Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you engage with your tutor. Many students see meaningful gains by focusing on their weakest areas—whether that's essay structure, source analysis, or specific historical content. A tutor can help you identify gaps in understanding and develop targeted strategies to address them, which typically leads to more confident performance on test day.

Many students struggle with thesis development and evidence integration—crafting a clear argument and supporting it with specific historical examples within the time limit. Tutors help you practice the three essay types (DBQ, LEQ, and SAQ), develop templates that work for you, and build speed through repeated practice. With focused feedback on each essay, you'll learn to identify what graders are looking for and refine your approach before test day.

The multiple-choice section tests both content knowledge and the ability to analyze sources and historical context. A tutor can teach you to eliminate distractors, manage your time (roughly 45 seconds per question), and recognize common question patterns. Working through practice questions with a tutor helps you understand why correct answers are right and where you're making careless mistakes or misreading prompts.

Ideally, you'll start tutoring several months before the exam in May—many students benefit from beginning in January or February to allow time for content review and consistent practice. However, even a few weeks of focused tutoring can help if you're targeting specific weak areas. A tutor can assess where you stand and create a realistic study plan based on your timeline and goals.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about what to expect or lack of confidence in your preparation. Working with a tutor builds confidence through repeated practice with real exam questions, timed drills, and detailed feedback. You'll also learn specific test-taking strategies and time-management techniques that reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed during the actual exam.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Denver who specialize in AP History. You can specify which AP History exam you're taking, your target score, and your availability, and you'll be matched with a tutor who fits your needs. Tutors work with you on a flexible schedule to build a study plan tailored to your strengths and areas for growth.

Your tutor will start by assessing your current understanding of the material, identifying which historical periods or skills need the most work, and learning about your test date and score goals. You'll discuss your learning style and what's been challenging so far, then develop a customized study plan. Many tutors will also give you practice materials or homework to work on between sessions.