Is AP Harder Than SAT? (Spoiler: It Depends on Your Brain Type)
Let’s be real—comparing the AP exam to the SAT is like comparing a marathon to a sprint. They’re both intense, but in very different ways.
The SAT is fast-paced and general. It’s about speed, strategy, and thinking on your feet. AP exams? They go deep. You spend a whole year prepping, then you dive headfirst into one subject—college-level depth, essays and all.
So which is harder? Let’s answer that by unpacking a bunch of juicy follow-up questions 👇
What Is the Easiest AP to Pass?
The short answer: AP Computer Science Principles and AP Environmental Science are often called the “easiest” by students.
Why?
They’re more concept-based than memorization-heavy.
The curve is often generous.
AP CSP doesn’t even require you to code deeply—it’s logic and tech literacy.
That said, “easy” is relative. If you hate science, APES might feel like climbing Everest in flip-flops.
Do AP Exams Really Matter?
Yes. A thousand times yes.
They boost your GPA.
They show academic rigor on your transcript.
You can earn college credit, skipping expensive intro courses.
Also? Scoring a 5 feels amazing. It’s academic validation on a whole new level.
What Is the Toughest AP?
Hands down, AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism is often voted the hardest.
Other infamously brutal APs:
AP Chemistry
AP Calculus BC
AP Latin (yes, it still exists and yes, it’s brutal)
These require not just memorization but serious conceptual understanding—and some, like AP Chem, include labs.
What’s the Difference Between ACT and AP?
Here’s the tea:
ACT = College admissions test (like SAT). Tests general skills: reading, English, math, and science reasoning.
AP = Year-long class + final exam in a specific subject. Used for college credit, not admissions.
Think of ACT as showing you’re ready for college. AP shows you’ve already done college-level work.
Are AP Exams Easier Than SAT?
Usually not.
APs are:
Subject-specific
More academic (essay writing, problem-solving, analysis)
Often longer and deeper in focus
SAT is:
Broad, high-speed, standardized
Strategy-based
Same format every time
Example: A student might ace SAT Math but struggle with AP Calculus. Different beasts.
What’s the Hardest Subject on the SAT?
Most students say SAT Reading. Why?
Long, dry passages
Tricky wording
You’re basically speed-reading with pressure
Others struggle with non-calculator math or word problems that require creative reasoning.
Is AP or College Harder?
Depends where you go.
Some say APs are actually harder because:
You cram a college course into 8 months
You take multiple APs at once
College gives more time for one subject at a time
That said, college adds:
Self-discipline
Higher stakes
Cumulative finals
Both have their pain points. But if you crush APs? You’re more than ready for freshman year.
Does SAT Matter More Than GPA?
Not really anymore.
Post-COVID, many colleges are test-optional. GPA (especially weighted with APs) matters more because:
It reflects consistent performance
It shows course difficulty
SAT is still useful for merit scholarships, though.
How Do I Get My AP Score?
Easy:
Go to apscore.org in July.
Sign in with your College Board account.
View your scores for all AP exams you’ve taken.
Make sure your email and AP ID are updated so nothing gets lost.
What’s the Difference Between SAT Subject Tests and AP Exams?
Important: SAT Subject Tests were discontinued in 2021.
But when they existed:
SAT Subject Tests were 1-hour multiple-choice tests in specific areas (Math II, Chem, etc.)
AP exams are full-length (2–4 hours), include essays/FRQs, and are way more rigorous
TL;DR: APs replaced SAT Subject Tests as the academic flex.
What AP Exams Are There?
Too many to list all, but here are the major ones:
STEM: AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1/2/C, AP Computer Science A/CSP
Humanities: AP U.S. History, AP World History, AP Psychology, AP Lit, AP Lang
Arts: AP Studio Art, AP Music Theory
Languages: AP Spanish, French, Latin, etc.
Choose based on your strengths and what your future college major might need.
What’s the Hardest Part of the SAT?
Probably time pressure.
You’ve got ~1 minute per question
Reading and writing require fast processing
Mental fatigue hits hard by the second half
Combine that with test anxiety and tight proctor rules, and yeah—it’s no picnic.
Final Take: AP vs. SAT
SAT = General skills + strategy + college admissions AP = Deep subject mastery + GPA boost + college credit
Which is harder? That’s like asking if boxing is harder than running a triathlon. Depends on your strengths.
My advice? Take both seriously. Use the SAT to get in, APs to get ahead.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed—take a breath. You’re doing great just by reading this far. Now go be a test-slaying legend. 🧠