What class has the lowest pass rate?

Asked by: Reese Bruen  |  Last update: February 16, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (29 votes)

The class with the lowest pass rate often varies but is frequently AP Physics 1, with rates around 47%, and other challenging STEM courses like Introductory Physics, Calculus (especially Calc 2), Circuit Theory, and Fluid Mechanics consistently show low pass rates, particularly at the college level, due to inherent difficulty and student preparedness issues.

What is the lowest grade to pass a class?

Many college grading systems consider a D, or 65 percent, to be the lowest passing grade. Note that different schools, programs, or classes may have different cutoff points for what they consider a passing grade.

What class do people fail the most in?

According to study after study, Algebra 1 is highlighted as the most failed course in America. Some estimates say that as many as 40% of students take the course more than once in order to achieve an acceptable grade.

What is the hardest class to pass?

Key Takeaways. Based on pass rates, Physics 1 is the hardest AP class; only 11% of students got a perfect score. The second and third-hardest courses are Environmental Science and English Language and Composition. Most of the hardest classes involve lab work, fieldwork, musical tests, or semester-long projects.

What class do most kids fail in?

Math, particularly Algebra 1, is widely cited as the most failed class in the U.S., acting as a major hurdle for high school graduation, with English/Language Arts and sometimes Science also showing high failure rates, often linked to foundational skill gaps, homework completion, and abstract concepts. Lower-level math classes and challenging core subjects for freshmen are common failure points, with factors like weak basic math fluency and attendance playing big roles.
 

Class of 2025 | IEB achieves 98.31% pass rate - CEO Confidence Dikgole shares more

44 related questions found

What is the easiest class to pass?

The easiest classes to pass often involve creative expression or general knowledge, with popular choices including Physical Education (PE), Intro to Psychology, Film History, Music Appreciation, and Creative Writing, because they focus on participation, interest, or general concepts rather than complex math/theory, but the "easiest" truly depends on your personal strengths and the professor. Other strong contenders are introductory courses in Sociology, Anthropology, Art History, and Personal Finance, as well as certain non-major sciences like Introductory Astronomy or Biology for Non-Majors. 

What is the world's easiest exam?

While discussing the "easiest exams in the world" , we have delved into the globe to bring the most simple, straightforward, and stress-free exams that you can crack without much effort. IELTS General Training Test , SAT, TOEIC, and NIOS exams are often considered the easiest exams in the world which are easy to pass.

What A level has the lowest pass rate?

What subject has the lowest pass rate? Computing is the A Level subject with the lowest pass rate. Only 95.1% of students got a grade E or above in this subject in 2024.

What's the hardest exam in the USA?

Top 10 Toughest Exams in the United States

  • NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) ...
  • GRE (Graduate Record Examination) ...
  • MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) ...
  • GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) ...
  • MPRE (Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination) ...
  • AP Exams (Advanced Placement)

Will one F ruin my GPA?

Yes, an 'F' grade counts towards your GPA, typically as 0 grade points per credit, pulling your average down, even if you don't earn credit for the course. The impact depends on the course's credit hours and your overall academic record, with a higher number of credits or a strong prior GPA making the 'F' more significant. While some pass/fail (P/F) courses convert 'F's to 'P' (no GPA impact), an 'F' in a standard or P/F class is treated as a zero, reducing your grade point average. 

Is year 10 or 11 harder?

Year 11 is commonly regarded as one of the most demanding years in secondary school. This is primarily because it culminates in GCSE exams, which serve as a critical milestone in your academic journey.

Is C+ better than C grade?

Yes, a C+ is better than a C grade because it sits higher on the grading scale, representing a slightly higher percentage and more quality points (e.g., 2.3 vs. 2.0) in most standard grading systems, though both are considered average or passing grades. A C+ generally falls in the 77-79% range, while a C is typically 73-76%, showing improvement by a few points. 

Has anyone ever gotten a 0.0 GPA?

The lowest GPA you can get is a 0.0 for unweighted GPAs in most cases. However, most schools score a 1.0 GPA, or a “D” average.

Why f instead of e?

Schools skipped the letter 'E' in the A-F grading system because students and parents in the 1930s started confusing it with "Excellent," so institutions replaced it with 'F' for "Fail" to create a clearer, more intuitive system where 'F' unmistakably meant failure, distinct from passing grades (A, B, C, D). 

Will I fail 7th grade with 2 F's?

Yes, you can fail 7th grade with two Fs, especially if they are in core subjects like Math, English, or Science, but it depends heavily on your specific school district's policies, and many U.S. middle schools use "social promotion," so you might still advance but need summer school or interventions. The key is to talk to your school counselor or principal immediately to understand the rules and create a plan to improve grades, which might involve tutoring, resubmitting work, or summer school to prevent being held back. 

What is the lowest passing grade in the USA?

However, there are some schools that consider a C the lowest passing grade, so the general standard is that anything below a 60% or 70% is failing, depending on the grading scale. In post-secondary schools, such as college and universities, a D is considered to be an unsatisfactory passing grade.

What is the best pass rate?

Class of 2025 sets new national record with historic 88% pass rate. The Matric Class of 2025 has achieved a historic 88% National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass rate – the highest in South Africa's history - marking a significant milestone for the basic education sector.

How to be a top 1% student?

Becoming a top 1% student requires a shift to proactive, consistent, and strategic learning, focusing on deep understanding through active recall (flashcards, practice tests), asking questions, utilizing diverse resources (not just lectures), developing strong routines (early, focused study blocks), managing time ruthlessly by saying "no" to distractions, and maintaining physical/mental health for peak performance. It's about doing more and smarter than the baseline, adopting a "mental athlete" mindset with discipline and consistent systems to stay in the game longer than others. 

Which is the no. 1 toughest exam?

The top 5 toughest exams in the world are generally considered to be:

  • Gaokao (China)
  • IIT-JEE (India)
  • UPSC Civil Services Exam (India)
  • CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
  • USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination)

In which country is education very easy?

Countries like the UK, USA, Sweden and Denmark are among the best in the world when it comes to higher education.

Can I fail one class and still pass?

There is no set number of classes you can fail in college while still graduating, but you should know failing even one class can be detrimental to your college success. Multiple classes failed classes can lead to academic probation, which can also affect your financial aid.

What classes boost your GPA?

Choose Honors and AP Classes Wisely

Honors and AP (Advanced Placement) classes usually have a higher GPA weight, meaning an A in one of these courses could be worth more than an A in a regular class. That said, they're more challenging.

What class do most students fail in?

Most Failed College Classes?

  1. Organic Chemistry — This course is known for its breadth and depth, and for requiring students to learn complex concepts at a fast pace and apply them to problem-solving. ...
  2. Physics — Calculus-based Physics can be tough due to the heavy application of mathematics and abstract concepts.