AP English LiteratureBest courses
Summary: Best AP Lit prep resources (2025 - 2026)
Advanced Placement (AP) courses offered through the College Board provide motivated high school students with the opportunity to experience undergraduate-level academics and earn valuable academic credit before even setting foot on a college campus. For those who are passionate about reading and writing, enrolling in AP English Literature and Composition, commonly referred to as AP Lit, offers the opportunity to study imaginative and literary texts at an advanced level, rather than taking standard upper-level English classes.
The AP English Literature and Composition program introduces students to a diverse range of major works across fiction, poetry, and drama, developing critical skills to interpret, analyze, and evaluate complex literary texts. Throughout the AP English Lit course, participants engage with classics like Jane Eyre, The Scarlet Letter, and Beloved, immerse themselves in the dramas of William Shakespeare, and explore influential poetry such as that of Langston Hughes. The curriculum emphasizes analytical writing, argumentative essay practice, comparative literary analysis, and the continual development of reading comprehension.
Over the course of the year-long AP English Literature class, students train intensively to prepare for the AP Lit exam. This final assessment combines multiple-choice and essay questions to assess each student's mastery of literary analysis and composition. Success on the AP English Literature exam requires consistent engagement with challenging texts and regular practice with realistic questions. While achieving a 3 communicates proficiency, students aiming for credit or advanced college placement often target a score of 4 or 5. High performance on the AP Lit exam can allow students to fulfill undergraduate English requirements ahead of time.
Many students augment classroom learning in AP English Literature with trusted external AP prep courses and study resources. They often rely on review materials from the College Board itself or reputable third-party providers in the world of AP Lit prep. Supplementing instruction can help enhance skills specifically tailored to the demands of AP Literature.
Some user reviews have been slightly edited for length and clarity.
How we evaluated these resources
When selecting our top AP Lit preparation tools, we aimed to include materials that fit different schedules and comfort levels with the material, ranging from self-guided textbooks to programs offering one-on-one tutoring support. We chose our selections based on:
- Cost
- Are the materials fairly priced based on what's offered? Are there any high-quality, free review sources that students frequently use?
- Variety
- Does the book or other core study tool come with additional features such as flashcards, adaptive questions, or live instruction?
- Coverage
- Does the material fit the College Board's Course and Exam Description? Which resources are best suited for all-around preparation, and which are more effective for drilling specific topics?
- Accessibility
- Does the provider explain complex topics in a clear and accessible way? Do their products cater to students with a specific learning style or a range of learners?
- Community feedback
- What do students say about this vendor or resource online? What do learners like about their instructional materials, practice tests, and other tools?
- Score boosters
- Is the program enough to pass the exam, or is it rigorous enough to prepare you for scoring a 4 or a 5 within your timeframe?
For each vendor, we list the key features, pros, and cons of their study programs, highlighting provider strengths and potential shortcomings. Our guide below can help you make an informed decision about which tools best fit your study plan.
Best live course: Kaplan
- Taught by top instructors, Kaplan's AP review courses offer guided preparation ahead of your exam and can be accessed online anywhere.
- Full-year and second-semester courses are available for those who need extra review throughout the entire course or are seeking targeted support closer to the test date.
- Live instruction supplemented by interactive online tools
- Students can access recordings of all live classes, self-paced modules, content reviews, videos, and assessments at their convenience
- Despite their focus on self-paced modules, there are no cheaper, self-study options available from Kaplan
- The course may be too intensive for students already enrolled in AP classes, so it's likely best suited for self-studiers
- The course is taught using an AP Book from Barron's, a trusted publisher of AP exam preparation materials
- Full-length practice exams come with detailed answer explanations
- Interactive topic reviews, digital flashcards, and content summaries
- Quizzes for each core topic
- Kaplan's Unlimited Pass gives parents and students the option to purchase access to all AP, SAT, ACT, and PSAT courses for a flat rate
Kaplan, a leading provider of AP and other college-prep courses, offers a targeted online curriculum specifically designed for students preparing for the AP English Literature and Composition exam. This immersive course features engaging live-teacher sessions combined with flexible, self-paced modules, interactive video lessons, digital flashcards and quizzes, and Barron's full-length AP English Literature practice book. The structure ensures that every lesson covers approximately a month's worth of content from the AP Lit syllabus, affording students the flexibility to revisit class recordings or study at their own pace if they are unable to attend the live sessions.
The course is meticulously designed to help students master the critical skills and topics required by the AP English Literature exam. Sample essay prompts and a targeted instruction guide help students construct analytical and argumentative essays, directly aligning lessons with the official AP English Literature and Composition framework. Kaplan's AP Literature program also demystifies the exam's most challenging concepts, including passage structure and inference, enhancing understanding through multiple practice quizzes, review modules, and core-aligned study resources.
