The main hurdles are understanding abstract economic concepts (like elasticity and opportunity cost) and applying them to real-world scenarios. Many 6th graders also struggle with the mathematical components—interpreting graphs, calculating percentages, and working with supply-and-demand curves. Additionally, the course requires strong reading comprehension to analyze case studies and economic articles, which can feel overwhelming for students transitioning from traditional middle school content. A tutor can break these concepts into digestible pieces and use concrete examples to make abstract ideas click.

The curriculum generally includes microeconomic fundamentals (scarcity, opportunity cost, supply and demand), consumer and producer behavior, market structures, and basic macroeconomic concepts like inflation and unemployment. Your student may also explore international trade, government policy, and how economic systems work in different countries. The exact scope depends on your school's specific AP Economics pathway, so it's helpful to share your student's syllabus with a tutor to ensure they're targeting the right content and depth.

Most students benefit from starting test prep 8-12 weeks before the exam, with 1-2 tutoring sessions per week to reinforce concepts and practice problems. However, the timeline depends on your student's current understanding of the material and their target score. Early, consistent preparation helps with spaced repetition—a proven learning strategy where reviewing material over time strengthens retention better than cramming. A tutor can create a personalized study schedule that identifies weak areas early and gives your student time to master challenging topics before test day.

Practice tests are essential—they help your student get comfortable with the exam format, pacing, and question types while identifying specific weak areas. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions reveals whether your student can manage the time pressure and apply concepts they've learned. Between practice tests, targeted tutoring on problem areas makes the biggest difference in score improvement. A tutor can review your student's practice test results, pinpoint patterns in missed questions, and focus sessions on strengthening those specific skills.

Graphs are the language of economics—supply-and-demand curves, production possibility frontiers, and market equilibrium diagrams appear throughout the course. Many 6th graders haven't yet developed strong spatial reasoning skills or experience interpreting multi-variable graphs, so reading a complex economic chart feels overwhelming. The challenge is compounded because one small misunderstanding (like confusing price with quantity) can lead to incorrect conclusions. A tutor can teach systematic graph-reading strategies, start with simple examples, and build confidence with repeated practice so your student approaches graphs as a tool rather than an obstacle.

Varsity Tutors connects students in Dayton with expert tutors who specialize in AP Economics and understand the unique needs of advanced middle school learners. When you reach out, share your student's current grade, specific curriculum, and any particular topics they're struggling with—this helps match them with a tutor who has experience teaching exactly what they need. With 67 schools and nearly 17,100 students across the Dayton area, finding a tutor familiar with your student's school's AP Economics expectations can make a real difference in their success.

The first session is typically diagnostic—the tutor will assess your student's current understanding of core economic concepts, review their course syllabus and recent assignments, and identify specific areas where they need the most support. This is also a chance for your student to ask questions and get a feel for the tutor's teaching style. By the end of the first session, you should have a clear picture of your student's strengths, gaps, and a plan for how tutoring will help them succeed in the course and on any upcoming assessments.