Introduction: How to Use This Definitive AP® English Literature Reading List
With such a wide range of novels to choose from, it can be hard to decide which books to include on your AP® English Literature reading list.
Let's help take the guesswork out! We explain exactly which books you should study and why.
We have categorized 40 different literary works. We have also included a thoughtful literary analysis of its key elements. With our help, you can organize your AP® English Literature book list in a way that works for you and your schedule.
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The Top 10 AP® English Literature Reading List
Everyone has favorites, and The College Board is no exception. For example,invisible Manhas appeared on 29 of the last 49 AP® Lit exams! Most likely we will see it again this year.
We have dedicated this part of the list directly to the top ten jobs that have appeared most frequently in previous reviews. They should be at the top of the college board reading list.
Do your best to familiarize yourself with this list of books, as chances are one of them will appear somewhere on the test.
1. The invisible manRalph Ellison
Ellisonsinvisible Manit's a long read, but definitely worth it. An expert look at race and bigotry and how it affects the minds of all involved is needed. Themes such as race, identity, ideology, and stereotypes are explored.
The story follows an outcast character. He is not literally invisible, but he is invisible in a society that cannot and will not recognize the individuality of the black man.
It is as culturally relevant today as it was when it was published in 1954. This is the most cited title on the AP® English Literature Book List since 1971.
2. Great expectationsby Charles Dickens
This thriller is considered a Victorian "Bildungsroman" or coming-of-age story. Pip is the son of a poor young blacksmith who is suddenly the owner of a large fortune and is kidnapped in London.
One of the most versatile titles on this list,High expectationsAppeals to many of the Victorian genres including: Satire, Crime, Silver Fork, Newgate, Gothic, Serial Fiction, Romance, Politics, and History.
Dickens gives us a fun plot, but the deeper literary analysis questions on AP® exams focus on his writing or prose. Focus on instances of your beautiful use of language and how they affect the novel as a whole.
The character Estella gives us the beautiful quote,“Suffering was stronger than all other teachings and it taught me to understand what your heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but, I hope, in better shape." This leads the reader to reflect on how difficult times allow us to grow as people, and how Estella and Pip have grown from their woes.
3. Wuthering Heightsby Emily Bronte
Sturmhöheit is one of the most respected pieces on the College Board reading list. A strong example of gothic romanticism, it deals heavily with themes of emotion and violence.
The language is easier to figure out than most of the literary works on the AP® Reading List. But where it really shines is in its vision of class and gender from a woman's perspective.
As you read, pay attention to the poems in their language and to themastery of compositionused by Emily Bronte in her only published novel.
4. Heart of Darknessby Jose Conrad
heart of darknessis celebrated on many of the AP® English prep message boards as a piece of literature for the free response section, and for good reason! It is a relatively short novel that contains riddles, psychology, and adventure.
heart of darknessit is particularly useful for the AP® exam to answer questions about the modern world in which it was written. It specifically addresses the imperialist greed that took place in the African Congo of the 1890s.
Remember – firstheart of darknesseffectively examines and answers moral questions. Is it justified to do something wrong for the right reasons?
Use Albert'sHeart of Darkness-Kursfor help in understanding difficult concepts.
5. König Learthe William Shakespeare
Konig Lear, which has been mentioned 17 times in the exam since 1971, is Shakespeare's most cited work.Konig Learit is a brutal work with themes ranging from family love and duty to anger and deceit.
This piece offers a wealth of both literary and stylistic elements for you to explore. This groundbreaking tragedy centers on King Lear, who foolishly exiles his only loving daughter and hands over his kingdom to his two villains of his. As he reads, he reflects on how the themes of loyalty relate to compassion and forgiveness.
Albertoking lear courseIt is a great resource for understanding the issues and concepts.
6. Crime and Punishmentby Fyodor Dostoevsky
The main theme ofCrime and Punishmentredeemed by suffering. This is another long but valuable read at 545 pages.
