The AP exam consists of two sections: a 55-minute multiple-choice and short-answer section (40% of your score) and a 100-minute free-response section (60% of your score) that includes a document-based question (DBQ), a long essay question, and a contextualization task. Success requires both content knowledge and strong writing skills—you need to analyze documents, construct arguments with evidence, and manage your time carefully across different question types. Working with a tutor on practice essays and timed drills can significantly improve your performance on both sections.

Many students struggle with the sheer volume of content, the shift from memorization to analytical thinking, and time management on the essay sections. The DBQ and long essay require you to construct sophisticated arguments using historical evidence—a skill that takes practice to develop. Additionally, understanding how different historical events connect thematically (rather than just chronologically) helps you answer synthesis questions that appear throughout the exam. Personalized tutoring can help you identify which topics need deeper review and develop strategies for organizing your thoughts under timed conditions.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you engage with tutoring, but students typically see gains of 1–2 score points (on the 1–5 scale) over a few months of focused preparation. The biggest improvements come from targeted practice on weak units, learning to analyze documents more effectively, and refining your essay-writing approach through feedback and revision. Many students who work with a tutor move from a 2 or 3 to a 4 or 5 by strengthening their analytical skills and test-taking strategies.

Ideally, you should begin test preparation in January or February if your exam is in May, giving you 3–4 months to review content, practice essays, and take full-length practice tests. If you're starting later or feel behind, even 6–8 weeks of focused tutoring can help you solidify weak areas and develop stronger test-taking strategies. The key is consistent, targeted practice rather than cramming—spacing out your study over time helps information stick and gives you time to refine your essay skills through multiple revisions.

Practice tests are essential—they help you understand the exam format, identify which units or question types trip you up, and practice pacing so you finish all sections on time. Taking full-length, timed practice tests every 2–3 weeks leading up to the exam gives you realistic feedback on your readiness and highlights areas needing more review. A tutor can review your practice test essays with you, point out patterns in your mistakes, and suggest targeted strategies to improve your score.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who tailor their approach to your needs—whether you need comprehensive content review, focused work on the essay sections, or test-taking strategy coaching. Your tutor might start by assessing which units or skills need the most attention, then work through practice materials, review your essays with detailed feedback, and help you develop a study schedule leading up to test day. Many students find that 1–2 sessions per week, combined with independent practice, provides the right balance of guidance and accountability.

Yes, Varsity Tutors connects students in St. Louis with experienced tutors who specialize in AP United States History. With 40 schools across 9 school districts in the area, many tutors are familiar with the curriculum and standards taught locally. You can get matched with a tutor who fits your schedule and learning style, whether you need intensive preparation or ongoing support throughout the school year.