How many AP classes should I take in 9th grade?

For freshmen, the primary goal is to successfully acclimate to the social and academic demands of high school. Therefore, most 9th graders should take 0 to 2 AP classes, and many high schools don't even offer AP courses to freshmen. Taking zero AP classes is completely normal and allows you to focus on building a strong GPA and developing effective study habits in your core subjects. Excelling in regular or honors-level classes is far more beneficial than struggling in an AP course you're not prepared for.

If your school does offer AP classes to freshmen and you feel confident in your abilities, taking one can be a great way to begin your high school career on a rigorous track. The best AP options for 9th graders are those that are considered more introductory and less dependent on advanced prerequisite knowledge. The two most common and beginner-friendly choices are AP Human Geography and AP Environmental Science. AP Human Geography is widely regarded as one of the most approachable AP courses, as it introduces key concepts in social studies without requiring extensive prior knowledge. AP Environmental Science is also popular because it connects to real-world issues and has a manageable workload for new high school students. Before enrolling, speak with the AP teacher to understand the course expectations and honestly evaluate your readiness for the challenge.