What is the least popular AP class
So you're mapping out your high school schedule, and AP classes are probably on your radar — gotta get that college credit, right? But here's the thing — some APs are way more crowded than others. Like, not even close. The College Board data tells a pretty clear story, and honestly, it's not what most people expect. The least popular AP class, year after year, is AP Italian Language and Culture. We're talking about classes like Calculus AB or English Language pulling in hundreds of thousands of students. AP Italian? Barely breaks 2,000 exam takers globally. That's wild, right? It comes down to schools not offering it much, not enough kids wanting to learn Italian in the US, and a real shortage of teachers who can actually teach it.
What makes AP Italian Language and Culture the least popular?
Look, it's not just one thing. It's a bunch of stuff all piled together. First off, the College Board puts the exam out there, but individual schools have to decide to actually teach the course. And Italian? It's just not as common in American high schools as Spanish, French, or even German. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages says Italian is the fifth most taught language in US schools. Fifth. That's way behind Spanish. Then there's the numbers — they've been tiny for over a decade. In 2023, only about 1,800 students took the AP Italian test. Compare that to over 140,000 for AP Spanish Language. I mean, come on. And even schools that do offer Italian sometimes can't get enough kids interested to fill a full AP section. So it ends up being this niche thing, mostly in schools with strong Italian heritage communities or specialized programs.
Which other AP classes have very low enrollment?
AP Italian takes the crown for least popular, but it's not alone at the bottom. A few others are hanging out down there with it. These are usually specialized subjects that need unique resources or teachers. Check out the table below — it shows the five least popular AP classes based on recent College Board data.
| AP Course | Approximate Annual Exam Takers | Primary Reason for Low Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| AP Italian Language and Culture | ~1,800 | Limited school offerings and low language demand |
| AP Japanese Language and Culture | ~2,500 | Niche language with fewer qualified teachers |
| AP German Language and Culture | ~5,000 | Declining interest in German compared to Spanish |
| AP Latin | ~6,000 | Perceived as difficult and less practical |
| AP 3-D Art and Design | ~4,500 | Requires specialized studio equipment and portfolio |
These numbers tell you something, right? Language courses — especially for less common languages — are all over the bottom of the list. AP 3-D Art and Design is the odd one out, but its low numbers are because submitting a physical portfolio is a logistical nightmare.
Should you still take a low-popularity AP class?
Honestly? It might actually be a smart move. Colleges want to see you diving deep into stuff you care about. Taking something like AP Italian or AP Japanese shows you're curious and willing to go off the beaten path. Plus, with fewer test-takers, the scoring curve can sometimes work in your favor — not guaranteed, but possible. If your school offers one of these low-popularity APs and you genuinely like the subject, it could look really good on your transcript. Just keep in mind that self-studying for these exams is tough. There aren't as many prep books or tutors floating around compared to the big APs.
What is the hardest least popular AP class?
Among the least popular ones, AP Latin is usually the one people complain about the most. You're translating ancient Latin texts — Virgil's Aeneid, Caesar's Gallic Wars — which takes serious grammar skills and a ton of vocabulary memorization. The pass rate for AP Latin is around 60%, lower than a lot of other language APs. AP Japanese is also brutal for native English speakers. Three writing systems? Complex honorifics? Yeah, no thanks. So don't think these classes are easy just because nobody takes them.
How can a student find out if their school offers a rare AP class?
First step — check your school's course catalog or just go talk to your guidance counselor. Some schools offer rare APs through online programs or partnerships with local universities. You could also look into the College Board's AP Capstone program, which sometimes has unique courses. If your school doesn't offer the class, you could petition the administration or try self-studying with approved textbooks and online resources. Remember, you can still take the AP exam even if your school doesn't offer the course — you'll just need to arrange testing at another school.
FAQ: Everything you need to know about the least popular AP classes
Q: Is AP Italian the least popular AP class every year?
A: Yes, AP Italian has consistently had the lowest exam participation for over a decade, typically under 2,000 test-takers annually.
Q: Why do so few schools offer AP Italian?
A: Italian is not a core language in most US curricula, and there is a shortage of certified Italian teachers. It is more common in regions with large Italian-American populations, like the Northeast.
Q: Can taking a low-popularity AP hurt my college application?
A: No, it usually helps. Colleges value unique academic experiences, and a rare AP shows you challenged yourself in a specific area.
Q: Do low-popularity APs have lower pass rates?
A: Not necessarily. AP Italian has a pass rate (score of 3+) around 70%, which is higher than many popular APs like AP US History (around 50%).
Q: What is the easiest least popular AP class?
A: Many students find AP German more manageable because of its logical grammar, though it still requires significant vocabulary study.
Resumen rápido
- Clase menos popular: AP Italian Language and Culture es la clase AP con menos examinados, con solo alrededor de 1,800 estudiantes por año.
- Razones principales: Ofertas escolares limitadas, baja demanda de italiano en EE. UU. y escasez de profesores calificados.
- Otras clases con baja popularidad: AP Japanese, AP German, AP Latin y AP 3-D Art and Design también tienen muy poca participación.
- Ventaja estratégica: Tomar una clase AP poco popular puede destacar en las solicitudes universitarias y mostrar intereses únicos.
