Hey peeps, I'm just wondering what the passing rates are like for AP US History. Is it considered a difficult course compared to other AP classes, or do most students manage to score well on it? Thanks in advance!
Hey there! The passing rates for AP US History (APUSH) can vary by year, but let's look at some recent data to give you an idea. In 2023, about 47.5% of APUSH students scored a 3 or higher out of 5 on the exam, with 3 being the threshold for many colleges to grant course credit or placement.
In terms of difficulty, APUSH is known to be a challenging course due to its extensive content coverage and the analytical and writing skills needed for success on essay-based questions. However, difficulty can be quite subjective and varies among individual students. Some might find the historical content and focus on analysis quite manageable, while others might struggle with the workload and concepts involved.
Comparatively, APUSH tends to have a lower passing rate than some of the more STEM-focused AP classes. For example, in 2023, the passing rates for AP Calculus AB and AP Physics C: Mechanics were around 58% and 73.5%, respectively. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that students will find it more or less challenging than other AP courses. Ultimately, it depends on your personal interests, strengths, and study habits.
Preparing diligently for the course and its exam can significantly influence the outcome. To succeed in APUSH, it's essential to keep up with the reading, take detailed notes, develop solid essay-writing skills, and consistently review the material. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.