Among AP prep courses, Kaplan offers one of the most thorough options for AP Literature and Composition. It's particularly suited for students who require guided support beyond their regular classroom experience or for self-motivated learners preparing independently for the AP exam. At $399, Kaplan's AP English Literature and Composition review course is the premium-priced choice on our list; however, its extensive features may make it a worthwhile investment for comprehensive preparation. For families seeking unlimited access to multiple Kaplan courses, including other AP subjects as well as SAT and ACT preparation, the Kaplan College Advantage plan is available at various price points.
“I used a couple of Kaplan Test Prep courses to prepare for ACT and AP exams a couple of years back, and they were very helpful. I felt that they were comprehensive and helped me gain a better understanding not only of the subject material, but of the way that the tests worked.”
“The experience I had with Kaplan was amazing. Not only were the classes fun and productive, but they [also] helped me walk into the test room feeling proud and ready. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is in high school and wants to score well on their test.”
Bottom line: Kaplan's AP English Literature and Composition course stands out as an all-inclusive online guide for those who want structured learning in their AP prep journey. Students can further expand their study options by choosing Kaplan's unlimited package, which provides access to every AP prep course offered, albeit at a higher cost.
Favorite online study tools: Albert.io
- Albert.io is a relatively new provider on the scene, but it has quickly earned a trusted reputation by teachers and students alike for tech-forward AP preparation.
- Their AP Lit Study Guide comes with hundreds of practice questions, full-length assessments, and helpful blogs and articles on test-taking strategies and other related topics.
- An entirely online platform makes studying on the go easy
- Narrative explanations for all questions
- Practice questions have been described as more challenging than the actual exam by some learners online, allowing for robust preparation
- Many instructors use Albert's practice questions and materials in their classrooms
- The premium package is more expensive compared to other supplementary tools
- Not a lot of content or instruction beyond their assessments
- 4 full-length practice exams
- Regularly updated blog with subject guides, free downloads, and score calculators
- 24-hour help center available
Albert.io, a new and growing test prep provider specializing in academic support for students in grades 3 through 12, offers a robust digital platform specifically designed to enhance performance on the AP Literature exam. Aligned with Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition requirements, Albert.io places a strong focus on self-assessment and targeted skill development. Their online "course" is organized by genre (prose, poetry, drama, and short fiction), with practice questions that correspond to major works of fiction regularly featured on the AP Literature exam. Students will also find more question banks on core literary texts, adaptive exams, and mock free-response items, each paired with answer explanations that detail literary analysis techniques and provide insight into the official exam's format. Albert.io also features a dynamic blog and resource center, providing AP Lit review guides, topic breakdowns (such as character study, narrative perspective, and figurative language), proven test strategies, and exam walkthroughs to strengthen both content mastery and exam-taking abilities.
What distinguishes Albert.io among AP Lit study resources is its commitment to frequent, data-driven practice and self-paced learning. Students can practice with realistic passage-based questions modeled after the College Board's AP English Literature format, review in-depth explanations for every answer choice, and track their progress using performance analytics. The flexible platform enables personalized AP Lit exam prep: students can focus on their weakest areas while following the broader structure and skill set required for high achievement in AP Literature. It should be emphasized, however, that Albert.io primarily functions as an AP Lit practice tool rather than a content instruction platform; its strength lies in reinforcing concepts through authentic AP Literature exam-style practice.
“Albert questions were ALWAYS made to be harder than actual test questions. They do this so you feel more prepared for the exam.”
“Albert.io doesn't provide much content; it's geared towards practice. But the practice that it does give in my experience is really helpful.”
Bottom line: Albert.io serves as your digital AP Lit study companion, continually challenging your literary knowledge and analytical skills through consistent practice. It's best utilized alongside an official AP Literature course as a supplementary study tool, not a standalone study engine.
Best printed study guide: Princeton Review
- The Princeton Review offers a range of test-prep resources for AP students, from their best-selling books to expert tutoring to limited-run "crash courses."
- Princeton Review's books have long been a reliable resource for AP preparation. Their books excel at summarizing the College Board's course material and providing accurate practice assessments.
- Study guides strike a balance between complete exam coverage, targeted assessments, and concise content overviews
- Many students find Princeton Review's detailed explanations for each question helpful
- Flexible options available for students who only need self-assessments and reviews, and learners who require guided or one-on-one support
- More expensive packages allow for access to preparation resources for other AP subjects, ideal for those taking multiple exams
- Only the Premium version of the book comes with a digital practice exam, which more closely mirrors the format of the actual test
- Some students felt the practice questions were not a fully accurate reflection of what's on the exam
- Others doubted the value of Princeton Review's services and recommended just sticking to buying the book
- 5 full-length practice exams (for both standard and Premium books)
- Timed online practice (Premium book only)
- Test-taking tips
- Cram Course offers live online instruction
The Princeton Review's AP Literature prep solutions are built around flexible delivery, expertly written content, and established approaches to mastering the exam's requirements. Their offerings include their best-selling Premium and standard preparation books, a two-session "Cram Course," and AP Lit-specific tutoring. All of their review materials and programs focus on the "Big Six" literary skill categories (character, setting, structure, narration, figurative language, literary argument) that the College Board uses. In addition to content review (which includes close reading of prose fiction, drama, and poetry, as well as essay writing under timed conditions), The Princeton Review also features tips on test-taking strategies, pacing, and trap avoidance, along with realistic timed practice so you can feel comfortable with the exam's format before test day.
