and policy-making. It's often a one-semester class (paired with Econ or a state civics requirement) and is typically considered one of the easier AP humanities courses. We initially had it lower, but it deserves a moderate ranking because it's still an important subject. AP Gov requires understanding of key concepts and Supreme Court cases, but the content is more straightforward than APUSH or AP Euro. The exam has multiple-choice and free-response questions that are not overly tricky if you've kept up with the material. Many students take AP Gov in senior year as a capstone social studies class. It can strengthen your transcript (showing you took a core civic subject at the AP level) and might give credit for a civics or political science 101 course in college. While not hugely rigorous, it's a good staple AP to have under your belt.

Tier C summary: These AP classes are respectable but not exceptional in the eyes of admissions. They demonstrate you're doing AP-level work, but they won't carry the same weight as an AP Chem or AP Lit. Think of Tier C as solid choices if they align with your interests or round out your schedule. They can also be wise to take if you want an AP experience in a subject but aren't ready to jump into the hardest version (e.g. taking Physics 1 instead of Physics C, or Gov instead of a second AP history). You'll still gain useful knowledge and possibly college credit. Just be aware that, compared to higher-tier APs, these might be viewed as standard rather than standout.

Tier D – Decent but Less Impactful APs

Tier D includes AP courses that are okay to take but generally have lower impact on your admissions portfolio. These tend to be either specialized courses that not everyone needs, or APs known to be on the easier side. They still provide the AP GPA boost and can be worthwhile for personal enrichment or completing an AP Capstone diploma, but they're not going to impress colleges as much as higher-tier APs. In some cases, students take these for the experience or because they enjoy the subject, which is perfectly fine. Just know that from a strategic standpoint, these are lower priority than others if your goal is to showcase rigor.

Courses in Tier D:

• AP Seminar and AP Research – These two make up the AP Capstone program. AP Seminar teaches research, argumentation, and presentation skills on various topics, and AP Research has you design and conduct an in-depth research project of your own. These courses are unique because they're skills-focused rather than content-focused. They can be challenging in terms of time and independent work (writing a big paper, doing a presentation, etc.), but they don't have standardized content exams like other APs (the scores come from projects and an oral defense). While completing the AP Capstone program (both courses) earns you a special diploma, colleges vary in how impressed they are by it. There's usually no direct college credit given for these, since they're not equivalent to a specific college class. However, they do build college-ready skills (writing and research), which is a plus. We place them in Tier D because they're not widely recognized as rigor boosters in the way content-heavy APs are, but they're definitely not "easy A" classes either. If you're passionate about research or your school offers Capstone, they're worth considering for your own growth, even if they don't carry the weight of an AP Chem or APUSH in admissions.

• AP Music Theory – This is a specialized AP for students who are serious about music. It covers music notation, harmony, ear training, sight-singing, and music analysis. If you have a strong background in music (say, you play an instrument and understand basic theory), this class can be very rewarding. It is moderately difficult – the ear training portion especially trips up some students. AP Music Theory isn't a required course for college unless you're pursuing a music degree, in which case it might help you place into advanced theory classes. For non-music majors, it's mostly an elective that shows you're well-rounded. We rank it Tier D because it's not broadly applicable or valued unless relevant to your major. It can be a lot of work (and practice) for a course that many colleges only give elective credit for. Take it if you love music and want to deepen your understanding – that enthusiasm will come through. But don't feel pressured to take it for admissions purposes alone.

• AP Precalculus – This is a new AP course (first exams starting 2024) that covers advanced algebra, trigonometry, and other precalculus topics in depth. Essentially, it's an honors precalc course with an AP exam at the end. AP Precalculus is intended to strengthen students' math skills before college calculus. In terms of difficulty, it's easier than AP Calculus since it's preparing you for calculus rather than doing calculus. We place it in Tier D because while it does give a GPA boost and shows you took a rigorous math class, it's not as impressive as taking calculus in high school. Top STEM-oriented students will be beyond this course, but if math isn't your strong suit or you're on a normal track, AP Precalc can be a good capstone to high school math. Its college credit potential is uncertain; some colleges might give credit for a college algebra/precalc equivalent, but many selective colleges don't award credit for precalc since they consider it high school level. Still, it can demonstrate you didn't shy away from math and can handle college-level algebra/trig. This AP is best for those who want an extra challenge in math but aren't ready to jump to calculus.

