A score of 3 or higher is considered "passing" and qualifies for college credit at most institutions, though requirements vary. Scores range from 1-5, with 5 being the highest. Many competitive colleges prefer scores of 4 or 5, but even a 3 demonstrates solid understanding of economic principles. Your target score depends on your college goals and the specific schools you're applying to—a tutor can help you identify a realistic goal based on your current performance.

Students often struggle with graphical analysis—interpreting and drawing supply/demand curves, production possibility frontiers, and market equilibrium diagrams. Macroeconomics concepts like monetary policy, exchange rates, and the relationship between inflation and unemployment also challenge many learners. Additionally, applying economic theory to unfamiliar real-world scenarios requires strong conceptual understanding rather than memorization, which is where personalized 1-on-1 instruction can make a significant difference.

The multiple-choice section (60 questions in 70 minutes) requires strategic time management—aim to spend about 1 minute per question. Read questions carefully to identify what's being asked, eliminate obviously wrong answers, and don't second-guess yourself unless you spot a clear error. Practice tests are essential for building speed and confidence; taking full-length practice exams under timed conditions helps you identify which question types slow you down and where conceptual gaps exist.

The free-response section (3 questions in 60 minutes) requires you to explain economic concepts, draw and interpret graphs, and apply theory to scenarios. Practice writing clear, concise responses under time pressure—aim for 15-20 minutes per question. Focus on labeling graphs correctly, defining key terms, and showing your reasoning step-by-step. Working with a tutor on past free-response questions helps you understand what graders look for and build confidence in your ability to communicate economic ideas effectively.

Most students benefit from 3-4 months of consistent preparation, studying 5-7 hours per week. If you're starting closer to exam day, intensive tutoring can help you prioritize high-yield topics and maximize your score improvement. A personalized study plan depends on your current understanding of the material, your target score, and how much time you can dedicate each week—a tutor can help you create a realistic schedule tailored to your situation.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who identify your specific weak areas—whether that's graphical analysis, policy applications, or test-taking strategy—and create targeted lessons to address them. Tutors help you practice difficult concepts, review past exam questions, build confidence on timed sections, and develop strategies for managing test anxiety. With personalized 1-on-1 instruction, you get immediate feedback and can move at your own pace, focusing your effort where it matters most.

Your first session focuses on understanding your current level, goals, and learning style. A tutor may assess your understanding of foundational concepts, review your practice test scores, and discuss which topics feel most challenging. Together, you'll create a personalized study plan that targets your weaknesses and builds toward your score goal. This foundation ensures that subsequent sessions are focused and efficient, maximizing your preparation time before exam day.