Crime and Punishmentpsychologically analyzes the crime of young Raskolnikov to show how psychological analysis itself keeps us imprisoned. The intellectualization of facts, says Dostoevsky, holds us captive.
As the name suggests, the two main themes of the story are crime and punishment and their relationship to each other.
Think about sacrifice issues as you study this article. Nihilism, the superhero complex, alienation, and poverty are also discussed in detail.
Check out Albert'sGuilt and Punishment Course.
7. A portrait of the artist as a young manby James Joyce
Another Bildungsroman (or coming-of-age story),A portrait of the artist when he was young.is an exploration of how morality and religion can limit an artist.
A pictureit reflects Joyce's own development from a child to adulthood at university. ReadA picturewith an eye on Joyce's Stream of Consciousness style. As Stephen, the main character, develops morally and psychologically, Joyce's writing style adapts and grows, so to speak.
Use this title to ask how style can affect the meaning of character development.
8. Jane EyreCharlotte Brontë
Jane Eyreis a much quoted Victorian romance novel. At its core, this is the story of a woman who yearns for more than what traditional society gives her.
This well-known novel centers on a powerful feminist character who struggles to control her own destiny.Bronte's novel resonates deeply with current feminist movements around the world. It focuses on issues such as love, social class and gender roles.
Albert has a greatCurso Jane Eyreto help you prepare.
9. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finnpor Mark Twain
Hipo Finnis one of the most popular degrees on this list among American students. It is rich and complex, but the language is accessible.
If the test asks you about the slavery era or Reconstruction,Hipo Finnshould come to mind. He mercilessly discusses slavery, racism and the hypocrisy of civilized society.
As you read the story, think of the Mississippi River as a symbol of remaining racially neutral. Use it to inform your reading.Hipo Finn.
10. Moby-DickVon Hermann Melville
Last on this top 10 list isMoby Dick.Generally recognized as a fictional masterpiece, Melville himself described this novel as a meditation on America.
Reading this great novel may not fit into your study time frame, but you should at least read the summaries and key sections. This will help you understand Melville's particular use of symbolism. There are many symbols that can appear on the AP® English Literature exam, including your The Pequod, the color white, and Moby Dick (the whale itself).
In short, the college board tends to repeat similar titles on the exam. Studying these top 10 novels should be high on your list! They cover a wide range of topics, genres, and cultural eras to help you effectively answer different types of exam questions.
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Begin your preparation for the AP® English Literature exam here
Top AP® Reading List for Lost Generation English Literature
It may be helpful to organize your reading list by time periods. Take the lost generation for example. Many of the most cited literary works on the AP® exam were written by Lost Generation or World War I-era authors.
Not only is this an interesting period that has received increasing attention over the years, but many of the following titles from this era reflect the distinctive American voice in literature in ways that are lyrical, interesting, and unique.
11. As I lay dyingpor William Faulkner
FaulknerAs I lay dying, is a good example if askedstream of consciousnessWriting style. Consider how this style builds tone and how this style supports character development.
This novel alternates between 15 different points of view of the characters. While that sounds intimidating, it's actually easy to understand. The familiar tone helps us understand each individual character.
Also,As I lay dyingconsidered part of the founding of the Southern Renaissance.
12. Beyond Eden by John Steinbeck
When reading this novel, it is important to remember that it is a modern retelling of the book of Genesis (the book of Adam and Eve). If you have questions about allegory on the exam, it's a good novel to check out.
is of Edentakes place in California towards the end of World War I. It revolves around themes of jealousy, love, the consequences of heartbreak.
13. The Great Gatsbyby F Scott Fitzgerald
Probably one of the best-known literary works of the Lost Generation,The Great Gatsbyis an icon in the teaching of English literature in secondary school. F. Scott Fitzgerald's work represents the jazz age in America.
If you ask about the 20'sthecentury in american societyThe Great GatsbyIt must be a novel you mean.
Check out Albert'sThere is Great Gatsby Course.
14. The sound and the anger.por William Faulkner
Faulkner's fourth novel,The sound and the anger., is another exercise in style. Again he uses a stream of consciousness scripture to tell a personal story of fear of corrupting family values.
This book is hard to crack, but once you understand how Faulkner uses point of view, this piece will be valuable on both the multiple-choice and free-response exam sections.
15. The sun also risesErnest Hemingway
The sun rises toorepresents the culmination of Hemmingway's "iceberg theory", also known as the "omission theory". This style intentionally uses sparse language to arouse the reader's curiosity.
In his characterizations and descriptions, Hemingway only shows the "tip of the iceberg." He leaves it to the reader to formulate a deeper literary analysis (the part of the iceberg that lies under water).
This novel not only represents Hemingway's style; He represents the entire Lost Generation through his stories about American expatriates in Europe.
16. His eyes looked to Godde Zora Neale Hurston
HurstonsHis eyes looked to Godis a stylistic masterpiece with a unique diction. Hurston juxtaposes black southern dialect with the voice of a literary narrator.
If you are asked about their work, you will likely get points for understanding their style and structure.
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The Best AP® Reading List for English Literature from World War I to the Present
The following literary works appear on the College Board's Most Cited List and were published after World War I. These titles are particularly useful references for this time period.
17. Ceremonyby Leslie Marmon Silk
ceremonyis a commentary on how tradition and spirituality are a source of healing.
It is set from the point of view of a senior Native American. He returns from World War II with PTSD. His mental instability forces him to resort to alcohol to calm his mind. But he eventually he returns to his spirituality and is cured of it.
18. amadopor Tony Morrison
This literary work examines mother-daughter relationships and the psychological impact slavery had on the African-American community in that country. UseLoverto comment on the importance of identity and also of community.
Also, as you read, think about how the supernatural elements of the story (such as ghosts) contrast with its stark realism.
19. The color purpleby Alice Walker
the color Purpletakes place in rural Georgia in the 1930s. It is written in the form of letters from the main character Celie to God and her sister.
It deals with racism and sexism, as well as women's rights. The power of language also plays an important role..As we read through the story, the language of Celie's letters changes to reflect her emotional and psychological development.
This development through language reinforces the idea that language, or the ability to express yourself, is essential to developing your sense of who you are.
20. The Crystal Animal Menageriede Tennessee Williams
Williams draws on many of his own personal experiences.The glass circusThis play has only four main characters and its general theme is the importance of accepting reality. Each character inthe glass circuswithdraw into their own world to escape realities they cannot face.
Look for this option in the free symbology directions. Laura's arrangement of delicate glass animals is the strongest individual symbol of the work, and a strong symbol overall. Eastglass menagerieit comes to represent Laura herself and her escape from her own illusory world.
21. Fang-22by José Heller
Fang-22It is above all satire. She comments on the war reducing it to a bureaucratic affair. The life and death of men are ultimately controlled by an indifferent and callous government. She uses this literary work in discussions of plot and irony.
Think about how devices like thatCatch-22-RegelThey serve to form the plot of a story.
we have a great oneCatch-22-Kursin our Albert Library.
22. Death of a Salesmanby Arturo Miller
This play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play.death of a salesmancriticizes the American dream and questions its viability. These are issues of facing reality or giving in to illusion and living in denial.
The main character, Willy, is an elderly salesman struggling with his current life. Much of the work is told through his own flashbacks to earlier times in his career.
As you read, consider the impact of flashbacks on your interpretation of the themes.
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Begin your preparation for the AP® English Literature exam here
Top AP® Reading List for Shakespearean English Literature
Many of William Shakespeare's works appear on the exam's most cited list. Although you probably studied his works in high school, it will help jog your memory of these important texts.
23. Othello
Othello he is an African general in the Venetian army, and the play explores the racial prejudices he faces. It is a story of love and deceit around his insecurity in his personal relationships. Jealousy is a general theme throughout the play.
exam questionsOthellocan deal with issues of an isolated nature and what characteristics contribute to this isolation.
Enhance your understanding and analysis with oursOthello Alberto, of course..
24. The storm
One of the prominent themes inStormit is the artist in relation to his creation. Prospero can be seen as a kind of artist who controls the fate of all the other characters. It is as if Shakespeare was inserted into the story as Prospero.
Stormwidely regarded as Shakespeare's "farewell performance".
25. The Merchant of Venice
The merchant of Veniceis important in preparing for the AP® English Literature exam, as it covers a timeless debate on racial and religious supremacy.
This work could appear in the multiple-choice or free-response sections, as it explores the concept of dynamic characters through a well-defined, culturally charged example: Shylock the Moneylender.
26. Heavier
seeit has been performed more than any other Shakespeare play. For that reason alone, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with it.
There are many religious, philosophical and psychoanalytic backgroundsWeiler.All of this helps with free answer and multiple choice questions about the character.
Use Albert'sHamlet of coursefor further preparation.
27. Macbeth
"Bubble, bubble, effort and trouble!"MacbethIt is a cautionary tale that warns against evil as a means of power. Themes like ambition, madness and war are intertwined.
For studyMacbethIt is a good opportunity for you to develop your skills in the critical analysis of the tragedy.
Check out Albert'sMacbeth here of course.
28. A Midsummer Night's Dream
This is a classic example of Shakespeare's comedy, one of his most popular works of all. This play has four separate stories, all of which revolve around the marriage of two main characters, Duke Theseus and Queen Hippolyta.
The entire play takes place in one night and takes place both in fairyland and in a real forest. This piece offers great opportunities for an analysis of symbolism. Focus on how enchantments and magic are used at all times. Consider how images of roses and the use of love juice symbolize falling in love too quickly.
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The Classics Best AP® English Literature Reading List
The classics are also frequently cited on the AP® English Literature exam. These five classic works could appear in both the multiple-choice section of the test and the free-response section. Be sure to familiarize yourself with them.
29. Antigoneby Sophocles
Antigonedeals with issues of authority, faith, and fidelity. Sophocles examines the destructive effects of following the law on what you believe to be right. He uses the family drama of the Antigone character to emphasize this.
Remember to use AlbertsAntigone of coursefor help
30What did you wearVon Voltaire
What did you wearis a unique coming-of-age story and satirical novel. Question: "What is the point of trying to be optimistic when there are so many difficulties in the world?"
Remember itWhat did you wearit's a unique take on the Bildungsroman (coming-of-age story), and it's a relatively short read.
Although Candida First published in 1759, it is still considered a classic of literature.
31. Oedipus Rexby Sophocles
Oedipus Rex (The King)shows a unique approach to Greek tragedy. Rather than follow the sealed fate plot, which would have made sense to audiences at the time, Sophocles allowed Oedipus's choices and mistakes to contribute to his downfall.
You may have heard of Freud's famous psychological theory of the "Oedipus complex." This game has its name.
Use Albert'sCourse on Oedipus Rexfor additional help.
32. Medeaby Euripides
medeacontains feminist undertones, which was a revolutionary event for the time. Medea is a young woman who wants to take her life into her own hands in a patriarchal society. This ultimately drives her to the extreme of committing murder.
Also, the structure of the piece is interesting in itself. In each scene, Medea and one other person are the only actors.
33. FrankensteinVon Mary Shelley
frankensteinIt arguably represents the first sci-fi story, but it does so while remaining true to Shelley's gothic and romantic roots.
The entire novel is a study in how power can corrupt. The power of knowledge allows Victor to animate The Beast. The power of his hatred for his creation drives him toward his own death. The story itself is a study in power and its dangers.
frankensteinit was first published in 1818. Although it was not created in the same period as most of the works on this list, it is still considered a classic.
Remember to use AlbertsFrankenstein of coursefor help
34. The Odysseyby Homer
Chances are, you've already read the gripping adventure story of Odysseus at some point in your high school career. But whether you have it or not, this epic poem is worth rereading before you take your test.
Set in ancient Greece, this story follows the epic hero Odysseus as he tries to return home after the Trojan War. On his way, Odysseus meets a series of mythical monsters, which prevent him from reaching his wife Penelope. He considers the use of symbols in this piece and what each individual monster represents in a husband and wife relationship.
Check out Albert'sthe course of the odysseyfor additional practice.
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Begin your preparation for the AP® English Literature exam here
Top AP® English Literature Reading List: Other Useful Texts to Check Out
The list above is full of well-known titles. The following list includes less frequently referenced titles.
If you can name a few of these, you can earn points for the breadth of your literary knowledge.
35. A streetcar named Desirede Tennessee Williams
trolley carit is considered one of the greatest American plays of all time. WhatThe Glass Menagerie, Tranvíait also deals with the interplay between reality and fantasy. It is considered at least vaguely autobiographical.
Consider reading this article along withMenagerie.
36. Things fall apartby Chinua Achebe
things fall apartchronicles the life of a Nigerian and comments on the impact of British colonialism and Christianity. Read this novel if you are looking for a work from another culture. See also the work of Ngugi wa Thiong'o if he is interested in African perspectives on fiction.
alberto hata practice courseto help you with this novel.
37. Obasade Joy Kogawa
Obasondepicts the Japanese internment camps of World War II, an often underrepresented part of history. The story is told from the point of view of a young child.
Joy Kogawa demonstrates her mastery of images inObasa.This piece is full of examples of figurative language. Reference to your language and/or cultural significance may help you score points on the exam.
38. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?by Edward Albee
In this work, Albee challenges traditional notions of success for both individuals and families. This is another work that comments on reality versus fantasy.
The title itself is a nod to the Big Bad Wolf and to Virginia Woolf herself (although the play is not about her at all). This dark comedy-drama revolves around the troubled marriage of the two flawed main characters of it.
39. White bloodvon Flannery O'Connor
O'Connors erster Roman,White blood,it deals with the crisis of faith of those who saw the war. The main character, Hazel Motes, returns injured from World World II to an empty house. Raised as the grandson of a preacher, he grew up in conflict with religion. The war made him a very vocal atheist.
Consider how O'Connor's style affects the exploration of faithWhite blood
40. Brave New WorldVon Aldous Huxley
If you like dystopian sci-fi, look no further!beautiful new worldtakes place in the future on Earth, where the entire planet is ruled by a single government, the World State. Earth's inhabitants are all genetically modified and ordered in a social hierarchy based on intelligence.
The novel has numerous references to Shakespeare - the title,beautiful new world,is a quote fromStorm.As you read, think about how these allusions affect the meaning of the story as a whole.
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Closing Things: The Definitive AP® English Literature Reading List
we hope soEnglish Literature Book Listhelps you decide which books to use to prepare for the AP® exam. Keep the following in mind at the beginning of your studies:
- You don't have to read every book from start to finish. Familiarize yourself with important plots and characters in particularly dense texts (such as Moby Dick).
- Familiarize yourself with the AP® exam scoring guidelines and learn how different works of literature earn points in different areas.
- Choose books that interest you! You will find it easier to read texts and remember texts that you are already motivated to read.
By reading and retaining as much information as possible before test day, you maximize your chances of getting the scores you want. Happy reading!
Remember to visit Albert'sHow to Study English Literature for AP®for useful tips and skills!
Begin your preparation for the AP® English Literature exam here
FAQs
How to pass the AP English Literature exam? ›
- Read books and be particularly familiar with four to five works for the student-choice essays.
- Read poetry.
- Work on your close reading and analysis skills.
- Learn common literary devices.
- Practice writing essays.
- Take practice tests!
In answer to the question, then, of how many books you need to read for the AP Lit exam: you need to know four to five inside and out, and beyond that, the more the better!
How do you get a 9 on AP Literature essay? ›- If the prompt provides you with a passage to analyze, underline quotes that will support your thesis. ...
- Having a list of evidence to choose from as you go makes writing your essay that much faster.
Yes, a 60 is a passing rate in AP classes. The average passing rate in AP is 60-70%.
Is a 70% a 5 on the AP exam? ›Usually, a 70 to 75 percent out of 100 translates to a 5. However, there are some exams that are exceptions to this rule of thumb. The AP Grades that are reported to students, high schools, colleges, and universities in July are on AP's five-point scale: 5: Extremely well qualified.
What is a 50% on an AP test? ›...
Step 3: Use the Chart to Estimate Your Scaled Score.
What Are the Most Failed AP Exams? All AP exams have a passing rate of at least 50%. The most failed AP exams are Physics 1 (failed by 48.4% of all students), Environmental Science (failed by 46.6% of all students), and Chemistry (failed by 43.9% of all students).
What is the easiest AP class? ›- Physics C: Mechanics. 84.3% 41.6%
- Calculus BC. 81.6% 44.6%
- Spanish Literature. 75.1% 17.6%
- Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. 74.4% 40.4%
- Physics 2. 73.3% 14.0%
- Computer Science Principles. 71.6% 10.9%
- Psychology. 71.3% 22.4%
- Computer Science A. 70.4% 25.6%
A. You can't say that AP lit is more difficult than AP lang because both provide you with the same skills. And the difficulty level purely depends on your choice of interest. For someone who likes fiction, AP lit might be a good choice, but AP lang is easy for nonfiction lovers.
How hard is AP English literature? ›The AP® English Literature exam is not considered easy. A review of passing rates over the last three years has shown it to be one of the more difficult tests to pass.
What is the best book to read for AP Lit? ›
- Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. ...
- Great Expectations by Charles Dicken. ...
- Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. ...
- Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. ...
- King Lear by William Shakespeare. ...
- Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. ...
- A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce.
- Always look at the assessment obejctives. (AO1, AO2, AO3 and AO4). ...
- What do the assessment objectives really mean? ...
- Depth, depth, depth. ...
- Have a strong argument. ...
- Try to be original. ...
- Finally, make your conclusion strong.
The AP Lit 2022 pass rate was notably higher than the all-AP average, at 78%. The highest percentage of candidates received a 3 (34%), and 17% of students attained a 5.
How many APS should I take in 9th grade? ›Aim for four to eight AP exams in your junior and senior years. For competitive Ivy League schools, admission officers also want to see AP courses for core subject areas and additional courses. If possible, aim to pass about seven to 12 AP exams if applying to these highly selective schools.
Should I retake an AP Exam if I got a 2? ›You should only retake the AP exam if external factors impacted your test performance the first time AND you're near-positive that the extra effort will pay off in college credit. There's really no other reason to retake an AP exam.
Does Harvard look at AP scores? ›Harvard only accepts AP® scores of 5 for course credit. If you have 4 scores of 5, you can opt to obtain Advanced Standing. You can use AP® credits to opt-out of lower-level classes. Harvard has general academic requirements that all students must take.
What does a 1 mean on an AP Exam? ›In fact, on the AP® rubric, a 1 is described as “no recommendation”. Because of that, no college in the United States of overseas will accept an AP® score of 1 and give you college credit.
What is a C+ in AP? ›Currently, grades C+ and below are weighted on a 4.0 scale. This means a B- in an AP course would be weighted as 3.7 while a C+ would be weighted as a 2.3. In an honors course, a B- would be weighted as a 3.2 while a C+ would be weighted as a 2.3.
Are AP scores curved? ›In other words, AP scores are not graded on a curve but instead calculated specifically to reflect consistency in scoring from year to year.
Is a 70 a passing grade in an AP class? ›Here, you must have a 70 or above to pass any class. However, Plano differs the passing score based on Pre-AP and AP classes. You only have to get a 60 to pass a Pre-AP class in Plano and a 50 to pass an AP class.
How rare is it to get a 5 on an AP exam? ›
The odds of passing with a 5—the highest score—are quite low on any exam: between 10% and 20% for most tests. They are even lower for popular tests, such as AP English Lit and AP Environmental Science, which have 5 rates below 10%.
What percent is a 1 on AP? ›AP Score of 1
In some exams, earning a 1 is extremely rare, like in AP Studio Art, where only 1.1% of students earn a 1. For other exams, earning a 1 is common, such as AP Human Geography, where 34.1% percent of test-takers got a 1, more than any other score.
- Physics 1. 51.6% 8.8%
- Environmental Science. 53.4% 11.9%
- Chemistry. 56.1% 10.6%
- U.S. Government and Politics. 57.5% 15.5%
- U.S. History. 58.7% 13.0%
- Human Geography. 59.0% 11.8%
- European History. 59.3% 13.7%
- Statistics. 60.0% 16.2%
United States History, Biology, English Literature, Calculus BC, Physics C, and Chemistry are often named as the hardest AP classes and tests.
Do colleges care if you fail AP exam? ›Basically, nothing happens if you fail an AP exam. Whether you get a passing or failing AP exam grade, you can still go to college. Colleges do not take a look at the AP exam as the only a criterion for accepting or rejecting a student.
What is the hardest AP class to self study? ›[8] AP Chemistry is rated as the hardest of all AP classes if you're self-studying, at 8.3 / 10.
What is the least taken AP class? ›- AP Italian (2,102 test-takers)
- AP Japanese (2,204 test-takers)
- AP German (4,315 test-takers)
- AP 3-D Art and Design (4,573 test-takers)
- AP Latin (4,889 test-takers)
Unless you're applying to the most selective universities, 4 to 5 AP courses over your high school years is more than enough. For students applying to the most selective colleges, you might need 7–12. But even so, taking 4 AP courses in a year can be extremely challenging.
How many people pass AP Lit? ›...
The Pass Rate.
| AP Class/Exam | Pass Rate (3 or Higher) | Perfect Score (5) |
|---|---|---|
| AP English Literature and Composition | 60.1% | 9.3% |
| All AP Classes | 71.1% | 19.6% |
Most of the difficulties arise from the fact that literature generally differs from everyday speech, which is aimed at conveying information as quickly as possible. This difference may surprise, confuse, and even irritate the reader.
Which AP English class is harder? ›
AP® English Literature is slightly harder than AP® English Language. While both require critical thinking and analysis of texts, the material you are required to devour in AP® Lit is usually more complex.
Can you self study AP English Literature? ›As per the College Board, it is not necessary to take AP classes. You can prepare for the AP exams by self-study too. However, the AP (Advanced Placement) program's level seems high when you decide to prepare them with self-study. In the case of self-study, there is no teacher to guide you.
Is AP English Lit worth it? ›The class will help improve your critical thinking and reading skills, which are necessary to do well in college. Also, colleges evaluate students on the level of difficulty of individual high school courses, meaning your transcript will be stronger, and you will be more likely to be accepted by your college of choice.
Is a 5 on AP Lit good? ›Around early July, you and the colleges you designate will receive a score from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest, for your AP English Lit Test.
Is AP Lit easier? ›Common stretches such as lunges and hamstrings stretches activate muscles for the front splits. The side splits require you to stretch muscles you may not normally stretch like the inner thigh and groin. Thus, the side split is easier to get but it's more common to stretch muscles required to do the front splits.
How many hours of homework is AP Lit? ›English Literature and Composition Typically 1-2 hrs of homework per class, consisting of reading, writing or studying.
Is a * a Grade 8? ›Grade 9 is the equivalent of above an A* Grade 8 is the equivalent of in between grades A* and A. Grade 7 is the equivalent of a grade A. Grade 6 is the equivalent of just above a grade B.
Is an A * equivalent to a 9? ›GCSE grading system (numbers to letters)
With 9 Being the highest score and 1 the lowest (not including U for ungraded). A score of 9, 8, and 7 are equivalent to an A* and A. The following image shows a visual representation of the letter to number translation.
