Not every student is aiming to take AP Physics C: Mechanics and survive on caffeine and panic. Sometimes, you just want an AP that:
- Doesn’t kill your GPA,
- Gives you a solid score,
- And still leaves you time for, well… breathing.
If you’ve ever typed “easiest AP class to pass” into Google at 1 AM, you’re not alone.
“I took AP Environmental Science senior year just to boost my GPA and have a chill year. Ended up with a 5 and barely cracked open the textbook.”
— real comment from Reddit’s r/APStudents (2024 thread)
The truth? The “easiest” AP class isn’t the same for everyone — it depends on your strengths, your school’s teacher, and your tolerance for reading vs math.
But if you want to:
- Avoid soul-crushing APs that wreck your schedule,
- Still impress colleges with your transcript, and
- Play it smart with your course load…
This guide is for you.
Quick Snapshot – Top 5 Easiest AP Classes in 2025
Current 2025 AP Pass Rates (Scored 3 or Higher)
(from official College Board score distributions)apstudents.collegeboard.org
Looking for an easy GPA booster or your first AP class?
These five are student-approved, score-friendly, and (relatively) low stress.
| AP Class | Pass Rate (2025) | Avg Study Time | Student Comments (Reddit/Quora) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AP Psychology | 72% | ~2–3 hrs/week | “Memorize terms, watch a few crash course vids—done.” |
| AP Environmental Science | 69% | ~3 hrs/week | “Super chill. Some labs, but nothing too heavy.” |
| AP Human Geography | 65% | ~2–3 hrs/week | “Good for freshmen. Maps, vocab, not too deep.” |
| AP Computer Science Principles | 63% | ~2 hrs/week | “Lots of projects, but multiple paths to a 5.” |
| AP Art History | 66% | ~3 hrs/week | “It’s a slideshow class—if you’re visual, it’s easy.” |
Make sure to plan ahead using the official AP Exam Schedule so you don’t overload your test week with back-to-back exams.
Top 5 Easiest AP Classes in 2025 – Pass Rates, Study Time & Tips
Infographic showing the top 5 easiest AP classes in 2025 based on pass rate, average study time, and student insights – includes AP Environmental Science, AP Psychology, AP Human Geography, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Art History.
In my opinion, any AP with >65% of students scoring a 3+ and a reasonable workload is fair game for an “easy” pick—especially if the content clicks with you.
Students on r/APStudents say the easiest APs aren’t always the highest scoring—but they are the ones where you feel in control, not overwhelmed.
If you’re aiming for the most strategic picks overall, check out our full guide on the Best AP Classes to Take based on score stats, college credit value, and student feedback.
What Makes an AP Class “Easy”?
There’s a common trap a lot of students fall into: assuming pass rate = easy class. But here’s the real story.
“AP Physics C has a crazy high pass rate—but that’s because the only people taking it are already math whizzes.”
— r/APStudents 2025 Pass Rate Discussion
So what actually makes a class feel easy? Let’s break it down.
Is it the pass rate or the homework?
Some APs let you coast with minimal study (hello, AP Environmental Science). Others bury you in 100-page textbook readings and essays (APUSH, looking at you).
We pulled data straight from the 2025 College Board Score Release and student feedback:
| AP Class | Avg. Weekly Study Time | 2025 Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
| AP Psychology | ~2–3 hours | 59.6% |
| AP Environmental Science | ~2 hours | 54.8% |
| AP US History (APUSH) | ~5–6 hours | 48.2% |
| AP Physics C: Mech | ~6+ hours | 73.4% |
Just because a class has a high score rate doesn’t mean it’s low effort. A lot depends on who is taking the test.
Skill-based vs. Memorization-Heavy APs
Some AP classes test how well you think — others test how well you can cram and regurgitate.
| Type | Examples | Easiest for… |
|---|---|---|
| Skill-based | AP Lang, AP Stats, AP CSP | Writers, math thinkers |
| Memorization-heavy | AP Bio, AP Art History, APUSH | Flashcard lovers, history buffs |
A Quora user put it like this:
“AP Lang was manageable. Just keep writing and reading. But AP Bio? I felt like I was studying for med school.”
— Quora: What Are the Easiest APs in 2025
Real Student Tip (Homeschooler Forum)
“As a homeschooler, I picked AP Psychology and AP CSP because the rubrics are clear, the YouTube walkthroughs are everywhere, and I could self-pace. No regrets.”
— HSLDA Homeschool AP Discussion Thread (unlinked)
Ranked List: Easiest AP Classes According to Students
Let’s be honest — what College Board says is “easy” doesn’t always line up with what students actually feel. So instead of just looking at pass rates, I pulled real feedback from Reddit’s r/APStudents and a few honest Quora threads.
