Which AP Courses Should I Take for Engineering? A No-Nonsense Guide for Future Builders
Let’s cut to the chase. You’re probably the kind of student who actually likes solving problems. You find joy in figuring out how stuff works, maybe you’ve taken apart a remote (and put it back together), or maybe you’ve always wondered how bridges, rockets, or apps are built.
If that’s you—hello future engineer. And now you’re wondering: which AP courses should I take if I want to study engineering?
Here’s the short answer: Focus on building a foundation in math, science, and problem-solving thinking. But if you’re here for the full, real-world, brutally honest answer with personal insight and strategy? Let’s talk.
🧠 First Things First: What Kind of Engineering Are We Talking About?
“Engineering” is a big tent. There’s:
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Civil Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Software Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Different specializations might lean more on chemistry, biology, or computer science. But no matter your future major, all engineering fields demand strong logic, technical fluency, and math confidence.
📚 The Core Four: Must-Take APs for Any Engineer
Let’s not overcomplicate. These are your non-negotiables:
1. AP Calculus AB/BC
Think of this as the language of engineering. You must speak it.
Why it matters: Engineering = applied math. Calculus is core to modeling, designing, and optimizing.
Pro tip: BC gives you the edge—it’s more rigorous, and colleges love it. But AB is still valuable.
2. AP Physics (C: Mechanics and/or Electricity & Magnetism)
Physics C = the engineering physics course.
Why it matters: Newtonian mechanics, circuits, and calculus-based modeling are exactly what you’ll see in college.
Pro tip: Algebra-based Physics 1/2 are okay, but not as powerful as C if you can handle the math.
3. AP Chemistry
Especially for Chemical, Environmental, or Biomedical engineering.
Why it matters: Chem explains materials, reactions, thermodynamics, and more.
Pro tip: Also shows colleges you can handle rigorous lab science.
4. AP Computer Science A
Software is eating the world—and engineering too.
Why it matters: Even if you go into civil or mechanical, basic coding is part of the 21st-century engineer’s toolbox.
Pro tip: Java is the language taught, but don’t stop there—dabble in Python, C++, or whatever you like.
🔥 High-Impact AP Electives: Great-to-Haves
These APs might not scream “engineering” at first, but they flex critical skills and boost your app.
5. AP Statistics
Useful for: Data analysis, research, simulations, AI/ML, and systems design.
Why it matters: Stats helps you think probabilistically—key for real-world risk assessment, testing, and analytics.
6. AP Environmental Science
Useful for: Civil, environmental, or sustainability-focused engineers.
Why it matters: Shows you’re aware of systems, ethics, and impact. Also relatively accessible.
7. AP Biology
Useful for: Biomedical, biotech, or chemical engineering paths.
Why it matters: It connects the dots between life sciences and engineering tech like medical devices or gene editing.
8. AP Psychology
Useful for: UX/UI engineers, cognitive scientists, human-centered designers.
Why it matters: Engineers build for people, not just machines. Psych builds empathy and system design awareness.
9. AP Economics (Micro + Macro)
Useful for: Systems engineering, product design, and understanding cost-efficiency.
Why it matters: Engineering doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Economics helps you understand constraints, choices, and trade-offs.
🛠 Real Talk: Don’t Just Chase AP Credits
I’ll say it plainly: Colleges don’t just care how many APs you take.
They care about relevance, depth, and performance.
If you take AP Calc BC and ace it, that says more than taking seven unrelated APs and burning out. Engineering programs want:
Mastery of core STEM subjects
Passion for problem-solving
Curiosity, persistence, and grit
In fact, admissions officers have said things like:
“We’d rather see four relevant APs with strong performance than ten that are all over the place.”
🎯 Sample Engineering-Focused AP Course Plan (by Year)
Let’s break it down realistically:
9th Grade
Focus on strong foundations: Algebra, Geometry, Honors Science
Maybe: AP Human Geography (easy intro AP)
10th Grade
AP Calculus AB (if advanced in math)
AP Computer Science Principles or CS A
AP Chemistry (or Honors Chem)
11th Grade
AP Calculus BC
AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Computer Science A (if not taken)
AP Statistics or AP Lang (writing matters too!)
12th Grade
AP Physics C: E&M
AP Biology or Environmental Science
AP Economics or Psych (optional)
AP Lit or AP Seminar/Research
Of course, your school’s offerings might differ. That’s okay. Use what’s available, but stay aligned to your goals.
💬 What If My School Doesn’t Offer Many APs?
Here’s the thing: Colleges consider your context.
If your school only offers 4 APs and you took 3 of them—great! You’re maximizing your environment.
Can’t take AP Physics C? Try dual enrollment. Want to boost your CS skills? Join robotics club, hackathons, or take Harvard’s CS50 online (it’s free!).
Engineering is about solving problems with the tools you have. Your high school journey should reflect that spirit.
🧪 Bonus: Beyond APs — Activities That Scream “Engineer”
APs are just one part of the puzzle. Round out your profile with:
Robotics teams (FIRST, VEX, etc.)
Science Olympiad / Mathletes
Internships or job shadowing
Building stuff (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, DIY projects)
Codeathons, game jams, online CS courses
Volunteering with STEM programs for kids
These show initiative, creativity, and real-world thinking.
🚀 Final Words: Build a Path That Makes Sense For You
Engineering isn’t just about numbers and formulas. It’s about systems, innovation, and solving messy, real-world problems.
So don’t just chase APs like trophies. Choose courses that challenge you, excite you, and prepare you for the journey ahead.
Take Calculus. Take Physics. Take CS. Then fill your schedule with what fits your specific goals—whether that’s biotech or bridges, AI or aerospace.
You’re not just building a transcript.
You’re building you—the future engineer.
Let’s make sure the blueprint makes sense.
