Which Advanced Placement Online Courses Are Most Popular?
As students explore advanced placement courses, many wonder: which AP classes are most widely taken? Whether you’re enrolling in AP courses online or planning your high school schedule, understanding the demand for different AP courses can help you make informed decisions. In this blog, we examine the most popular AP classes based on grade, subject interest, and overall student uptake in advanced placement courses.
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Why Some AP Courses Are More Popular Than Others
There are nearly 40 AP courses offered across various disciplines, humanities, math, science, and more. Students typically choose advanced placement courses based on their interests, strengths, and how the course aligns with their future college or career goals.
Moreover, availability plays a role: many schools offer only a subset of all AP courses, making some options more accessible than others.
The Most In-Demand AP Classes Across Grades
Based on historic data and recent AP exam registrations, certain AP classes consistently emerge as the most popular advanced placement courses. Here’s a breakdown by subject area and why they’re favored:
1. AP English (Language & Literature)
- AP English Language and Composition is one of the most commonly taken AP courses.
- AP English Literature and Composition is also widely popular, especially for students who enjoy analysing novels, poems, and plays.
- These courses are attractive because they develop essential skills like academic writing, critical thinking, and textual analysis all valuable for college.
2. History & Social Science Courses
- Courses like AP U.S. History and AP World History attract large numbers of students.
- AP Psychology is also a highly requested class — it’s accessible, fascinating, and relevant for a wide range of majors.
- Such advanced placement courses offer a chance to deep-dive into history, economics, politics, and human behaviour areas many students find intellectually rewarding.
3. Mathematics: AP Calculus AB & Statistics
- AP Calculus AB remains one of the top AP courses taken by students.
- AP Statistics is also among the top requested AP exams.
- These math-based classes provide a strong foundation for STEM majors and help students build quantitative reasoning skills.
4. Science Courses
- AP Biology is frequently chosen among science-focused students.
- With growing interest in environmental studies, courses like AP Environmental Science also draw attention.
- These advanced placement courses offer foundational understanding and hands-on insight into scientific principles.
Trends in AP Course Enrolment & Exam Taking
- According to College Board data, around 80% of public high school students attend schools that offer at least five AP courses.
- In 2024, most students opted to take only one or two AP exams in a year, underscoring the importance of carefully choosing AP classes that align with their goals.
- As more schools expand their online offerings, advanced placement online courses are becoming a practical option for students who do not have access to certain AP classes in their physical schools.
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Final Thoughts
Choosing which AP courses to take is a critical decision in your high school journey. Whether you enrol in advanced placement online, pick on-campus AP classes, or mix both, your selection should reflect your academic strengths and future goals. Popular AP classes such as AP English, AP U.S. History, AP Psychology, AP Calculus AB, and AP Biology remain highly requested for good reasons: they build foundational skills, support college readiness, and offer college credit opportunities.
At Quest for Success, we help students plan, prepare, and excel in their AP courses with personalized mentorship, structured study plans, and expert faculty. Start your AP Calculus BC journey today and unlock your full academic potential. Check our past AP results.