During your first session, a tutor will assess your current programming skills, comfort level with computational thinking, and identify which topics need the most focus. They'll discuss your goals—whether you're aiming for a 3, 4, or 5—and create a personalized study plan. This initial conversation helps establish a foundation so your tutoring is targeted and efficient from day one.

Many students struggle with the Create Performance Task, which requires designing and implementing a program while documenting your process—it's not just about coding, but explaining your thinking. Others find the transition from visual block-based programming (like Snap!) to written code challenging, or they underestimate the emphasis on algorithms and data representation. Tutors can help you break down these components, practice explaining your code clearly, and develop strategies for tackling the performance task systematically.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and consistency with tutoring. Students who work regularly with a tutor typically see gains of 1-2 score points by focusing on weak areas, mastering test-taking strategies, and practicing the performance task thoroughly. The key is identifying whether you need help with programming fundamentals, algorithm design, or test strategy—personalized tutoring targets exactly what you need rather than generic review.

Practice tests are essential for AP CSP because they help you understand the question formats, manage your time during the 2-hour exam, and identify content gaps before test day. A tutor can guide you through released exams, help you analyze which types of questions slow you down, and teach you strategies for the multiple-choice section. Regular practice also builds confidence and reduces test anxiety.

Yes—the Create Performance Task is a major component of your AP CSP grade, and tutors can help you select a project idea, develop your code, and most importantly, learn how to document and explain your process clearly. Tutors can review your written responses about your program's purpose, design decisions, and algorithms to ensure you're meeting the College Board's requirements. They can also help you practice explaining your code in a way that demonstrates deep understanding.

AP CSP is language-agnostic, so you can use any programming language for the Create Performance Task—Python, JavaScript, Java, and others are all acceptable. However, many schools use Snap! (a visual block-based language) or AppLab during the course. A tutor can help you choose a language that fits your comfort level and learning style, then guide you through coding and documentation in that language.

Look for tutors with strong programming skills, experience teaching AP CSP or introductory computer science, and familiarity with the College Board's exam format and performance task requirements. Tutors who can explain both the 'how' and 'why' of coding, and who understand computational thinking concepts, will help you develop deeper understanding. Varsity Tutors connects you with experienced tutors who specialize in AP Computer Science Principles and can tailor their approach to your learning style.