Score improvement depends on your starting point and commitment level. Students who work consistently with tutors on weak areas—whether that's mastering supply and demand graphs, understanding monetary policy, or improving free-response essay writing—typically see meaningful gains. Many students improve by 1-2 score points (on the 1-5 scale) over a few months, though the exact improvement varies based on your baseline knowledge and how frequently you meet.

Students often struggle with interpreting and drawing economic graphs accurately, distinguishing between microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts, and applying economic theory to complex real-world scenarios. Free-response questions are particularly challenging because they require clear explanations of economic reasoning, not just correct answers. Time management during the exam is also a concern—students need to pace themselves across 60 multiple-choice questions and three free-response questions in 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who personalize instruction to your specific needs. Your tutor will assess your current understanding, identify weak areas (like graphing, policy analysis, or essay writing), and create a focused study plan. Sessions typically combine concept review, practice problem-solving, timed practice tests, and strategies for both multiple-choice and free-response sections to build confidence before test day.

For multiple-choice, practice eliminating obviously wrong answers and managing your time—aim to spend about 1.5 minutes per question. For free-response questions, always show your work and explain your economic reasoning clearly, as partial credit is awarded. Tutors help you develop strategies like identifying key terms in questions, sketching graphs quickly and accurately, and organizing your thoughts before writing to maximize points. Practice under timed conditions is crucial for building the speed and accuracy you'll need on exam day.

Ideally, you should begin focused exam preparation 8-12 weeks before the May exam date. This gives you time to review all major topics, take multiple full-length practice tests, and address gaps in understanding. If you're starting later in the year, even 4-6 weeks of consistent, targeted tutoring can help you solidify key concepts and improve your test-taking approach. Starting early reduces test anxiety and allows for deeper learning rather than last-minute cramming.

Varsity Tutors matches you with tutors who have strong AP Economics expertise and experience preparing students for the exam. When connecting with a tutor, discuss your current understanding, target score, and any specific topics you find challenging. Most tutors offer a first session to assess your needs and determine if the fit is right, so you can start with confidence knowing you're working with someone qualified to help you succeed.

Your first session is typically focused on assessment and planning. The tutor will review your current knowledge of economics concepts, discuss your goals and target score, and identify your strongest and weakest areas. They'll also explain their teaching approach and create an initial study plan tailored to your needs. Come prepared with any practice tests you've taken, recent exams from class, or specific topics you'd like to focus on.