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AP English Courses
Both AP English Language and AP English Literature are among the most popular AP courses. Here’s how students performed in 2023:
The following is a comparison of the percentage of 4s and 5s in the past three years from 2021 to 2023:
- AP English Literature had a high score (4 or 5) percentage of 43%, outperforming AP English Language.
- Over the past three years, AP exam scores for AP English Literature have shown a steady rise, while AP English Language has experienced minor fluctuations with a slight decrease.
This trend suggests that while both English courses are highly regarded, students may find AP English Literature more accessible when aiming for higher scores.
AP Math and Computer Science Courses
AP Math and Computer Science subjects offer some of the highest percentages of high scores. Here’s a look at the 2023 data:
The following is a comparison of the percentages of 4s and 5s from 2021 to 2023 for your reference:
- AP Calculus BC had the highest high-score percentage at 58%, while AP Computer Science Principles had the lowest, with 35%.
- Over the past three years, AP exam scores for Calculus AB and BC have both seen rising trends in high scores, with AP Calculus AB experiencing the most significant jump from 31.7% in 2021 to 38% in 2023.
For students aiming for STEM fields, AP Calculus BC stands out as a subject with a strong history of high performance.
AP Science Courses
The AP Science subjects have varied significantly in terms of score distributions. Here’s how they ranked in 2023:
The following is a comparison of the percentage of 4s and 5s for the past three years from 2021 to 2023 for your reference:
AP Science courses showed varied performance in 2023, with subjects like AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism leading with a high-score percentage of 55%, while AP Physics 1 had the lowest, at 26%. For those wondering, “what is the lowest pass rate for AP exams?” AP Physics 1 is among the lowest in 2023.
Over the past three years, AP test scores for AP Chemistry and AP Biology have shown significant improvements. These upward trends make them attractive choices for students interested in pursuing science.
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AP History and Social Sciences
The 2023 AP History and Social Sciences exam score distribution is as follows, and we will rank them based on the high-score percentage:
The following is a comparison of the percentages of 4s and 5s from 2021 to 2023 for your reference:
In the AP History and Social Sciences category, AP Microeconomics had the highest score percentage at 44%, whereas AP U.S. Government and Politics had the lowest at 24%. Among the AP exams with the lowest percentage of 5s, AP U.S. Government and Politics ranks as one of the more challenging ones to secure a top score.
Looking at the data from 2021 to 2023, most AP History and Social Science courses have seen rising high-score rates, with AP World History showing the most significant improvement, jumping from 28.2% in 2021 to 37% in 2023.
AP World Languages and Cultures
The 2023 AP World Languages and Cultures exam score distribution is as follows, and we will rank them based on the high-score percentage:
The following is a comparison of the percentages of 4s and 5s from 2021 to 2023 for your reference:
For AP World Languages, the 2023 AP score distribution highlights fluctuations in high scores across various languages. While the AP exam scores for these subjects remain competitive, students should choose languages that align with their personal strengths and linguistic background.
AP Capstone
The AP Capstone exam scores have shown little fluctuation in the percentage of 4s and 5s over the past three years. The specific data is as follows for your reference:
The AP Capstone courses, including AP Seminar and AP Research, have seen relatively stable high-score rates over the past three years. These courses, which focus on research, writing, and presenting, offer students unique opportunities to showcase advanced skills.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways for 2024 AP Exam Preparation
As students look ahead to the 2024 AP exam season, the trends from the past three years can provide valuable insights. While some subjects have seen rising high-score rates, others have remained stable or experienced slight declines. It’s crucial to remember that high score rates are just one factor when choosing an AP course. Students should also consider the course’s relevance to their academic goals and personal strengths.
For those targeting high scores, AP Calculus BC, AP Physics C, and AP Microeconomics stand out as subjects where students tend to perform well. Meanwhile, AP English Literature and AP World History are showing promising trends, with increasing high-score rates that suggest growing student success.
Ultimately, students should choose AP courses that align with their interests and strengths, while also keeping an eye on the evolving AP score distribution trends. With the right preparation and understanding of these data points, students can optimize their chances of success in the 2024 AP exams.
The above data and information are sourced from the College Board’s official website, the organizer of AP exams. Please refer to the official website for any discrepancies.
https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/about-ap-scores/score-distributions
Aralia Advanced Placement Preparation Courses
At Aralia, we offer AP preparation classes across all subjects, ensuring that students have the resources and support they need to excel in their AP exams. Our comprehensive curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, enhance understanding, and build confidence, no matter the subject. Join us to get the tailored instruction and guidance necessary to achieve your best possible scores! Below are all our teachers:
