Online AP Courses: Are they for you?

Online AP Classes

Online AP courses are becoming a popular choice for students seeking flexible, personalized learning experiences. With an interactive, adaptive curriculum, these courses can be tailored to different learning styles, making them ideal for a variety of students. Whether it’s those with unique learning needs, students looking to accelerate their academic progress, or homeschooled learners, online AP classes provide a solution. They also offer a valuable option for students with limited access to AP classes or those needing a more flexible schedule.

Taking online AP courses in high school can unlock new academic opportunities and better equip you for success in higher education and beyond. In this article, we will explore the essential information you need to know about signing up for online AP classes, including:

• Which types of AP courses are available online
• The value of taking AP classes online and how they impact college admissions
• A comparison of online AP classes vs. traditional in-person formats
• Free online AP courses and the best online AP courses to take
• How online AP classes differ from dual enrollment
• Information about online AP exams and how they are administered
• Tips for succeeding in AP courses online, and more!

Whether you’re looking to boost your college applications, save money on future tuition, or challenge yourself academically, this guide will help you navigate your options. But first, let’s start with the basics: what exactly are online AP courses?

What are online AP classes? 

Online AP classes are Advanced Placement courses offered in a virtual format. The term “AP” refers to advanced courses that provide college-level content in high school. These courses prepare students to take in-person and online AP exams that may lead to college credit. You can find all kinds of virtual AP classes, including AP Chemistry, AP U.S. History, and AP Biology online courses, to name a few.

Online platforms now offer a wide range of AP classes, meaning students can access college-level coursework without ever stepping into a traditional classroom. There are public virtual schools, including state sponsored online high schools, and private online programs, like Apex Learning or Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. Additionally, there are independent study programs, like those approved by the College Board. 

Online AP classes follow the same College Board approved curriculum as traditional, in-person AP courses. This ensures consistency in content, rigor, and learning objectives across the board, regardless of the format. In fact, all AP providers must submit their syllabus to College Board for approval to ensure the course meets official standards. This is because all in-person and online AP classes have the same goal: preparing you adequately for your in-person and online AP exams.

AP Courses List 

An AP classes list often includes a wide range of subjects, everything from science to art to languages. However, some AP courses tend to be harder than others. For example, AP Physics is considered amongst the hardest AP courses. Alternatively, you can find a list of the easiest AP classes, which includes courses like AP Drawing. For a full and updated list of AP courses, you can visit the College Board’s official page: College Board AP Course Index.

A well-rounded AP classes list allows students to explore a variety of advanced topics. However, the availability of online AP courses varies significantly by provider. For instance, UC Scout, a University of California program, offers an extensive catalog with 28 online AP courses. Their AP courses list covers subjects across science, math, English, history, and languages. 

King’s InterHigh USA, on the other hand, only offers three AP courses online. So, students seeking a broader selection may need to supplement elsewhere. For those interested in the arts, iArt Institute is a great option. This online school provides AP Art and Design and Drawing courses, catering to students with a strong interest in the visual arts.

Although some providers offer only a limited selection of AP subjects, essentially all College Board AP courses are available online. You may just need to research approved providers to find the specific subject you’re interested in.

Why should you take AP classes? 

Taking AP classes online or in person is incredibly valuable. AP courses give students the chance to explore academic interests in greater depth, prepare for the rigor of college level coursework, and potentially earn college credit based on their advanced placement exams scores. This can save you time and money in college, while strengthening your academic record and transcripts for admissions.

Beyond academics, online AP courses also promote personal growth by helping you develop essential skills such as time management, critical thinking, and self-discipline. Balancing challenging coursework with other responsibilities teaches you how to prioritize tasks and work independently. All of these skills are crucial for success in college and professional life.

But if everything’s online, why not just self-study? Taking an AP class to prepare for the online AP exams is typically more effective than self-studying. This is because you benefit from structured instruction, regular feedback, and interactive learning opportunities. Teachers guide you through the College Board curriculum, provide practice with AP style questions, and help build the analytical skills tested on the online AP exams. While self-studying can work for motivated learners, formal online AP courses offer a more supportive and comprehensive path to success.

How do AP classes affect admissions decisions? 

AP courses strengthen high school transcripts by demonstrating a student’s willingness to take on challenging, college-level coursework. Completing AP courses online or in person — and acing your online AP exams — signals to college admissions officers that you are academically driven and capable of handling advanced material.

Admissions officers view AP coursework and online AP exams as a strong indicator of academic initiative and motivation. Taking online AP courses shows that you are actively seeking out academic challenges, even when those opportunities are not available at your school. For students at schools with limited or no AP offerings, taking online AP classes is a powerful way to demonstrate resourcefulness and self-motivation. College admissions officers highly value both of those skills. For those in non-traditional settings, taking online AP courses for homeschoolers show the same valuable traits. 

Compared to honors and regular classes, AP courses are generally more rigorous. This means they’ll require greater time and effort. As such, they often come with weighted GPA boosts. For example, while a regular class might offer up to 4.0 for an A, an AP class might offer up to 5.0. However, this depends on the school’s GPA scale. Honors classes also often provide a weighted boost, though typically less than AP. Still, many regard AP courses as the most challenging and influential in academic evaluations. Additionally, earning certain AP test scores, like a 4 or 5, can allow you to “test out” of some college courses. 

Benefits of Online AP Classes 

There are definitely some key advantages of taking online AP courses. Here are three benefits of online AP classes: 

3 Benefits of Taking AP Classes Online

1. The flexible scheduling of online AP classes allows you to learn at times that work best for you.

2. These courses give you the ability to work at your own personal pace, advancing quickly through familiar material or spending more time on challenging topics.

3. Students who take courses online have access to AP classes lists that are not offered at your local high school, expanding your academic opportunities.

Online AP courses are especially beneficial for:

• Homeschoolers, who may need structured curriculum options
• Students in rural or under resourced areas, where in person AP classes are limited or unavailable
• Students balancing extracurricular activities, part time jobs, or family responsibilities, who need greater control over their learning schedules.

If any of these scenarios describes you, you may want to consider enrolling in AP courses for homeschoolers and other non-traditional students. 

Additionally, many of the best online AP courses and platforms offer interactive digital learning tools for your online AP exams. Some of these tools include progress tracking dashboards, video lectures, practice quizzes, and multimedia content. These useful tools support varied learning styles, including visual, auditory, and hands-on learners.

Participating in online AP courses helps you build strong independent study habits and time management skills. Without daily in-person reminders, you must take responsibility for pacing yourself, meeting deadlines, and staying organized. These skills are critical for success in both college and professional settings.

In-person vs. Online AP Classes

In-person AP classes typically follow a classroom-based structure with live, face to face instruction, daily schedules, and real time interaction with teachers and peers. In contrast, online AP courses rely on digital lessons, which may be asynchronous and self-paced or include occasional live sessions. Online classes provide support remotely, through email, discussion boards, or virtual office hours.

In-person classes often provide more immediate, hands-on support. For example, in-person classes include regular quizzes, in-class discussions, and access to lab equipment for science-based AP courses like biology or chemistry. Online AP courses require more self-discipline and independence. But, they also offer greater scheduling flexibility, allowing you to learn when and where it suits you best.

Students who thrive in in-person classes often benefit from the sense of structure, ability to interact with a teacher directly, and group learning environments. Meanwhile, students who are self-motivated, organized, and comfortable with independent learning may excel in online AP classes. These virtual courses are especially beneficial if students need a flexible schedule due to personal, academic, or extracurricular commitments. Be sure to consider how you learn best when choosing between in-person and virtual AP courses. 

Are online AP classes easier than in person classes? 

Online AP classes are audited and follow the same College Board approved curriculum, culminating in the same advanced placement exams as their in-person counterparts. This ensures that students learn the same material and prepare for the standardized test, regardless of the course delivery. So, this means that the curriculum itself should not be any easier or harder depending on whether the course is in-person or online. 

However, taking AP courses online may feel more challenging for students who rely on regular structure, face-to-face interaction, or teacher reminders to stay on track. Without the built-in routine of a physical classroom, it can be harder to stay engaged and organized. So in that sense, online AP classes may be harder if you need the support of in-person delivery. 

The perceived difficulty of taking AP courses online often depends on your personal level of self-motivation, study habits, and time management skills. If you are disciplined and proactive, you may find the flexibility empowering. Others may struggle without close supervision and the structure of in-person course delivery. Ultimately, as with any class, your success will come down to your willingness to put in the time and effort required to learn the material.

While the workload and academic rigor are consistent across both formats, the delivery method and level of direct support can vary significantly. In-person classes may offer more immediate help and live discussions. On the other hand, online courses require students to take more initiative in seeking help and staying on pace. Before you choose to take an AP course online, reflect on your personal needs for being successful in your education. 

Best Online AP Courses

With the growing number of online AP courses, it’s important to consider which ones are most effective in a virtual format. Identifying the best online AP courses — and aligning them with your academic goals and learning preferences — can help you make the most of your online experience.

For instance, courses like AP U.S. History and AP World History can be challenging due to the sheer volume of content. These might be more challenging to take remotely. However, there are plenty of digital tools and resources students can access online. These AP class resources include comprehensive study materials, practice exams, and review guides. All of these resources can be extremely valuable for students who are proactive in using these tools. 

Great choices for Online AP Courses

Alternatively, AP Psychology and AP Environmental Science are both great classes to take remotely. This is because they focus primarily on reading, understanding concepts, and engaging with content through assignments rather than hands-on labs. Similarly, AP Statistics and AP Computer Science A are good choices for students who are comfortable with self-paced learning.

If you thrive in creative, project-based environments, AP Art and Design might be a strong fit. You can work on projects independently, then submit them digitally to receive feedback. Language courses can also be a great option as online platforms often provide the tools needed to practice speaking, listening, and writing.

Ultimately, the best online AP courses for you will depend on both your personal interests and your learning style. Before finalizing your choices, consider the subject matter and course structure. Ask yourself, “Will I be able to learn effectively in a remote environment?”

Are there free Online AP Courses

When exploring free online AP courses, be sure to confirm that the program provides a complete AP curriculum. While some platforms may have modules for you to learn content, they may not offer grading or instructor feedback. Without these features, it is unlikely that completing this content could count for credit the way AP courses in high school do.

But if you can take AP courses online, why aren’t there more free online AP courses? For starters, online AP courses must meet certain requirements to count for high school course credit. Generally, they must be taught by instructors and follow a pre-set AP course curriculum. To become an authorized online AP course provider, a brick-and-mortar school or a homeschool must select an organization, then it will undergo an AP course audit. Given the strict requirements and involved process for becoming an authorized provider, verified online AP courses are usually not free.

While you won’t find many free online AP courses, there are plenty of self-study resources available that align with AP content. These resources will help you independently learn the material that is on the AP exam. If you use the materials and study sufficiently, you could take online AP exams to potentially receive course credit in college. Free or low-cost platforms that offer such content include Khan Academy, Coursera, and EdX.

How to Choose the Best Online AP Courses

Virtual schools often have certified teachers leading AP classes, meaning the quality of instruction can rival that of in-person settings. However, not all online AP courses are the same. To choose the best online AP courses for you, follow these steps:

5 Steps to Choose the Best Online AP Courses

1. Verify that College Board approves the course and that it has certified AP instructors.

This is particularly important if you want to receive high school credit. This also could mean that you receive more guidance, giving you a greater likelihood of passing your AP exams.

2. Research course structure.

Is the course instructor-led or self-paced? Does the course include regular feedback on your work or live support, or are you expected to learn on your own? Determine whether the course structure fits with your preferred learning style and schedule.

3. Check exam pass rates.

These rates can give you a sense of how students who have completed online AP courses did on their corresponding AP exams.

4. Read reviews.

Student feedback can help you identify which online AP courses offer strong support and instruction, and provide tips for success.

5. Compare grading and workload policies.

Online AP course providers may differ in how they grade students or what kind of workload they give, such as more reading or more problem sets. Make sure their system matches with your expectations and needs.

Generally, the more involved, intensive, and hands-on the course is with regular feedback, the easier it will be for you to learn the content. 

Which AP classes should you take?

When determining which AP classes to sign up for, start by thinking about your intended college majors or career interests. For example, if you are pre-med and interested in becoming a doctor, you might want to enroll in AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, or AP Biology online courses. Not only will an AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, or AP Biology online course prepare you for the rigor and content needed for a medical career, but it will help you understand if that pathway is truly of interest to you.

Still, maintaining balance and not overloading yourself with courses is important. While colleges do want to see rigorous coursework, they also care about how you did in those courses. Rather than taking all the AP courses in high school that are available to you, select the ones that most interest you, align with your goals, and feel manageable. It is also smart to begin taking AP courses in subjects where you are more confident, as this can help you adjust to the rigor of these classes.

Finally, don’t make these decisions alone. Consult with a reliable mentor, like your school counselor or a college advisor, who can help you make an AP classes list that aligns with your college admissions goals. 

Who are online AP classes best for?

Online AP Classes are not for every student. The ideal candidates for online AP courses are self-motivated, organized, and capable of independent learning. These students are more likely to be able to keep up with content and make the most of taking AP courses online. Ambitious students will also be excited to know that online AP classes can help them graduate college early or skip over introductory college courses to reach higher-level, more specialized ones. 

The opportunity to take AP courses online also benefits students with unique or less-traditional circumstances. For example, online AP courses for homeschoolers provide a pathway to more advanced coursework. Since homeschooled students are accustomed to independent learning, online AP courses for homeschoolers are a natural and effective fit.