• AP United States Government & Politics (AP Gov) – Moved down to Tier D. We initially placed AP Gov in Tier C, but it's worth noting that many regard it as one of the simpler APs content-wise. It typically covers one semester's material and many students find the concepts (like how a bill becomes law, roles of the branches, etc.) relatively straightforward. Because of this, AP Gov doesn't carry the same prestige as a year-long AP course. It's certainly important knowledge, and if your school requires Gov, doing the AP version is wise. Just keep in mind that from an admissions perspective, AP Gov by itself won't convince anyone of exceptional rigor. It's often taken alongside another class (e.g. Econ) to beef up senior year. We've placed it in D to reflect that it's a decent but not demanding AP. (If you love politics or aim for a political science major, still take it – it will give you a solid foundation and show your interest.)

• AP Psychology – Moved up from Tier E in consideration of popularity. AP Psych is famous as an easy and fun AP. Many students enjoy the class because it covers interesting topics about human behavior and the brain, often in a very accessible way (lots of vocabulary, not much math). While it's considered one of the easiest APs, we've put it in Tier D to acknowledge its huge popularity and usefulness. Over a quarter million students take the AP Psych exam each year, making it one of the most taken APs. It's a common choice for a first AP or an additional elective AP because the workload is lighter. Does it help in college admissions? In isolation, not much – it's not a core subject, and it's relatively low rigor. But as part of a broader schedule, it shows breadth. And if you plan to major in psychology or a related field, it demonstrates interest (though an admissions officer knows it's not the toughest class). In terms of college credit, many colleges will give you credit for an introductory psych course if you score a 4 or 5, which is a nice perk. In summary, AP Psych is enriching and useful, just not impressive by itself – we put it in Tier D because it's a solid elective AP but on the easier end of the spectrum.

Tier D summary: Tier D AP classes are mostly electives or skill-based courses that you might take for personal interest or specific goals (like completing AP Capstone or preparing for a certain major). They typically don't carry as much weight for showing academic rigor to colleges, either because they're not core academic subjects or because they're perceived as easier. However, they still have value: they boost your GPA, can earn you some college credit, and show that you didn't completely coast with only easy standard classes. If these subjects appeal to you, they can make your high school experience more enjoyable and diversified. Just remember to also have some higher-tier APs on your transcript to demonstrate challenge, as Tier D alone won't suffice for the most competitive colleges.

Tier E – Easy or Niche APs (Limited Impact)

Tier E APs are those generally regarded as easier AP classes or very niche ones that contribute little to a competitive profile beyond the surface level. These tend to be courses that many students take for a relatively light AP experience or because they align with a specific interest. In terms of admissions impact, these are low – colleges know these APs aren't very rigorous, so having them on your transcript doesn't impress by itself. They can still serve a purpose: they might get you an easy 5 (for college credit), fill an elective slot, or spark an interest in a field. Just be aware that loading up on only Tier E APs won't showcase the kind of academic challenge top colleges look for.

Courses in Tier E:

• AP Environmental Science (APES) – Often jokingly called "AP Easy" or "AP Enviro" by students, this science AP covers ecology, earth science, environmental policies, and human impacts on the planet. It's interdisciplinary and much less math-intensive than AP Physics or Chem. Many students take APES as a third science or as an alternative to physics/chem if those seem too daunting. While the subject matter is important (climate, pollution, etc.), the academic rigor is not very high – a lot of it is vocabulary and general science concepts. It has a relatively low pass rate (~54%), but that's likely due to a broad range of students taking it, not the difficulty of the material. In college admissions, APES is generally considered one of the easier APs. It's great if you're interested in environmental issues or need another science, but if it's your only AP science, it won't carry the same weight as AP Bio/Chem/Phys. Many colleges will give general science credit for a good APES score, which can fulfill a science gen-ed requirement. Take APES for the knowledge and GPA boost, but know that it's not a standout for rigor.

• AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) – This course is an introduction to the world of computing and computer science principles without heavy coding. It includes some programming (which can be in various languages), but also covers big ideas like the internet, data, cybersecurity, and the societal impact of technology. AP CSP was designed to be an inclusive, beginner-friendly AP, and it has one of the highest pass rates (around 70-80%+ earn 3 or above) because the assessment includes projects and an easier exam. It's a fantastic course to take if you want to dip your toes into computer science. For someone already experienced in coding, CSP will feel very easy. In terms of college impressiveness, CSP is not as valued as AP CSA (Java programming) because of its introductory nature. However, it does show you're keeping up with modern fields and can signal an interest in technology. Some colleges might grant elective CS credit for it, but not usually a core CS course. We put it Tier E because of its relative ease – it's often considered a good first AP for sophomores. It's worthwhile if you enjoy tech or want a lighter AP that's still relevant in today's world.

