The exam has two sections: a multiple-choice section (52 questions in 60 minutes) focusing on reading comprehension and rhetorical analysis, and a free-response section (3 essays in 135 minutes). You'll write a synthesis essay, a rhetorical analysis essay, and an argument essay. Time management is critical—many students struggle with pacing, so practicing full-length exams and timed writing is essential to build confidence and speed.

Score improvement depends on where you're starting and how consistently you practice. Many students see meaningful gains—often 1-2 points on the 1-5 scale—by working on specific weaknesses like thesis development, evidence selection, or multiple-choice strategy. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps identify exactly which essays or question types are holding you back, so you can focus your effort where it matters most.

Students often struggle with three main areas: understanding what makes an argument truly persuasive versus simply stating an opinion, managing time across three essays without sacrificing quality, and analyzing rhetoric in unfamiliar texts under pressure. Additionally, many find the multiple-choice section tricky because it requires both close reading skills and understanding of rhetorical concepts. Targeted practice on each of these areas can make a significant difference.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in AP Language and Composition. In your sessions, you'll analyze sample essays and texts, practice writing under timed conditions, receive detailed feedback on your arguments and organization, and develop strategies for both the multiple-choice and free-response sections. Your tutor will help you identify your specific weaknesses and build a study plan tailored to your needs.

Practice tests reveal exactly where you lose points—whether it's in reading comprehension, thesis clarity, evidence integration, or time management. Taking full-length, timed practice exams helps you build stamina and discover patterns in the types of questions or prompts that challenge you most. Your tutor can review your practice test results with you to pinpoint specific skills to strengthen before test day.

Varsity Tutors matches you with tutors who have strong backgrounds in AP Language and Composition and understand how to help 10th graders succeed on this challenging exam. You can share your specific goals—whether you're aiming to improve your essay writing, master the multiple-choice section, or build overall confidence—and get connected with someone who's equipped to help you achieve them.

Your first session is typically diagnostic and conversational. Your tutor will ask about your current strengths and weaknesses, review any recent essays or practice test results, and discuss your goals for the course and exam. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan focused on the areas where you'll see the most improvement. This foundation helps make every subsequent session more targeted and effective.