Which AP Science Should I Take? A Guide by Goal and Grade

The right AP science depends on three things: the math you have completed, the major you are leaning toward, and how many other demanding courses are on your schedule. For most students, AP Biology or AP Environmental Science is the best first AP science, AP Chemistry or AP Physics 1 is the strongest signal for STEM, and AP Physics C is for students already comfortable with calculus.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of all seven options, followed by recommendations for specific goals.

What AP science classes are there?

College Board offers seven AP science courses.

Always check your school's own prerequisites. They are often stricter than College Board's recommendations.

Which AP science is the easiest?

"Easiest" depends on your strengths, but some patterns are reliable.

• AP Environmental Science has the lightest math and the most familiar content, which is why many schools offer it to sophomores.
• AP Biology has little math but a lot of content and heavy reading of experimental data.
• AP Physics 1 has relatively few topics, but its questions test deep conceptual reasoning. Students who are used to plugging into formulas often find it surprisingly hard. See is AP Physics 1 hard? for why.
• AP Chemistry combines math, memorization, and conceptual reasoning, and is widely considered one of the most demanding AP courses.

The better question is which course you can earn an A in while learning the most. A strong grade in a challenging course is worth more than a mediocre grade in the hardest one.

Which AP science should I take for my goals?

If you are pre-med or interested in health sciences

Take AP Biology, and add AP Chemistry if your schedule allows. These two map most directly onto premed coursework and show admissions readers you can handle it. AP Physics 1 is a useful third. Our guide to AP classes for pre-med covers the full plan.

If you want to study engineering

Physics matters most. Take AP Physics 1 early, then AP Physics C: Mechanics once you are in calculus. Engineering programs care that you have handled calculus-based physics. AP Chemistry is a strong complement, since most engineering students take chemistry in college.

If you want to study computer science or math

AP Physics C: Mechanics pairs naturally with AP Calculus and demonstrates quantitative strength. If calculus is still a year away, AP Physics 1 or AP Chemistry is the right step.

If you are not planning a STEM major

AP Environmental Science or AP Biology gives you a rigorous lab science without heavy math. Selective colleges still like to see that you challenged yourself in science, and either course does that well.

If this is your first AP class

AP Environmental Science is the most common entry point, and AP Biology works well for students who read carefully and like memorizing systems. Avoid starting with AP Chemistry unless your foundation in algebra and regular chemistry is solid.

Should I take AP Physics 1 or AP Physics C?

If you have not taken calculus, the answer is AP Physics 1. If you are already in or past calculus and want an engineering or physics major, AP Physics C: Mechanics is the stronger choice. Many students take Physics 1 first and Physics C later.

We break down this decision in detail in AP Physics 1 vs AP Physics C.

What order should I take AP sciences in?

A common, workable sequence looks like this:

1. 9th grade: Honors biology or another foundational lab science.
2. 10th grade: Honors chemistry, or AP Environmental Science if your school allows.
3. 11th grade: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, or AP Physics 1, chosen by intended major.
4. 12th grade: A second AP science, or AP Physics C if you are in calculus.

Junior-year grades carry the most weight in admissions, so time your hardest science for a year when your overall load is manageable.

How many AP sciences should I take?

Most students applying to selective colleges take one or two AP sciences. Students targeting STEM majors at highly selective schools often take two or three, typically including both a chemistry and a physics course.

More is not always better. Two A's in AP Biology and AP Chemistry beat three B's across three courses. For a broader view of course load, see how many AP classes should I take?

Questions to ask before you choose

1. Which math course will I be in that year?
2. Which other APs am I taking, and how much homework do they carry?
3. Who teaches each course at my school, and what do past students say?
4. Which science connects to the major or career I am considering?
5. Will I be able to commit time every week to reviewing, not just homework?

Answering these honestly usually makes the choice obvious.

How Ivystar can help

Picking the right AP science is half the job; the other half is earning the A and the strong exam score. Our AP Exam Prep program offers private or small-group tutoring in every AP science, and 86% of our students finish with an A or higher in the class. If you want a head start over the summer, look at the AP Summer Accelerator, or book a free strategy call to talk through your schedule.