- AP English Language & Composition
It doesn’t matter what your major is: AP Language & Composition (AP Lang.) is the English cornerstone you will need to be competitive for colleges like the UC System. The AP Lang. exam consists of one multiple-choice section and three writing portions (synthesis, rhetorical analysis, and argument). Despite the fact that it seems daunting, 54% of test-takers received a 3 or above in 2024. With the right preparation, AP Lang. is a completely doable course.
- AP Calculus AB/BC
This is the math counterpart of AP Language & Composition: everyone should take at least one AP Calculus course regardless of your major. Most students opt to take AP Calculus AB (Calc. AB) in senior year after A3, but if your major is part of the STEM Field, it’s best to take AP Calculus BC (Calc. BC) for a more competitive edge. The AP Calculus exams each consist of 45 multiple-choice questions with 6 free-response questions. 64% of all Calc. AB test-takers received a score of 3 or above, while an impressive 80% of Calc. BC test-takers received a score of 3 or above.
- Any AP Foreign Language Course
With the current UC System, it is recommended that students take at least 2-3 years of a language course. At San Gabriel High School, only 2 languages are offered: Spanish and Chinese. By taking AP Spanish Language or AP Chinese Language, you can get college credit for foreign language courses, reducing the amount of time needed to pass a college language course. Each of the AP Foreign Language exams consist of a writing, speaking and a listening portion. If you are worried about not being able to nail the pronunciation of a different language, don’t sweat it: the AP Foreign language exams are not graded based on accent. With an 87% pass rate for AP Chinese and a 83% pass rate for AP Spanish, receiving college credit has never been easier. Additionally, students are able to receive the State Biliteracy Seal by passing AP Chinese or AP Spanish with a 3 or above.
- AP World History
If you’re unsure of whether or not it is worth it to take an AP History course, AP World History (APWH) is a great introductory course. Although usually recommended for sophomores, juniors and seniors can take it as well. AP World History is a classic AP course that is sure to introduce you to the concepts of history while still maintaining course rigor. All AP History exams, including APWH, have a multiple-choice section, short-answer question, long-essay question, and a document-based question. If you are worried about not receiving college credit, CollegeBoard has your back: in 2024, 64% of all APWH test-takers passed with a score of 3 or above, with a record-breaking 32% of the test-takers receiving a score of 4.
- AP Biology
Despite being considered as one of the hardest science APs, AP Biology is a solid choice for anyone who wants to take a stab at the science APs, with a 68% pass rate. However, this does not mean it is an easy course: if you are looking for a senior or junior year challenge, AP Biology is one of the best courses you can take and still guarantee that your hard work will pay off. The AP Biology exam consists of a multiple-choice section and 6 free-response questions. This is the perfect opportunity to improve your study skills by challenging yourself with a more rigorous AP Course.
