Your first session focuses on understanding your current level, learning style, and specific goals. A tutor will likely review your recent practice test scores or assignments to identify which topics (Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, etc.) need the most work, then create a personalized study plan tailored to your timeline before the May exam.

Students often struggle with synthesizing information across multiple centuries and regions, distinguishing between similar movements or time periods, and crafting strong analytical essays that go beyond summary. The sheer breadth of content—from 1450 to present day—can feel overwhelming, which is why targeted tutoring helps you focus on high-impact concepts and develop efficient note-taking and organization strategies.

The FRQ section requires more than just knowledge—it demands strong thesis statements, specific evidence, and clear historical reasoning. A tutor can teach you the exact rubric the College Board uses, walk you through timed practice essays, and give you feedback on how to structure arguments that earn full points. Many students improve significantly once they understand what graders are actually looking for.

Anxiety often stems from uncertainty about what to expect. Regular practice with full-length timed tests under tutoring helps you build confidence and develop a pacing strategy that works for your reading speed. A tutor can also teach you techniques for managing stress during the exam and help you identify which questions to tackle first based on your strengths.

Most students benefit from 1-2 tutoring sessions per week, combined with 3-5 hours of independent study between sessions. The ideal schedule depends on your current score and target score, but consistency matters more than cramming. A tutor can help you create a realistic study calendar that builds momentum toward exam day without burning you out.

The multiple-choice questions test both content knowledge and the ability to analyze primary sources and historical documents. A tutor can teach you strategies like eliminating obviously wrong answers, spotting common distractors, and managing your time so you don't rush through questions you could get right. Practice with released College Board exams is key to understanding question patterns.

Look for tutors with strong knowledge of the AP European History curriculum and ideally experience helping students prepare for the exam. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who understand both the content and the test format, and can provide personalized instruction based on your learning style and goals. Many tutors have backgrounds in history, education, or test prep.