A score of 3 or higher is considered "passing" and qualifies for college credit at most universities, though many competitive schools prefer a 4 or 5. The exam is scored on a scale of 1-5, with a 5 being the highest. Your target score depends on your college goals and the schools you're applying to—it's worth checking specific college credit policies, as some require a 4 or 5 for credit toward major requirements.

Many students struggle with graph interpretation and analysis—the exams heavily emphasize supply and demand curves, production possibility frontiers, and Phillips curves. Others find it difficult to distinguish between micro and macro concepts or to apply economic principles to unfamiliar scenarios. Time management on the exam is another common issue, as the free-response section requires clear explanations and multiple diagrams within a limited timeframe.

Most students benefit from 3-4 months of consistent preparation, starting around January for the May exam. If you're taking both Micro and Macro, plan for 4-5 months to cover all content thoroughly. The key is regular practice with multiple-choice questions, free-response problems, and full-length practice tests—ideally 2-3 practice exams in the final 4-6 weeks before test day to build speed and confidence.

Free-response questions require you to explain economic concepts clearly and support your answers with relevant diagrams and analysis. Practice writing concise explanations that directly address the question, and always include labeled graphs when appropriate—many students lose points for incomplete or mislabeled diagrams. Working with tutors who can give you feedback on your written responses helps you identify gaps in your reasoning and refine your explanations before test day.

Your first session is an opportunity to assess your current understanding of economic concepts and identify your strongest and weakest areas. A tutor will likely review your course notes, discuss which topics feel confusing, and may give you a diagnostic quiz or practice problem to gauge your skill level. This helps create a personalized study plan focused on the areas where you need the most support.

Test anxiety is common, but practice and familiarity reduce it significantly. Taking full-length practice exams under timed conditions builds confidence and helps you feel prepared for the actual test format. On exam day, start with questions you find easier to build momentum, manage your time by noting how long you spend on each free-response question, and remember that the exam is designed to challenge students—not every question needs to be perfect to score well.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have deep knowledge of AP Economics curriculum and exam strategy. When you get matched with a tutor, look for someone with experience teaching both Micro and Macro, familiarity with recent exam formats, and the ability to explain complex concepts clearly. Your tutor should be able to provide targeted practice on your weak areas and help you develop a realistic study timeline leading up to test day.