The exam has two sections: a 60-minute multiple-choice section with 60 questions, and a 75-minute free-response section with three essays. The multiple-choice tests your knowledge of geographic concepts and your ability to interpret visual sources like maps and graphs. The free-response section requires you to apply geographic thinking to case studies and real-world scenarios, so strong analytical writing skills are essential.

Many students struggle with the breadth of content—there's a lot of terminology and regional examples to master. Others find it difficult to move beyond memorization to truly analyze geographic patterns and explain the "why" behind human and environmental systems. Time management on the free-response section is another common issue, since you need to write three essays in 75 minutes while organizing your thoughts clearly.

Expert tutors can help you organize the vast curriculum into manageable themes, teach you strategies for analyzing maps and data sources, and give you targeted feedback on your free-response essays. With personalized 1-on-1 instruction, you'll identify your weak areas—whether that's understanding migration patterns, analyzing political boundaries, or writing concise geographic arguments—and develop a focused study plan to improve them before test day.

Score improvement depends on where you're starting and how much time you invest. Students who work with tutors typically see gains of one to two score points (on the 1-5 scale) over several months of consistent preparation. The key is identifying which units and question types are holding you back, then practicing strategically. A tutor can help you target weak areas and build confidence in your geographic analysis skills.

Most students benefit from starting tutoring 3-4 months before the exam in May, though this varies based on your current understanding of the material. If you're taking the course, tutoring during the school year helps you keep pace with class and build a strong foundation. Even 4-6 weeks of focused preparation with a tutor can help you refine your test-taking strategies and review high-yield content before exam day.

Practice tests are crucial—they help you get comfortable with the exam format, identify which geographic concepts you need to review, and build your pacing skills for the time-limited sections. A tutor can use practice test results to pinpoint your weak areas, whether that's interpreting specific map types or organizing free-response essays. Taking multiple practice tests under timed conditions gives you confidence and shows you exactly what to focus on in your final weeks of prep.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in AP Geography and understand what Brooklyn students need to succeed on this exam. You can share your specific goals—whether you're aiming for a 3, 4, or 5—and get matched with a tutor who has experience teaching the curriculum and helping students improve their scores. The matching process takes your schedule and learning style into account, so you get personalized instruction that fits your needs.