Best AP® Courses and Classes for 2025-2026 | Strategic Planning for Academic Success — The Complete Guide

Best AP Courses by Grade Level

Your AP journey builds year by year. Freshman year looks different from junior year, so it’s important to choose classes that fit your stage in high school while preparing you for what’s ahead.

Best AP Courses for 9th Graders

Freshman year should focus on developing essential core skills while introducing AP-level rigor gradually. The most common AP courses for 9th graders include:

Popular Option:

• AP Human Geography: Excellent introduction to AP-level coursework with manageable content.

Best AP Classes to Take Sophomore Year / 10th Grade 

Sophomore year allows for increased AP course load while building toward junior year intensity. The best online AP classes to take sophomore year include:

Strong Sophomore Choices:

• AP World History: Modern: Builds global perspective and analytical skills.
• AP Computer Science Principles: Develops computational thinking, creative problem-solving, and programming fundamentals.
• AP Statistics: Accessible math option for students not ready for calculus.
• AP Seminar: Builds your research, writing, and presentation skills (many schools offer it as English 10).
• AP European History: Broadens your understanding of modern societies and critical historical developments.

Best Online AP Courses in High School (Junior Year Focus)

Junior year typically represents the peak of AP course-taking, as students demonstrate maximum academic rigor for college applications. The best AP courses in high school during junior year include:

Core Academic Subjects:

• AP English Language and Composition: Critical for developing college-level writing skills.
• AP U.S. History: Comprehensive examination of American historical development.
• AP Calculus AB/BC: Advanced mathematical preparation for STEM major fields.
• AP Chemistry or AP Physics: Rigorous science coursework demonstrating analytical ability.

Strategic Additions:

• AP Economics: Practical knowledge for understanding economic systems.
• Foreign Language APs: Continued linguistic development.

Best AP Classes to Take Senior Year

Senior year AP selection should balance college preparation with manageable workload during the application process. The best AP classes to take during senior year include:

College Preparation Focus:

• AP Literature and Composition: Prepares for college-level writing expectations.
• AP Calculus BC: Provides advanced math preparation for STEM fields.
• AP Physics C: Advanced physics for engineering-bound students.
• AP Economics: Practical knowledge for adult life and business understanding.

Maintaining Academic Rigor:

• AP Government and Politics: Relevant for civic engagement and political science majors
• AP Art and Design: Allows completion of portfolio projects

Best Online AP Classes for College Admissions

If your goal is college admission, the right AP classes can make you stand out. Top schools want to see that you’ve challenged yourself while still keeping balance in your schedule.

Best AP Classes for Ivy League

Ivy League and other highly selective institutions expect students to take the most rigorous curriculum available. The best AP classes for Ivy League admission typically include:

Core Academic Rigor:

• AP Calculus BC: Demonstrates advanced mathematical ability.
• AP Physics C (both courses): Shows mastery of challenging scientific concepts.
• AP Chemistry and AP Biology: Proves ability in multiple science disciplines.
• AP English Literature and Language: Exhibits exceptional communication skills.
• AP Foreign Language: Indicates cultural awareness and linguistic ability.

Depth and Breadth:

• AP U.S. History and AP World History: Shows historical thinking skills
• AP Microeconomics and Macroeconomics: Demonstrates understanding of complex systems
• AP Computer Science A: Reflects technological literacy
• AP Statistics: Exhibits quantitative analysis capability

Ivy League applicants typically take 8-12 AP courses throughout high school, with many achieving scores of 4 or 5 on their exams.

Best AP Classes for Business Majors

Business program admissions favor students who demonstrate quantitative skills and practical thinking. The best online AP classes for business majors include:

Quantitative Foundation:

• AP Calculus AB/BC: Mathematical reasoning for business analytics
• AP Statistics: Data analysis and business research skills
• AP Economics (Macro and Micro): Core business and market understanding
• AP Computer Science A: Technology skills for modern business

Communication and Context:

• AP English Language: Business writing and communication
• AP Psychology: Consumer behavior and management insights
• AP Government: Understanding of regulatory and policy environments

Best Online AP Courses and Classes

Online AP courses offer flexibility for students whose schools don't offer certain subjects or who need scheduling accommodations. The best online AP courses and classes provide several advantages:

Advantages of Online AP Learning

• Access to courses not available at your school.
• Flexible scheduling around other commitments.
• Self-paced learning opportunities.
• Often smaller class sizes and more individual attention.
• Ability to take courses during summer or off-periods.

Most Effective Online AP Courses

Technology and Math Courses:

• AP Computer Science A and Principles: Well-suited to online format with interactive programming exercises.
• AP Statistics: Mathematical concepts with online practice tools and simulations.
• AP Calculus AB/BC: Benefits from online graphing tools and step-by-step problem solving.

Social Sciences and Humanities:

• AP Economics (Macro and Micro): Conceptual nature translates well to online learning with interactive models.
• AP Psychology Course: Reading and discussion-based content works effectively online.
• AP Government and Politics: Current events integration enhances online learning experience.

Language Courses:

• Foreign Language APs: Multimedia resources, pronunciation tools, and cultural immersion enhance language learning online.

Considerations for Online AP Success

• Requires discipline and time management.
• Limited hands-on laboratory experiences for science courses.
• Reliable technology and internet access.
• Communication with instructors may be less immediate.

Maximizing AP Success with Quality Preparation

Picking AP courses is only half the battle; you also need to succeed in them. The right prep tools can help you stay on track, reinforce your learning, and feel confident on test day.

The Role of Supplemental Preparation

While classroom instruction is the foundation for AP success, many students also benefit from additional preparation resources. Quality supplemental materials can make the difference between a passing score and college credit.

Premier AP Preparation Resources

As a comprehensive AP exam preparation resource, UWorld has established itself as a leading provider of high-quality test preparation materials across multiple academic and professional fields. Their AP preparation offers:

• Proven Track Record: Success in medical and professional exam preparation translates to AP offerings.
• Comprehensive Question Banks: Extensive practice questions that mirror actual AP exam format and difficulty.
• Detailed Explanations: Every question includes comprehensive explanations for both correct and incorrect answers.
• Performance Analytics: Detailed tracking to identify strengths and weaknesses across content areas.
• Subject-Specific Expertise: Materials developed by experts who understand both content and exam requirements.