The exam consists of two sections: a multiple-choice section (80 questions in 80 minutes) and a free-response section (3 essays in 100 minutes). The multiple-choice tests your ability to identify artworks and understand their context, while the essays require you to analyze artworks, compare them across cultures and time periods, and support arguments with specific examples. Success requires both broad knowledge of the curriculum and strong analytical writing skills.

Students often struggle with memorizing hundreds of artworks and their details, distinguishing between similar styles and periods, and developing strong analytical writing that goes beyond description. Many also find it challenging to manage time during the essay section while writing detailed, well-supported responses. Personalized tutoring helps you build a systematic approach to learning artworks, develop efficient note-taking strategies, and practice essay writing under timed conditions.

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 organizational systems for learning artworks, improving their ability to identify and analyze pieces under pressure, and refining their essay-writing skills. Regular practice tests and targeted feedback on your weakest areas—whether that's specific time periods, geographical regions, or essay structure—help you identify gaps and build confidence before test day.

Your first session focuses on understanding where you stand and what you need most. A tutor will likely assess your familiarity with the curriculum, identify which time periods or regions feel strongest and weakest, review your essay-writing approach, and discuss your target score and timeline. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan that might include systematic artwork review, essay practice, timed multiple-choice drills, or strategies for managing test anxiety—whatever will have the biggest impact on your performance.

Look for tutors with strong knowledge of art history across multiple periods and cultures, ideally with experience teaching or tutoring AP-level students. They should understand the specific format and demands of the AP exam, have strategies for helping students memorize and analyze artworks efficiently, and be skilled at teaching essay writing with historical examples. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have the subject knowledge and teaching experience to help you succeed on this demanding exam.

Most students benefit from starting AP Art History preparation 3-4 months before the exam, though this varies based on your starting knowledge and target score. If you're taking the course, tutoring during the school year helps reinforce classroom learning and build strong habits early. If you're cramming or need focused help on weak areas, even 6-8 weeks of consistent tutoring can make a meaningful difference in your score and confidence.

Practice tests are essential—they help you get comfortable with the exam format, identify which artworks and time periods trip you up, and build stamina for the timed essay section. Start with untimed practice to focus on accuracy and analysis, then gradually add time pressure. Review every answer you miss to understand why, and use patterns in your mistakes to guide your studying. A tutor can help you analyze your practice test results, pinpoint specific gaps, and create targeted review sessions around your weakest areas.