• AP Studio Art & Design (2-D, 3-D, and Drawing) – These are portfolio-based AP courses for creative students. Instead of a written exam, you submit a portfolio of artwork: AP Drawing, AP 2-D Art and Design, or AP 3-D Art and Design (each is a separate AP, and together they were formerly known as AP Studio Art). These classes are time-consuming – you'll spend countless hours creating and refining artworks to meet the AP criteria. However, they're not academically challenging in the traditional sense (no tests, textbooks, or research papers). The difficulty lies in the artistic process and meeting project deadlines. For the tier list, we consider them easy in terms of academic rigor (hence Tier E), but that's not to say producing great art is "easy." These APs are ideal if you are passionate about art; they can improve your art skills and even help build a portfolio for art school. In college admissions, doing an AP Art signals a commitment to the arts, which can be a nice plus if it fits your narrative (especially for liberal arts or art program applicants). But outside of art-focused paths, an admissions reader won't weigh an AP Art as heavily as AP Calculus or AP English. College credit for these is also iffy – some colleges might waive an introductory art class if your portfolio scores well, but many just consider it as part of your high school record. In short, take these for personal growth and passion, not for boosting academic perception.

Tier E summary: Tier E APs are low-impact in terms of impressing colleges. They tend to be easier, have higher pass rates, or focus on niche skills/subjects. They're perfectly fine to take – in fact, they can be very enjoyable and align with your interests – just remember that you'll want some higher-tier APs on your transcript as well to demonstrate academic heft. These courses can be thought of as "dessert" APs: a sweet addition to your schedule, but not the main course. Use them to explore interests (environment, art, computing) or lighten your workload while still earning AP credit. Just don't rely on Tier E classes alone to showcase your readiness for college rigor.

Tier F – Minimal Impact APs (Easiest of the Easy)

Tier F is the bottom tier, reserved for AP courses that offer the least bang for your buck in this ranking's criteria. These are widely regarded as the easiest AP classes available or ones with very narrow benefit. They typically have simpler content, shorter duration, or very limited use for college. For a student aiming to impress colleges, these APs would do little on their own. In fact, some competitive applicants avoid these unless they've already taken higher-level courses, because they don't add much rigor. However, if you've covered your bases with other APs or you're a younger student looking to get started with APs, these can still serve as an introduction to AP coursework.

Courses in Tier F:

• AP Human Geography – Often taken by freshmen or sophomores as their first AP, "AP Huge" is commonly cited as the easiest AP class. It's basically an introduction to human cultural, economic, and political patterns around the world – a mix of geography and sociology. The course content is interesting but not very deep: you learn terms and concepts about populations, urban development, agriculture, etc. The exam is relatively straightforward (mostly multiple-choice and a few short essays). AP Human Geo has a pass rate in the low-to-mid 50% range, and is generally considered a low-difficulty AP. For college admissions, this course doesn't carry much weight; it's considered a beginner AP. It can, however, ignite interest in social studies and prepare underclassmen for harder APs later. If you're a 9th or 10th grader, AP Human Geo is a fine way to challenge yourself early and get a taste of AP. Just know that by junior/senior year, you'll want to move on to more rigorous courses. In terms of college credit, some colleges might give a social science elective credit for a good score, but it usually won't fulfill a core requirement.

• AP Comparative Government & Politics – A half-year AP course that compares the governments and political systems of six countries (like the UK, Mexico, Iran, China, etc.). This class is notoriously easy for those who take it – it covers less material than AP US Gov and the exam is short (just 55 multiple choice and 4 short free-response questions). Many students self-study AP Comp Gov or take it alongside AP US Gov because it's manageable. It also has a high pass rate (around 70%+ pass, because those who attempt it are often well-prepared). While learning about other countries' governments is really cool for globally-minded students, the class itself doesn't impress colleges as a rigorous endeavor. It's often seen as an afterthought or supplement. If you have room in your schedule or are a politics junkie, it's worth taking – you'll gain perspective on how different political systems work, which is great knowledge. Just keep in mind this won't earn you major brownie points in admissions by itself. Colleges might give credit for a political science elective if you score well, but it depends on the school.

Tier F summary: These AP courses are very low in rigor and thus lowest in our tier list. They are fine additions to a schedule that's already strong, or good starters for younger students, but they should not be the cornerstone of your AP strategy. If your transcript were full of only Tier F (and maybe E) APs, top colleges would question whether you challenged yourself enough. That said, AP Human Geography and AP Comp Gov can still be worthwhile for learning's sake – they provide useful content and can make you a more well-rounded student. They'll also still give you that 5.0 bump for an A in the class. Just remember to pair them with higher-tier APs in other subjects to demonstrate a higher level of academic rigor.