Score improvement depends on your starting point and consistency, but most students see meaningful gains when they focus on weak areas with targeted practice. Many students jump from a 2 or 3 to a 4 or 5 by mastering the free-response section (which accounts for 33% of your score) and improving their ability to apply concepts to real-world scenarios—both areas where personalized instruction makes a real difference.

Students typically struggle most with monetary policy and banking systems (understanding how the Federal Reserve influences the economy), the Phillips Curve and inflation relationships, and international economics (exchange rates and trade). Many also find it hard to connect theoretical models to real-world policy decisions—which is exactly what the free-response questions test. A tutor can break these concepts down and help you see the connections that make them click.

The free-response section rewards clear economic reasoning and proper use of graphs and terminology. The best strategy is practicing with actual AP prompts, getting feedback on your explanations, and learning to structure answers that show your thinking step-by-step. Many students lose points for vague language or incomplete reasoning—a tutor can help you develop the precision and clarity that earns full credit.

Ideally, start tutoring in the fall or winter if your exam is in May—this gives you time to build a strong foundation and tackle harder concepts without rushing. However, even a few months of focused tutoring can help if you're struggling with specific units. The key is consistent practice and feedback rather than cramming, so starting early enough to work through problem areas methodically is ideal.

Confidence comes from knowing the material and having a plan. Tutoring builds both by helping you master tricky concepts, practice under timed conditions, and develop strategies for tackling unfamiliar questions. When you've worked through dozens of practice problems and understand the reasoning behind your answers, test day feels less intimidating—you know you're prepared.

Look for tutors with strong economics backgrounds—ideally someone who has taught AP Macro, scored well on the exam themselves, or studied economics at the college level. They should be familiar with the current AP curriculum and exam format, understand common student misconceptions, and be able to explain abstract economic concepts clearly. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who meet these standards and can tailor their approach to your learning style.

Aim for at least 3-4 full practice tests under timed conditions in the weeks leading up to the exam—this helps you build stamina and get comfortable with pacing. Beyond full tests, practicing individual multiple-choice questions and free-response prompts throughout the year is essential for building mastery. A tutor can help you review your practice test results to identify patterns in your mistakes and adjust your study focus accordingly.