Here’s what students say are the easiest AP classes based on real experience, not just test stats:
1. AP Psychology
“This one felt like a fun elective. Memorize vocab, understand some brain stuff, and you’re golden.”
- Why it’s easy: Mostly memorization, not much writing or math
- Score Safety Net: Over 70% pass rate in 2025
- Study Hack: Watch YouTube Crash Course + Quizlet sets = 4 or 5
2. AP Environmental Science (APES)
“It’s not a ‘science’ science. A little bio, a little earth, mostly common sense.”
- Why it’s easy: Conceptual rather than calculation-heavy
- Student tip: Group projects help buffer your grade
- Caution: Some say it depends a lot on your teacher
3. AP Human Geography
“If you know what a demographic transition model is, you’re already halfway there.”
- Why it’s easy: Good intro AP for freshmen
- Popular Advice: Flashcards + map practice = A
- Real Reddit quote: “It was like a 6th-grade social studies class… but with fancy terms.”
4. AP Computer Science Principles (CSP)
“It’s not hard… just different. Logic over memorization.”
- Why it’s easy: More projects than tests
- No coding experience? You’ll be fine — lots of drag-and-drop environments
- Real student take: “This is the only AP I took where I actually had fun.”
5. AP Art History
“If you like history and can remember paintings, this is low-stress.”
- Why it’s easy: Visual learners thrive
- Study Flow: Break art into time periods + Quizlet images
- Note: It can be reading-heavy if your school treats it like a college seminar
Real Talk: These aren’t “no-work” classes — but compared to AP Chem, Calc, or Physics?
I’d recommend these to first-time AP students or anyone juggling a heavy schedule.
Sidebar Tip (Optional Box)
Teacher Quality Matters:
A class that’s easy at one school can be way harder at another. One Redditor said their APES class was “a total joke,” while another had to write weekly lab reports. So… always ask upperclassmen how your school teaches it.
Classes That Seem Easy But Aren’t
Some APs look chill on paper… until the assignments pile up or the FRQs throw you off completely.
“AP Gov was chill until the FRQs dropped.”
— Quora: What’s the easiest AP?
Here are the biggest “trap” APs students mentioned in 2025:
| AP Class | What Students Expect | What Actually Happens |
|---|---|---|
| AP Statistics | “Basic math, easy graphs” | Multi-step logic + confusing word problems |
| AP Lang | “Just essays, I write all the time” | Timed analysis, rhetorical strategy grind |
| AP Gov | “Memorize a few terms and done” | FRQs require deep connections and examples |
Reddit user breakdown:
“AP Lang isn’t hard, but it will humble you. You need strategy, not just grammar.” — r/APStudents
Best Easy AP Classes for College Credit (By Major)
Not every easy AP gives you useful credit — and not every “hard” AP is worth it unless it’s your thing. Here’s how it shakes out in 2025:
Humanities & Liberal Arts Majors
| Recommended APs | Why They Work |
|---|---|
| AP Psychology | College credit + minimal math |
| AP Human Geography | Easy to self-study + core social science |
| AP Language & Comp | Writing-based, good foundation for essays |
STEM Majors
| Recommended APs | Why They Work |
|---|---|
| AP Computer Science Principles | Conceptual + earns science/math credit |
| AP Statistics | Helps for bio, psych, econ majors (but tricky) |
| AP Calc/Physics C | Only if you’re strong in math and committed |
Real advice:
“AP CSP was a good move for STEM apps. AP Calc was too brutal with my other classes.”
— Reddit: AP Class Loads for Engineering Majors
Undecided Majors / Just Want GPA Boost
| Recommended APs | Why They’re Low-Stress |
|---|---|
| AP Environmental Sci (APES) | Moderate reading, lots of documentaries |
| AP Art History | Visual learner-friendly, credit at liberal arts colleges |
| AP Psychology | Short chapters + tons of Quizlet decks |
Final Word — Choose What Feels Easy to You
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” AP. For one student, AP Chem is a nightmare. For another? A breeze.
If you hate writing, maybe don’t touch AP Lang. But if you love debates or psychology podcasts? AP Psych might be your favorite class ever.
What to Do Next
If you’re looking to boost your GPA without the burnout, these AP classes are a solid choice — but don’t forget the big picture.
- Thinking of independent prep? Here’s how to self-study for AP exams and actually enjoy the process.
- Not sure if AP is worth it? Read our full comparison: AP vs IB vs Honors – What Looks Best for College.
Nawab, an educator with a decade of K-12 teaching, holds an English honors graduate degree and a diploma in elementary education. He has also been blogging for five years, sharing insights for educators and parents.
