The exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes long, divided into two sections. Section I includes 55 multiple-choice questions (80 minutes), testing your knowledge of specific countries and comparative concepts. Section II has four free-response questions (100 minutes): one country-specific question, two comparative questions, and one that requires analysis of a political scenario or data. Strong performance requires both factual knowledge of the six countries and the ability to make meaningful comparisons across different political systems.

Many students struggle with distinguishing between the six countries' systems—it's easy to confuse institutional structures or policy approaches when studying multiple governments simultaneously. Others find the comparative essays challenging because they require synthesis rather than just recall. Time management on the free-response section is another common issue, as students need to write coherent, well-supported essays under pressure. Personalized tutoring helps you develop strategies to organize information by theme, practice essay structure, and build confidence with timed practice.

A score of 3 or higher is considered passing and earns college credit at most institutions, though requirements vary by school. Scores of 4 or 5 demonstrate strong mastery and may earn more advanced placement or credit hours. The national average score is typically around 2.5, so scoring a 3+ puts you above average. Your target score depends on your college's requirements and your academic goals, but focused preparation with an expert tutor can help you identify weak areas and develop strategies to reach your target.

Most students benefit from 3-4 months of consistent preparation, starting in January or February for the May exam. This timeline allows you to thoroughly learn each country's system, practice comparative analysis, and take multiple full-length practice tests. If you're starting later or struggling with certain topics, accelerated tutoring can help you focus on high-impact areas and maximize your study efficiency. The key is regular, spaced practice rather than cramming—spacing out your study helps you retain information and recognize patterns across the six countries.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in AP Comparative Government and Politics and can tailor their approach to your learning style. A tutor can help you build a mental framework for organizing the six countries, practice writing essays under timed conditions, review practice test results to identify weak areas, and develop strategies for the multiple-choice section. They can also address test anxiety and build your confidence by working through challenging questions and helping you understand not just what the answer is, but why it's correct.

Your first session is an opportunity to assess where you stand. Your tutor will likely ask about your current knowledge of the six countries, review any practice test scores you have, and discuss your target score and timeline. They'll identify which countries or concepts you find most challenging and help you understand the exam's expectations. From there, your tutor will create a personalized study plan that focuses on your specific needs, whether that's building foundational country knowledge, mastering comparative analysis, or perfecting essay structure.

Practice tests are crucial—they help you understand the exam's pacing, question formats, and scoring, plus reveal which topics need more work. Taking full-length, timed practice tests every 2-3 weeks allows you to track improvement and build test-taking stamina. Beyond just taking tests, reviewing your wrong answers is where real learning happens. A tutor can help you analyze your practice test results to spot patterns (Are you struggling with a particular country? Do you run out of time on essays?), then target your study accordingly to turn weaknesses into strengths.