Advanced Placement (AP) courses are a great way for high school students to make sure they’re fully prepared for college. Performing well in these courses and on corresponding exams can help you start college with credits already earned. In 2023, 34.7% of public high school graduates had taken at least one AP exam. If you’re hoping to get a head start on college during your high school career, it’s important to prepare yourself for your AP exams. To help, we’ve ranked the top six AP exam prep courses:
- The Princeton Review — Top Pick
- Khan Academy — Most Affordable
- Kaplan — Best for Unlimited Prep
- Albert — Most User-Friendly Interface
- Study.com — Biggest Practice Exam Library
- Huntington Learning Center — Best In-Person Learning Experience
How We Chose the Best AP Test Prep
Enrolling in a quality AP test prep program can increase your chances of joining the 21.7% of public high school graduates who have passed at least one of these exams before graduating.
Given the time and financial investment involved, selecting the best program is essential for effective preparation. We’ve researched for you, analyzing customer reviews, testing various platforms, and comparing features to find top-performing AP prep options, helping you make an informed choice tailored to your needs.
Flexible scheduling and adaptable formats
We prioritized AP prep programs with flexible scheduling and adaptable formats, recognizing how important it is for students to balance their busy lives while getting the most out of their study time. An effective program fits your schedule, allowing you to focus on learning without compromising other priorities. Options like The Princeton Review offer everything from one-on-one tutoring to self-paced courses, while Albert and Study.com provide entirely self-paced learning ideal for independent study. Whatever your needs, these programs ensure flexibility to help you reach your AP goals on your terms.
Personalized instruction
Personalized instruction is key, as learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. A 2019 Harvard Gazette study found that choosing your learning method can boost results, especially with active learning. The AP prep programs on our list cater to this need, offering interactive lectures, quizzes, and practice tests. Choosing a program with customizable, active learning options allows you to tailor your study approach to fit your strengths and maximize your AP success.
Pricing and plans
Pricing and plans were essential factors in our selection, as we aimed to provide high-quality AP prep options across a range of budgets. We understand that financial needs vary, so we included choices like Khan Academy, which offers entirely free resources, making quality AP prep accessible to everyone. For students ready to invest more in their studies, options like Kaplan’s Unlimited Prep plan provide extensive resources and support across multiple subjects, though at a higher price. Ultimately, there’s something for everyone — whether you’re looking for budget-friendly prep or a comprehensive, premium experience.
Expert instructors and tutors
Access to expert instructors and tutors was a key priority in our selection. Live instruction or tutoring programs like The Princeton Review and Huntington Learning Center stand out. They feature instructors who are seasoned professionals and often AP teachers themselves, providing students with real-world expertise. Platforms like Study.com also excel for self-paced learners, with courses created by AP exam experts, ensuring that students get accurate, high-quality instruction. Whether through live interaction or expertly crafted materials, these programs offer valuable guidance from knowledgeable educators.
The Best AP Prep Courses
The Princeton Review — Top Pick
The Princeton Review is our top pick for AP test prep, offering the broadest range of options, including tutoring, live online courses, self-paced study, and impressive score guarantees. Though pricier, it may be a worthwhile investment if you’ve got your eye on top-tier results. The program features access to expert tutors, an interactive score report to monitor progress, and a top-rated AP prep book, all designed to enhance your preparation and success.
The Princeton Review offers many excellent features, including industry-recognized instructors, prep textbooks for each subject, and a money-back guarantee for its premium packages.
With five different options at varying price points, you can find an option that works for your learning needs and budget.
For those seeking a high-quality tutoring experience, investing in The Princeton Review’s AP 5 Tutoring may be worth it for individualized attention and a score guarantee.
What We Like
Princeton Review provides two options for guaranteed success — AP 5 tutoring, which ensures a score of 5, and the AP 4 course, which guarantees a 4 or higher. While these options come at a premium, such guarantees are rare in AP prep programs, giving peace of mind to those aiming for high scores.
They offer various learning formats for different schedules and study preferences. Students can choose from one-on-one tutoring for tailored instruction, live online courses for interactive learning, or a self-paced option for maximum flexibility.
Princeton Review’s 6-hour crash course is a lifesaver for students in a time crunch. It’s designed to cover the essentials quickly, providing a targeted review to boost confidence just before test day.
