Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you engage with tutoring. Students who work with a tutor typically see gains by strengthening weak content areas, learning effective essay-writing strategies, and practicing with released exams under timed conditions. Many students improve by one to two score points (on the 1-5 scale) when they combine tutoring with regular practice over several months.

Students often struggle with three main areas: managing the sheer volume of content across 9 units, mastering the document-based question (DBQ) and long essay question (LEQ) formats, and developing strong historical argumentation skills. Many also find it challenging to balance memorizing key dates and figures with understanding broader historical themes and cause-and-effect relationships. A tutor can help you prioritize what matters most and develop strategies for each question type.

Ideally, starting tutoring in the fall or early winter gives you 4-6 months to build content knowledge and refine test-taking skills. However, even 8-12 weeks of focused tutoring can make a meaningful difference if you're already familiar with the material and need help with essay structure or practice test analysis. Your tutor can assess your current level and create a timeline tailored to your needs and the exam date.

Practice tests are essential—they help you understand the exam format, identify weak content areas, and build stamina for the 3-hour exam. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions is especially valuable because it reveals pacing issues and helps you get comfortable with the multiple-choice and essay sections. Tutors often use practice test results to guide instruction, focusing on the topics and question types where you struggle most.

The key is developing a strong thesis statement first, then organizing your evidence around that argument rather than just listing facts. For the DBQ, you'll need to analyze documents as historical sources and weave them into your argument; for the LEQ, you'll choose a topic and build your case with specific examples. Tutors teach you how to outline essays quickly, structure paragraphs for maximum impact, and practice writing under time pressure so you can complete all three essays in the exam's 100-minute essay section.

Chicago's 12 school districts and 882 schools offer varying levels of AP preparation support. Many students benefit from personalized tutoring that complements their school's AP course, especially if they want extra help with essay writing, document analysis, or specific time periods. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who understand the AP curriculum and can provide customized instruction around your school's schedule and pacing.

Your first session typically includes an assessment of your current knowledge, a practice multiple-choice question or short essay to identify strengths and gaps, and a discussion of your goals and timeline. The tutor will learn about your school's curriculum, which units you've covered, and where you feel least confident. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan focused on content review, essay technique, or whatever will have the biggest impact on your score.