FAQs
There are some key differences between the two courses: AP Biology focuses on the study of living organisms, while AP Chemistry focuses on the properties and behaviors of matter. To go into more detail, AP Biology studies living organisms from their cellular structure to ecological interactions.
Is AP Chemistry or AP Biology harder? ›
The difficulty of AP Biology and AP Chemistry can vary depending on your personal strengths and interests. Generally speaking, AP Chemistry is considered more difficult because it requires a stronger foundation in math and involves learning complex equations and problem-solving techniques.
Is biology harder than chemistry? ›
The difficulty of Biology and Chemistry depends on your personal strengths and interests. Biology often requires more memorization of facts and understanding relationships between concepts.
Is it hard to take AP Chem and AP Bio together? ›
AP Bio and AP Chem in general are some of the courses that put the most strain in some schools often paired up in hardness to classes like AP Calc BC so I don't recommend doing them both in a year, but if you did extremely well in courses like honors chem and you think you have space on your shcedule for these classes ...
Is AP Chem the hardest AP science? ›
Okay, Seriously, Which AP Classes Are the Hardest? United States History, Biology, English Literature, Calculus BC, Physics C, and Chemistry are often named as the hardest AP classes and tests. These classes have large curriculums, tough tests, and conceptually difficult material.
Should I take AP Chemistry or AP Biology first? ›
In general, the chemistry knowledge will help you in biology more than the other way around, so I would say AP Chemistry. This is assuming of course, you have the background to be ready for each of those AP courses individually.
Is AP Bio the hardest AP? ›
The mean score on the exam for 2022 was 3.11 higher than the average of all AP subjects 2.92. The mean score for AP Biology is consistently higher than the mean score for all subjects. but still AP Biology is among the most difficult AP Courses.
Is AP Biology or chemistry easier? ›
Both classes are challenging, but AP is a good option even for students who are unsure of what they want to major in. As you can see, AP Biology has a significantly higher pass rate, and students are more likely to score high enough to earn college credit with this course.
Is AP Chemistry hard? ›
In conclusion, AP Chemistry is undoubtedly challenging, but its difficulty is not insurmountable. It is a course that demands both a deep understanding of complex scientific concepts and the ability to apply mathematical principles effectively.
Which is easiest biology or chemistry? ›
How difficult you find biology typically depends on your personal strengths and interests. Some students find biology easier than chemistry and physics, while others might find it more challenging. Biology primarily focuses on life sciences, including topics such as genetics, ecology, and anatomy.
Easiest AP exams by pass rate
| AP Subject | Pass Rate (Exam Score of 3+) | Median Score |
|---|
| Ap Physics C Mechanics | 73.4% | 3.41 |
| AP Psychology | 58.3% | 2.71 |
| AP Research | 82.7% | 3.3 |
| AP Seminar | 82.6% | 3.19 |
34 more rowsJan 13, 2023
Yes, taking AP Biology and passing the AP exam can boost a student's GPA, prepare them for rigorous college coursework, and offer college credits.
Does AP Chemistry look good for college? ›
AP Chemistry looks great on your transcript or on a letter of recommendation. The best colleges and universities are looking for ways that students have distinguished themselves in high school.
Is AP Chem a lot of memorization? ›
The fact that even these students see AP Chemistry as a hard course validates the judgments we've made thus far about its high difficulty level. Almost every academic skill is involved. You'll have to deal with problem sets, labs, and extensive memorization of chemical properties.
What AP has the lowest pass rate? ›
At many high schools, AP Physics is notorious for its difficulty level. In addition, it has the lowest overall pass rate of any AP exam.
Is AP Chemistry worth taking? ›
In conclusion, deciding whether to take AP Chemistry boils down to your personal interests, academic goals, and readiness for a challenging course. It's an excellent choice if you have a strong interest in science, particularly chemistry, and are eager to engage with college-level material while still in high school.
Which AP Science is the hardest? ›
Consequently, both Physics C courses (Mechanics as well as Electricity & Magnetism) are regarded as two of the hardest AP classes that you can take in high school. You'll cover topics like electrostatics, conductors, and electromagnetism over the course of five units.
Is AP Chemistry the hardest class? ›
AP Chemistry consistently ranks among the most difficult AP courses. The course covers many topics, while prioritizing essential scientific practices. AP Chemistry test data overlooks factors like the quality of teachers and schools.
Is AP Bio the easiest AP? ›
Is AP Biology Easy Or Hard? AP Biology is considered quite hard, with class alumnae rating it 6.4/10 for overall difficulty (the 8th-most-difficult out of the 28 large AP classes surveyed). The pass rate is about average vs other AP classes, with 64% graduating with a 3 or higher.
Is AP Biology an easy AP class? ›
The 8th most difficult AP course is Biology. The difficulty level is 6.5/10, with a success rate of 69%. But it is also the most widely taken AP course.