What We Didn’t Like
While The Princeton Review’s AP test prep program offers strong guarantees, the high cost may be a drawback for some students and their families. AP 5 tutoring, for example, can reach up to $250 per hour, making it a significant investment. The AP 4 course also stands out as one of the pricier options at $1,299. If achieving a specific score is crucial, this could be worthwhile, but this is ultimately a personal decision.
What Test Takers Are Saying
The Princeton Review has a solid 4.3-star Trustpilot rating. Many students achieve their target scores, and those who don’t often receive refunds, as promised. Reddit reviews vary, though users frequently commend its comprehensive practice tests for effective preparation.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| AP 5 Tutoring | $125-$250 per hour |
|
| AP 4 Course | $1,299 |
|
| AP Cram Course | $499 |
|
| AP Self-Paced | $299 |
|
| On-Demand Tutoring | Starts at $39.99 per month |
|
Khan Academy — Most Affordable
Khan Academy is the most affordable AP test prep option — it’s free, meaning that you won’t find a paywall anywhere on the site, making it accessible to everyone. Many students have relied on it for years, making it one of the longest-standing prep options available. While it lacks the live interaction of paid services, Khan Academy remains a solid choice as your primary prep resource or a valuable tool to keep in your back pocket for extra practice.
Some of Khan Academy’s courses, like this one on AP Calculus AB, offer a handy, easy-to-decipher progress tracker.
Khan Academy’s user interface is simple to navigate, featuring thorough review chapters and helpful illustrations.
What We Like
Khan Academy offers free AP test prep, a huge advantage for students seeking quality materials without the financial burden. This makes it one of the most accessible options, especially for those who want to prepare on a budget.
Although it lacks the interactive tutoring features of paid services, Khan Academy provides a help center where students can get answers to common questions and troubleshooting support.
Khan Academy is an official AP program partner, meaning its materials are directly aligned with the College Board’s standards. You can trust that the practice questions and learning materials closely reflect the content and structure of actual AP exams.
What We Didn’t Like
Khan Academy test prep lacks interactive features and live instruction, leaving students to navigate the material mostly independently. While this may be a disadvantage for some, it’s worth noting that the service is entirely free, making it an accessible option for self-motivated students seeking budget-friendly resources.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Khan Academy gets mixed reviews on Trustpilot. Many students appreciate the extensive, free resources, finding them thorough and helpful. However, some feel the lack of interactive support limits its effectiveness, especially when compared to paid options offering more personalized guidance.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| On-Demand Online Courses | $0 |
|
Interested in a degree instead?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Kaplan — Best for Unlimited Prep
While Kaplan offers excellent individual review courses, its unlimited program is the true standout feature. It provides access to eight AP review courses plus resources for college entrance exams like the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. This comprehensive program offers tremendous value and support under one subscription for those planning to prep for AP tests and college admissions.
Kaplan offers eight individual AP review courses, including biology, psychology, and U.S. history options.
Each individual AP prep course provides ample opportunities for live instruction, with classes beginning biannually.
Kaplan’s Unlimited Prep may be the answer for those seeking help in multiple courses. This package includes eight individual AP prep courses, alongside options for ACT and SAT prep.
What We Like
Kaplan offers live online classes for several AP subjects, allowing students to get tailored, real-time instruction from expert teachers. This flexibility means students can join anywhere and easily fit classes into their busy schedules, which is a significant advantage for those juggling multiple subjects.
Kaplan’s Unlimited Prep option provides students with access to all of the platform’s AP review courses, plus SAT and ACT prep, in a single package. This option is ideal for preparing for multiple AP exams or tackling college entrance exams, offering substantial value and comprehensive coverage across subjects.
Each Kaplan course includes Barron’s textbooks, which are widely respected for their depth and accuracy. These textbooks complement the course content, offering a robust resource for additional practice and review and improving the overall learning experience.
What We Didn’t Like
While Kaplan offers comprehensive review, the courses lack dedicated practice tests, which can be a downside for anyone who relies on full-length exams to gauge their readiness and build test-taking stamina.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Kaplan receives mostly glowing reviews on Trustpilot, resulting in a 4.6-star rating. Test takers praise the provider for significantly improving their test scores with top-tier instructors who take the time to explain concepts.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| Individual AP Review Courses | $399 |
|
| Unlimited Prep for the AP | $1,999 |
|
Albert — Most User-Friendly Interface
Albert may be a newer name in AP test prep compared to giants like Kaplan and The Princeton Review, but it stands out for its top-notch, self-paced user interface. A well-designed interface can make a big difference for students, as it helps them easily navigate resources, stay organized, and keep track of progress without hassle. Albert’s intuitive layout and responsive design make studying smoother and more enjoyable, a crucial factor to consider for those prioritizing ease and efficiency in their self-paced learning experience.
