Many students struggle with the mathematical reasoning required to interpret graphs and calculate elasticity or multiplier effects. Others find it difficult to apply economic principles to real-world scenarios, which is heavily tested on the AP exam. Time management during the exam—balancing multiple-choice questions with free-response problems—is another frequent challenge. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps identify which concepts need reinforcement and builds confidence in applying theory to practice problems.

The AP Economics exam is scored from 1 to 5, with a score of 3 or higher typically considered "passing" and eligible for college credit at most universities. Most selective colleges prefer scores of 4 or 5. Your target should depend on your college goals and current understanding of the material. A tutor can help you assess your baseline knowledge, identify weak areas, and develop a realistic study plan to reach your goal score by exam day in May.

Success on AP Economics requires balancing speed with accuracy. For the multiple-choice section (60 questions in 70 minutes), quickly eliminating obviously wrong answers saves time. For free-response questions, clearly label your graphs, show all calculations, and explain your reasoning—partial credit is available even if your final answer is wrong. Practice tests under timed conditions are essential to build pacing confidence and identify which question types slow you down most.

Most students benefit from consistent preparation starting 2-3 months before the May exam. A typical schedule includes weekly tutoring sessions combined with 5-7 hours of independent study—reviewing notes, working through practice problems, and taking full-length practice tests every 2-3 weeks. For students in Salt Lake City with access to personalized instruction, a tutor can help you prioritize topics based on your strengths and weaknesses, making study time more efficient and targeted.

Graphs and calculations are central to AP Economics—from supply-and-demand curves to calculating GDP and multiplier effects. The key is repeated practice with feedback. Work through problems step-by-step, label all axes and curves clearly, and explain what each shift or calculation means in economic terms. A tutor can walk you through your mistakes in real time, help you recognize common graph patterns, and teach you shortcuts for calculations like elasticity that appear frequently on the exam.

Look for tutors with strong economics backgrounds—ideally a degree in economics, business, or a related field, plus proven experience teaching AP-level material. They should be familiar with the current AP Economics curriculum and exam format, understand common student misconceptions, and be skilled at explaining abstract concepts through real-world examples. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Salt Lake City who have the knowledge and teaching experience to help you master both microeconomics and macroeconomics.

Your first session is an opportunity to assess your current knowledge and establish goals. A tutor will likely review your recent test scores or assignments, ask about topics that feel confusing, and discuss your target AP score. This diagnostic conversation helps the tutor understand your learning style and create a personalized study plan focused on your biggest gaps. From there, you'll dive into targeted instruction on high-priority topics, with regular practice and feedback to track your progress toward exam day.