Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort level. Students who work with tutors typically see gains by strengthening weak concept areas, improving graph interpretation skills, and practicing free-response questions under timed conditions. Consistent practice with targeted feedback—especially on the areas where you struggle most—is what drives meaningful score increases.

Many students struggle with interpreting economic graphs and diagrams, which make up a significant portion of both the multiple-choice and free-response sections. Others find it difficult to apply economic concepts to unfamiliar scenarios or manage their time during the exam. Understanding the vocabulary and connecting theory to real-world examples also trips up students who memorize without truly grasping the underlying logic.

On the multiple-choice section, read questions carefully before looking at graphs, and eliminate obviously wrong answers first. For free-response questions, label your graphs clearly, define key terms, and show your reasoning step-by-step—partial credit is available even if your final answer isn't perfect. Practice timing is crucial: aim to spend about 1 minute per multiple-choice question and 15-20 minutes per free-response question so you don't run out of time.

Practice tests are essential for AP Economics success. They help you identify which concepts need more review, get comfortable with the question format, and build stamina for the full 2-hour-10-minute exam. Taking practice tests under timed conditions—ideally every 2-3 weeks leading up to May—gives you realistic feedback on pacing and helps reduce test anxiety by making the exam format feel familiar.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in AP Economics and understand the specific challenges Indianapolis students face. You can get matched with a tutor who fits your schedule and learning style, whether you need help with foundational concepts, graph interpretation, or intensive exam prep as May approaches. The process is straightforward—just let us know your goals and availability.

Your first session is typically a diagnostic conversation where your tutor learns about your current understanding, identifies your strongest and weakest areas, and discusses your goals (like reaching a specific score or mastering particular topics). From there, your tutor creates a personalized study plan tailored to your needs, whether that's building foundational knowledge or refining test-taking strategies for the exam.

Ideally, you should begin focused exam prep 8-12 weeks before the May test date, though this depends on your current knowledge level. If you're struggling with core concepts, starting earlier gives you time to build a solid foundation. Even if you're already comfortable with the material, 6-8 weeks of targeted practice with a tutor can significantly sharpen your graph skills, free-response writing, and time management.