Albert offers a robust library of AP review courses — including everything from English Literature to Microeconomics to Environmental Science and beyond.
Albert’s AP Chemistry course offers a simple interface that’s easy to navigate and designed to correspond neatly with the exam’s content.
What We Like
Albert’s lessons are designed to be interactive, with short quizzes woven throughout the material to test students’ understanding. This format will keep you engaged, offer immediate feedback, and help you identify areas needing additional focus.
The platform is straightforward and intuitive, making navigating through subjects and topics easy without a steep learning curve. Albert’s clean design means you can quickly access lessons, track progress, and stay organized, especially when preparing for multiple exams.
Albert’s online format allows learners to study independently, making it a good option for those with packed schedules. Whether you prefer to study in short bursts or complete sections in one sitting, Albert accommodates various study preferences, making it adaptable to individual needs.
What We Didn’t Like
Albert’s platform lacks live instruction, which can disadvantage students who benefit from real-time guidance or interactive lessons with teachers. For those seeking a more hands-on learning experience, options like The Princeton Review or Kaplan offer live classes, making them a better fit if you value instructor-led support.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Albert’s AP test prep receives mixed feedback. Reddit users praise its interactive format, which makes practice engaging and effective. However, some note occasional inaccuracies in the content but still find it useful for general practice and review.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| AP Courses | $79 per subject |
|
Study.com — Biggest Practice Exam Library
Study.com provides the most extensive practice exam library for AP test prep, with thousands of practice questions and over 20 detailed study guides to reinforce learning. This extensive question bank allows students to test their knowledge across multiple AP subjects thoroughly. Study.com also offers personal progress reports and a comprehensive dashboard, helping learners monitor their advancement in various AP courses at a glance. This feature-rich platform is ideal for anyone looking to track their growth and access ample practice resources all in one place.
Study.com provides everything you need to do well on the AP exam, including an enormous question bank, thousands of video lessons, and plenty of study guides.
The site offers free practice tests to help you get a feel for the program before making a financial commitment.
What We Like
Each course is crafted by expert tutors with a significant understanding of the AP curriculum, ensuring the material is accurate and targeted to exam requirements. This level of expertise should lend some confidence that you’re learning from high-quality, reliable content designed to support your success.
Study.com’s courses are self-paced, allowing you to move through the material at the speed that suits you best. This flexibility makes it a great choice if you have a busy schedule or are balancing multiple subjects.
Study.com stands by its program with a higher score guarantee, which offers peace of mind to students aiming for score improvement. The platform is committed to helping students succeed, making it an attractive option for those seeking effective AP preparation with a level of security.
What We Didn’t Like
The program’s entirely online format is ideal for self-paced learners, but students seeking in-person guidance may need to look elsewhere. Those who benefit from direct support should consider a provider with live online or in-person options, like Huntington Learning Center or The Princeton Review.
At $59.99 per month, Study.com is pricier than some other self-paced resources. However, this cost does include comprehensive content coverage and a higher score guarantee, which may make it worthwhile if you’re looking for extensive, reliable prep materials.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Test takers on Trustpilot are mainly happy with their experience of Study.com. Reviewers praise the company’s comprehensive content, relevant and accessible study guides, and customer service.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| AP Prep Courses | $59.99 per month |
|
Huntington Learning Center — Best In-Person Learning Experience
Huntington Learning Center offers the best in-person learning experience for AP prep, focusing on creating personalized learning plans tailored to each student’s needs. This individualized approach is ideal for students prioritizing one-on-one guidance. It can be especially beneficial for those with learning disabilities, as tutors can adapt methods to suit unique learning styles. With locations nationwide, Huntington provides an engaging, supportive environment for those who thrive with face-to-face instruction and customized attention.
Huntington Learning Center is unique in that it offers one-on-one tutoring, either in person or online.
At Huntington, tutoring starts with a diagnostic assessment to determine strengths and weaknesses, ensuring you begin your tutoring journey on the right foot.
The program offers a four-step path to academic success, including an academic evaluation, a personalized tutoring plan, customized learning, and ongoing feedback and support.
What We Like
Huntington is the only program on our list that provides actual one-on-one, in-person tutoring and online options. This format allows students to work closely with a dedicated tutor, offering the chance to ask questions, receive immediate feedback, and address specific concerns in a way that self-paced or group sessions can’t match.
