Score improvement depends on where you're starting and how consistently you practice, but most students see meaningful gains—often 1-2 points on the 1-5 scale—when they work with a tutor to identify weak areas and develop targeted strategies. The biggest improvements typically come from learning how to quickly identify rhetorical devices, manage essay timing, and strengthen argument construction. Consistent practice with feedback is key; many students who struggle with pacing or essay structure see the most dramatic improvements.

The three biggest hurdles are: (1) time management—completing both essays and the multiple-choice section within the 3-hour window, (2) distinguishing between rhetorical analysis and argument essays, and (3) identifying and naming rhetorical strategies accurately under pressure. Many students also struggle with analyzing complex passages quickly and supporting their claims with specific textual evidence rather than general statements. A tutor can help you develop efficient reading strategies and practice essay templates that save time without sacrificing quality.

Your first session will typically focus on understanding where you stand—a tutor will likely review your previous practice test scores, discuss which sections feel strongest and weakest, and assess your current essay-writing approach. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan that targets your specific gaps, whether that's reading comprehension speed, rhetorical analysis skills, or argumentative essay structure. Most tutors will also give you practice materials and a clear timeline for preparation based on when you're taking the exam.

Practice tests are essential—they're the best way to get comfortable with the exam format, build stamina for the 3-hour test, and identify exactly which question types or essay prompts trip you up. Taking full, timed practice tests every 1-2 weeks allows you to track progress and pinpoint whether you need to work on speed, strategy, or content knowledge. A tutor can review your practice test results with you, highlight patterns in your mistakes, and help you adjust your approach before test day.

The key is planning: spend 2-3 minutes reading and annotating the prompt and passage, 5-7 minutes outlining your response, 20-25 minutes writing, and 2-3 minutes proofreading. Many students rush into writing without a clear plan, which leads to unfocused essays and wasted time. A tutor can help you develop a reliable essay template and practice writing under timed conditions so that your process becomes automatic—this removes decision-making stress and lets you focus on content quality.

Rather than memorizing a long list, focus on learning the most common devices (metaphor, parallel structure, repetition, rhetorical questions, ethos/pathos/logos, etc.) and practicing how to identify and name them in real passages. The goal isn't to name every device—it's to recognize how writers use language strategically to persuade. A tutor can provide targeted passages for practice, help you develop a system for annotation, and teach you how to explain the effect of a device in your essays, which is what the exam actually rewards.

Look for tutors with strong writing backgrounds, AP exam experience (ideally having taught or tutored AP Language before), and a track record helping students improve their scores. They should understand the specific demands of each essay type, be able to give you detailed feedback on your writing, and help you develop efficient test-taking strategies—not just grammar rules. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Portland who specialize in AP Language and can tailor their approach to your learning style and timeline.