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Not every class in college needs to feel like a mountain climb. Some courses are built to be engaging, accessible, and—yes—relatively easy. Whether you’re trying to balance a tough semester, protect your mental health, or simply boost your GPA, choosing the right electives can make all the difference. Let’s break down how to spot GPA-friendly courses and how to thrive in them without slacking off.
What Are the Easiest College Classes to Take?
“Easy” can mean different things: less reading, fewer exams, more participation points, or grading on effort. But in general, the easiest classes tend to:
- Have subjective grading (e.g., participation, reflections)
- Cover general or familiar topics
- Be designed for non-majors
- Include flexible deadlines and lighter assignments
Courses like Public Speaking or Intro to Film Studies don’t require complex calculations or 20-page theses—but that doesn’t mean they’re useless. Many help you build valuable communication or cultural analysis skills.
How to Find the Easiest Classes to Boost Your GPA?
“English, history and government classes are fairly easy, and you have to take them for your core classes anyways so take advantage of it”
Before you rely on Reddit threads or RateMyProfessors reviews, start with these strategies:
- Talk to upperclassmen. They’ve already navigated which professors are chill and which classes are GPA goldmines
- Look for “Intro” or “Survey” in the course name. These often indicate entry-level material
- Check the syllabus early. If there’s no final, and the bulk of your grade is attendance and short reflections—you’ve likely hit the jackpot
- Ask your advisor. They often know which general education classes are designed to be low-stress
How Can You Choose the Right Easy Classes to Take?
Look for courses that match your natural strengths. If you like writing, go for creative or reflective courses. If you’re visual or hands-on, art or performance-based classes will feel easier. And if you’re a strong communicator, consider speech, sociology, or media studies.
Ask yourself:
- Do I need an easy A or just a break from harder STEM courses?
- Do I care about the content—or just the grade?
- Am I balancing a heavy course load or outside commitments this term?
An easy class for one student might be stressful for another if it doesn’t align with their strengths or interests.
What Are the 9 Easiest College Classes You Should Consider?
Before you dive into that honors astrophysics seminar, consider taking one of these courses as a GPA booster:
| Class Name | Why It’s Easy? |
| Public Speaking | Focus on participation; minimal homework |
| Art Appreciation | Watch slides, discuss, minimal testing |
| Film Studies | Watch movies, write short essays |
| Intro to Sociology | Straightforward concepts, essay-based grading |
| Creative Writing | No exams; writing based on prompts |
| College Success Skills | Built for freshmen; easy A if you show up |
| Intro to Music or Dance | Performance or observation-based; no written tests |
| Nutrition 101 | Common sense topics, short quizzes |
| Human Geography | Map-based or culture-focused, low memorization |
These courses also help round out your transcript with variety—useful for majors, minors, or just making yourself a well-rounded applicant for internships.
How to Succeed in These Classes?
“I make participation 15‑20 % of my overall grading … The only folks who bomb participation are those who never show up”
Even if the class is easier than Calculus or Organic Chem, that doesn’t mean you can completely coast. Here’s how to maximize the GPA boost:
- Attend regularly. Participation-based grading is common.
- Engage, even if it’s low stakes. Your professor will notice.
- Submit every assignment. Even 5% penalties add up in small classes.
- Connect with the material. Some of these classes actually become favorites when students least expect it.
And don’t forget—building a relationship with your professor, even in an “easy” class, can lead to great recommendation letters later.
Are There Specific Easy Classes to Take in College?
Absolutely—and they vary by school. For example:
- At UCLA, “Introduction to Jazz” is known as a GPA-booster
- At UT Austin, “Plan II Visual and Performing Arts” is a favorite
- At University of Michigan, “Psychology of Happiness” often tops the list
- At Boston University, “History of Rock and Roll” is easy and fun
- At UNC, “Marriage and Family” is commonly recommended on Reddit
Check course review boards, ask peers, and keep your eye on electives that consistently get positive mentions in your school’s subreddit.
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Alyssa Mendoza, AP Coordinator and College Prep Specialist
Sources: Reddit
