Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you engage with tutoring. Students who work with tutors typically see gains by developing stronger test-taking strategies, identifying conceptual gaps, and practicing with released exam questions. Most students benefit from focusing on their weakest units first, then building confidence through targeted practice. Starting tutoring several months before the exam gives you time to work through all content systematically.

Your first session is typically diagnostic and collaborative. A tutor will assess your current understanding of the course material, discuss your goals (whether that's a 3, 4, or 5), and identify which units or question types feel most challenging. You'll also discuss your study timeline and preferred learning style. From there, the tutor creates a personalized plan focusing on your priorities—whether that's building foundational knowledge, mastering free-response questions, or refining test-taking speed.

The best way is to take a full-length practice test under timed conditions and review your results carefully. Look for patterns: Do you struggle with specific units like Civil Rights or Policy-Making? Do you lose points on multiple-choice or free-response questions? A tutor can help you analyze these patterns and determine whether your gaps are conceptual (you don't understand the material) or strategic (you understand it but run out of time or misread questions). This diagnosis guides your study plan.

Free-response questions require you to demonstrate understanding of concepts and apply them to scenarios. The key is reading the prompt carefully, identifying what's being asked, and structuring your response with clear examples. Many students rush and miss important details in the prompt. A tutor can teach you how to break down FRQs systematically, develop thesis statements, and support claims with relevant examples from government, policy, or history. Practice writing multiple FRQs under timed conditions is essential.

Confidence comes from preparation and familiarity with the exam format. Working with a tutor helps you practice under realistic test conditions, so the actual exam feels less intimidating. You'll develop a consistent test-taking routine, learn strategies for managing time pressure, and work through challenging questions repeatedly until they feel manageable. Tutors can also help you develop mental strategies for staying calm during the exam and knowing when to move on from difficult questions.

Ideally, students begin focused exam prep 3-4 months before the May exam date. This gives you time to review all eight units, take multiple practice tests, and refine your approach. If you're starting later or feeling behind, even 6-8 weeks of consistent tutoring can help you prioritize high-impact topics and improve your test-taking strategy. The key is consistent practice—students who work with tutors 1-2 times per week and complete practice problems between sessions typically see the best results.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have expertise in AP US Government and understand the exam format, common student challenges, and effective test preparation strategies. When you connect with a tutor, you can discuss their experience with AP Government, their approach to teaching the material, and how they've helped other students prepare. Many tutors in Washington, DC have worked with students across the district's schools and understand the local curriculum context.