Huntington’s approach tailors each student’s learning plan to their unique strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Tutors assess learners’ baseline knowledge, creating a structured plan that focuses on areas for improvement and aligns with their personal objectives.
What We Didn’t Like
The exact pricing for Huntington’s tutoring programs isn’t readily available and can vary depending on location. If you’re interested in Huntington for AP prep, you’ll want to contact local centers directly to get specific pricing.
What Test Takers Are Saying
Huntington Learning Center’s AP test prep program earns high marks from students who value its in-person, personalized approach. Though reviews vary by location, many report improved scores and practical one-on-one support, making it a strong choice for those seeking customized, local guidance.
Pricing
| Program | Price | What You Get |
| In-person or Online One-on-One Tutoring | $40-$75 per hour |
|
Choose the Right AP Prep Course for You
Every student has different needs for AP prep, including the subject they’re studying for, how much time they have, their budget, and their learning style. It’s important to find a course that meets your own unique needs. To do so, follow the steps below.
Calculate your prep time
The time it takes you to prepare for AP exams will vary based on what you need to study and how comfortable you are with the study process. If you’re feeling unprepared, it’s important to start preparing well before your testing date — consider giving yourself at least a couple of months. If you’re feeling ready to take the test, scheduling some dedicated prep time for several weeks before your testing date can still be a good idea.
Consider your learning style
It’s important to consider how you learn best and look for a company that caters to your individual learning style. There are reputable resources online, such as Education Planner’s learning style test, that can provide insight into whether you’re a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic/tactile learner. Many test prep providers now cater to individual learning styles, so knowing your own is helpful before selecting an AP prep course.
Compare costs
Cost is a deciding factor for many students. If you have a budget, start by looking for an AP prep course within it. AP prep courses vary in price dramatically, with some available free of charge online and others costing hundreds of dollars per subject.
Look for must-have features
The best AP prep courses include helpful features that enable students to study effectively and give them the best chances of succeeding on their exams. Look for courses that offer:
- Flexible delivery options
- Personalization
- Multiple practice exams
- Free trials
- Live support
AP Prep Course Frequently Asked Questions
What are the important dates for taking AP exams?
AP exams are administered over two weeks in May. The following chart breaks down which AP subjects are tested on each day:
| Date | 8 a.m. Local Time | 12 p.m. Local Time |
| Monday,
May 5, 2025 |
|
|
| Tuesday,
May 6, 2025 |
|
|
| Wednesday,
May 7, 2025 |
|
|
| Thursday,
May 8, 2025 |
|
|
| Friday,
May 9, 2025 |
|
|
| Monday,
May 12, 2025 |
|
|
| Tuesday,
May 13, 2025 |
|
|
| Wednesday,
May 14, 2025 |
|
|
| Thursday,
May 15, 2025 |
|
|
| Friday,
May 16, 2025 |
|
|
*Test dates accurate as of November 25, 2024
Are there accommodations for disabilities?
If you have a disability, you may be able to access accommodations for taking an AP test. That can include extended time, spoken instructions, and braille devices. Because AP tests are administered at your school, you should speak to your test coordinator.
Where can I find practice tests?
Many of the providers featured in this guide offer full-length practice tests. This will allow you to accurately assess your preparedness before actually taking the test — if this service is important to you, make sure it’s included in the plan you’re signing up for before you make any payments.
How early should I prep?
When you should start prepping will depend on your preparedness for the test, as well as how many tests you’re scheduled to take. Because prep courses often last an entire semester, you may need to start prepping as early as four months before your scheduled test date.
How many practice tests should I take before the actual exam?
The number of practice tests you take depends on your needs and your comfort level. However, it’s a good idea to consider taking practice tests regularly to determine what you need to study and the progress you’ve made. Taking at least two tests is a good idea to see if the prep is helping or if you need more time to study.
How long are most AP prep courses?
Most AP prep courses are provided over a semester, which means you should prepare to take these courses for a period of 15 weeks. Alternatively, some test prep companies offer fast-track courses or boot camps, which are meant to prepare you for your AP exams in just a few weeks.
Is AP prep worth it?
Students who’ve passed their AP exams often qualify for college credit and can complete degree programs in less time. In-state students at public colleges pay an average tuition rate of $456 per credit hour. Most college classes count for three credits, which means you could save $1,368 for every AP test you pass.
How much does AP prep cost?
The cost of AP prep courses varies. While free courses are available, others can cost hundreds of dollars.