What makes The Princeton Review stand out is its structured path to score improvement: students receive diagnostic assessments to identify weak spots, then work through targeted modules and full-length practice tests under simulated test conditions. Their programs also integrate online tools and resources (digital practice, flashcards, study planners) to keep students engaged and track their progress. While the cram course and tutoring are reserved for students who require additional guidance, their review books are truly an all-in-one resource for students seeking extra support outside the classroom. The Premium version in particular comes with access to a digital exam and timed online practice, mirroring the actual format and content of the exam.
“I bought three review books, the Princeton, the Barron's, and the 5 Steps to a 5, for my daughter…My favorite is Princeton's because of their advice on how to tackle the essay questions.”
“What appears in the book is very different from what appears on the test. I know it seems nice to be practicing something harder and then to have some solace when you see the real test, I really would've appreciated it if I could have known what the difficulty of the actual test is like.”
Bottom line: The Princeton Review's AP review books have become a favorite for a reason: they combine high-quality written content with well-structured assessments, and are available at an affordable price. For students who require additional support or prefer instructor-led learning, cram courses and tutoring packages are also available.
Best video content: Garden of English
- Timm Freitas, a longtime teacher of both AP Literature and AP English Language and Composition, is the founder of Garden of English, a video-based hub of review resources for both teachers and students.
- Freitas' engaging YouTube videos help guide students through the main concepts covered in AP Lit, from constructing an essay to inferring an author's tone.
- Hundreds of videos that use real-life examples, proven test strategies, and humor to break down challenging and abstract AP Lit topics
- Teachers also have access to complimentary, downloadable content to enhance the classroom experience
- While useful for quick reviews, Garden of English is not a replacement for a full study program
- Teacher resources are not free
The Garden of English resource hub offers an exciting catalogue of instructional videos for AP English Literature and Composition, along with robust teaching materials. The Garden of English specifically supports both students and educators working with the AP English Literature and Composition curriculum, helping them excel with targeted guidance and high-quality study tools. On the official YouTube channel, the Garden of English offers expertly curated playlists such as "AP Lit Q3: Literary Argument," which break down essay-writing components (thesis statements, topic sentences, transitions) and skills. Their collection includes a range of print and digital assignments, practice exams, and unit tests, all precisely aligned with the AP Literature Course and Exam Description (CED), along with worksheets and guided notes tied directly to their educational videos.
What distinguishes the Garden of English's AP Lit resources is their exceptional flexibility and commitment to supporting both students and teachers. With free instructional videos focused on the key components of essay writing, strategies for multiple-choice questions, and interactive periodic live sessions, the Garden of English ensures thorough coverage for exam preparation. Their downloadable materials include easy-to-use templates, scoring rubrics, self-assessment opportunities, and plug-and-play lesson plans. AP students consistently praise Garden of English's video lessons for making complex material accessible, engaging, and fun, although it is recommended to use their resources as a supplement rather than a total replacement for in-depth studying.
“For your essays, use Garden of English…his structures for the essays helped me get a 4 in Lit.”
“Used this for my exam yesterday, thank you so much!! This template helped a ton!”
Bottom line: The Garden of English has established itself as a go-to destination for AP Literature exam preparation, thanks to its popular free video library and specialized instructional support. Highly regarded by students for extra practice and by teachers seeking to elevate classroom instruction, Garden of English offers valuable AP Lit prep tools that stand out in the landscape of advanced placement support.
Why it matters
A wide variety of prep providers feature comprehensive AP Literature and Composition study materials along with personalized student support, all designed to help learners excel on the AP English Literature exam. Enrolling in AP English Lit, as well as other Advanced Placement courses:
- Puts your academic skills on display for colleges
- Helps improve your abilities and sophistication as a writer and thinker
- Gives you the chance to earn college credit and fulfill core university requirements
Given the importance of scoring well on AP exams and the complexity of these tests, completing supplemental practice outside of your AP course is highly recommended by both the College Board and instructors alike.
Wrapping up
Selecting an AP Literature prep program that offers top-tier resources, expertly crafted AP Lit practice tests, and reliable guidance is necessary for reaching your academic ambitions. As you evaluate leading AP English Literature and Composition courses and review programs, carefully consider their key features, quality of content, availability of AP prep tests, pricing structures, and proven success rates to identify the options that match your learning style and objectives. Best of luck!