Sometimes, students who are athletes or performers, have health challenges, or otherwise require their coursework to fit a less-traditional schedule can benefit greatly from online AP classes. Online AP classes are also ideal for students who lack access to certain AP courses, such as those in small schools or rural areas. From these examples alone, it’s clear that online AP classes empower students from all backgrounds to pursue their academic goals.

Dual Enrollment vs. Online AP Courses

Many students considering online AP classes are also curious about dual enrollment. While both are advanced courses, there are some key differences between the two. AP courses involve standardized curricula and are paired with Advanced Placement exams. Colleges offer dual enrollment courses and provide college credit to high school students. Hence, it is called dual enrollment, as you are enrolled in high school and college at the same time.

Below is a chart that breaks down the differences between the two further.

Based on the above, AP courses are ideal for students seeking a nationally recognized option. This is especially true if they plan to attend college out of state. For those planning to attend a local state school or community college, dual enrollment may be a better choice.

Are there online AP exams?

Yes — starting May 2025, 28 courses will offer online AP exams that are either fully digital or hybrid online formats. While online AP exams will be digital, they will still be taken at authorized test centers with a proctor present. That means you cannot take online AP exams from home.

The content of these online AP exams will not be different from their paper versions. That said, adapting to a new format can present its own challenges. As such, students should practice using the online platform to familiarize themselves with the layout in advance. Additionally, students should check with their testing center for specific details on digital exam procedures and available devices.

5 Tips to Taking Online AP Classes

If you decide that taking online AP classes is a good idea for you, there are ways you can prepare. Here are five tips for taking AP classes online:

5 Tips to Succeed in Online AP Classes

1. Set a weekly schedule and treat your online course like an in-person class.

Online AP classes can be just as challenging as in-person classes. Since they are also advanced courses, they will generally require more work than an average high school class. As such, it is important to treat them like an in-person class, which means ensuring that you learn every week, complete required assignments, and study what you have learned. 

Consider using your agenda or calendar to schedule time to complete your coursework and assignments. You can also build in some accountability by asking peers or your parents to check in with you about how the course is going each week. 

2. Actively engage with lessons by taking notes, completing all assignments, and reviewing regularly.

Like our advice above, this guidance is to help you treat your online AP classes like live classes. In addition to buying the necessary books and having a dedicated notebook for each of your online AP classes, we recommend setting up a workspace that is conducive to learning. Rather than studying from bed or in front of a TV, find a quiet corner in your house or go to the library for a focused space.

3. Use additional prep tools such as AP prep books, practice tests, and online resources.

There is a wealth of resources available for students taking AP courses online. In addition to online e-learning platforms, there are YouTube videos, online quizzes and practice tests, and physical books in the library designed to help you absorb material in the way that works best for you.

4. Stay in regular communication with the instructor for clarification and guidance.

If your online AP classes include an instructor, keep in touch with them! Consider sending them messages with questions, reaching out whenever you feel confused, or just saying hello to ensure they know who you are and can support you whenever you need help.

5. Begin AP exam preparation months in advance.

If you are taking AP courses online with the hope of passing Advanced Placement exams, you should begin your studying months before the test. Complete practice tests, review difficult topics, and familiarize yourself with the testing procedures early. This last step is especially important for online AP exams, as the platform may be different from what you are used to.

Taking AP classes online can be challenging, but strategies like sticking to a schedule, creating a good study space, and using outside resources can make a big difference. With some planning and consistency, you’ll be better prepared to keep up with your coursework and do well on the exam.

Online AP Classes – Final Takeaways

In this article, we explored what taking AP courses online is really like. We explored what it means to take online AP courses, how online classes work, and what free online AP courses are really out there. We also explored tips for both deciding which AP classes to take and how to be successful in your online AP classes. 

While taking AP courses online might sound easier, in some ways they are more challenging. As such, students who are independent and self-disciplined will likely do best in online AP courses. That said, online AP courses are a wonderful resource for any student who wants to strengthen their college applications.

Online platforms now offer a wide range of AP classes, meaning students can access college-level coursework without ever stepping into a traditional classroom. When deciding whether to take online AP courses, you should factor in your academic and career goals, your learning styles, and your schedule. Taking AP classes online isn’t for everyone, so consider your personal strengths and learning preferences before enrolling.

If you need additional help, whether to understand what AP classes are or how to take them online, reach out to CollegeAdvisor for expert, personalized guidance.

This article was written by Bailey Bennett and Courtney Ng. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.