English Literature A-Level can be really difficult, because it tests you in ways that you might not be used to. You'll need to think a lot more deeply than at GCSE, and come up with your own original ideas to impress examiners.
Do colleges like 5 on AP exams? ›This will allow the school to assess whether they are going to provide you college credit for any of the AP courses that you have taken. Typically, most of the time schools want to see a 4 or 5 in order to give you credit for the class. Every so often they will give credit for a score of 3 depending upon the exam.
Is AP lit a lot of reading? ›
You'll have to do a fair amount of reading for both classes, but AP Literature is generally a more reading-intensive course. For AP Literature, you need to read several books just to prepare for the AP exam, so expect regular reading assignments.
How many APs do Harvard students take? ›Be cautious of overloading your schedule: Harvard would rather see a high GPA with 4 AP courses each year than a low GPA and a daunting 8 AP courses. Consider your AP, honors, and regular options carefully each semester based upon your own self-knowledge, schedule flexibility, and course offerings.
Is 4 APs too much junior year? ›Depending on what kind of school you want to go to, you should be taking between 3 and 5 AP® classes this year. You will need to manage your time well, however, as you also need to study for the SAT® or ACT® during this time.
Is 2 APs a year enough? ›An Ivy League hopeful might take 3 to 5(!) AP classes, while if you're aiming for less-selective schools, 2 or 3 would be enough. (This truly is the most important year to take the most rigorous classes that you can AND do well in them!!)
How hard is it to pass the AP Lit exam? ›The AP® English Literature exam is not considered easy. A review of passing rates over the last three years has shown it to be one of the more difficult tests to pass.
Is AP English Literature difficult? ›AP English Literature and Composition is considered very hard, with class alumnae rating it 7.5/10 for overall difficulty (the 2nd-most-difficult out of the 28 large AP classes surveyed). The pass rate is higher than other AP classes, with 78% graduating with a 3 or higher.
Is the AP English exam hard? ›Is AP English Language Easy Or Hard? AP English Language and Composition is considered moderate difficulty, with class alumnae rating it 5.2/10 for overall difficulty (the 16th-most-difficult out of the 28 large AP classes surveyed). The pass rate is lower than other AP classes, with 56% graduating with a 3 or higher.
What is the most difficult AP test? ›United States History, Biology, English Literature, Calculus BC, Physics C, and Chemistry are often named as the hardest AP classes and tests.
What are the top 3 hardest AP classes? ›- Physics 1. 51.6% 8.8%
- Environmental Science. 53.4% 11.9%
- Chemistry. 56.1% 10.6%
- U.S. Government and Politics. 57.5% 15.5%
- U.S. History. 58.7% 13.0%
- Human Geography. 59.0% 11.8%
- European History. 59.3% 13.7%
- Statistics. 60.0% 16.2%
...
The Pass Rate.
| AP Class/Exam | Pass Rate (3 or Higher) | Perfect Score (5) |
|---|---|---|
| AP English Literature and Composition | 60.1% | 9.3% |
| All AP Classes | 71.1% | 19.6% |
Does AP English look good for college? ›
A: Absolutely! Most students who take AP English don't go on to major in English. However, reading and writing well are skills you will use in nearly all college courses, not to mention organizational skills and time management. Students who take AP courses tend to perform better in college regardless of their major.
What happens if you fail an AP English class? ›What happens if you fail an AP class? If you fail an AP class, then your GPA will likely drop as it would for a normal class. This grade also shows up on your transcript. However, you may be able to retake the class the following year to raise your grade and increase your GPA.
Is it hard to get a 5 on AP English? ›...
The Pass Rate.
| AP Class/Exam | Pass Rate (3 or Higher) | Perfect Score (5) |
|---|---|---|
| AP English Language and Composition | 62.1% | 12.6% |
| All AP Classes | 71.13% | 19.57% |