How to Prepare for your AP Exams with Online Tutoring?

AP exams stand for Advanced Placement exams. These are standard exams offered by the College Board in the United States. AP exams test a student’s knowledge and understanding of a specific subject. 

High school students who complete advanced placement courses in various subjects (like science, history, mathematics, and languages) take AP exams. There are a total of 39 AP exams that are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, the highest score being 5. Having said that, it’s quite challenging to score a 4 on your AP test, even with strong preparations.

For your convenience, our team of expert AP tutors has compiled a list of top tips and tricks to help you ace your AP exam with online tutoring. But before we move on to the real strategies, let’s find out why you must attempt the AP test.

Here’s why AP exams are important:

• Universities use AP exams to grant advanced placement to students who perform well. As a result, students can skip introductory courses in college.
• Students can also earn college credit, saving money on college tuition.
• Studies from AP Central show that students scoring 3 or higher in AP exams have greater academic success.

Read on to learn how to ace your AP exams with online tutoring.

Looking for expert AP tutors? Book a free trial with Wiingy’s top AP tutors for conceptual understanding, homework help, and test prep.

Benefits of online tutoring for AP exams:

Bramble survey found that a staggering 84% of the students who participated reported that online tutoring surpassed the effectiveness of in-person tuition. 

Additionally, a significant majority, 73% of parents and 72% of tutors concurred that students who opted for online learning achieved better academic outcomes. 

Yes, with personalized attention, a flexible schedule, and a convenient, affordable learning experience, online tutoring can make this goal a cakewalk for you! 

The significant benefits of online tutoring are as follows: 

Personalized instruction

• Since online tutoring mainly occurs on a one-to-one basis or in small group sessions, the tutors can work closely with your individual needs for AP exams.
• Depending on your subject, online tutors can strategize study plans that cater to your strengths and weaknesses.
• You can book a separate online session to take personalized feedback on time management, critical thinking, problem-solving, and scoring skills. This will help you gain clarity and confidence for your final AP exam.

Flexibility and convenience

• Online tutoring takes place at your preferred time and schedule. Tutors and students can mutually decide the class timings, durations, and lessons they want to cover during that span.
• You don’t have to enroll yourself in monthly or yearly programs. You can join online tutoring even a few days before your AP exams.
• You need not travel to a specific tutoring spot. That saves you travel time! 

Affordable

• In-person AP tutoring typically costs $60 to $100 per hour. Online tutoring is often more affordable. You can find online classes at a fee as low as $20/hour.
• Besides, you don’t have to travel anywhere, so you save the traveling cost too.

How to find the right online tutor for AP exams?

When we talk about how to ace your AP exams with online tutoring, finding the right online tutor is non-negotiable.

The most significant benefit of hiring an online tutor for the AP exam is personalized instruction. The tutor can closely guide you through the tips and tricks for scoring high on the exam. 

However, choosing the perfect tutor requires carefully considering your needs, learning style preferences, and available time commitment. 

Additionally, ensure that your tutor is qualified and experienced in tutoring AP students. 

Here is a guideline to help you find the right online AP tutor for exams:

Consider your needs

Before embarking on your search for an online tutor, take some time to reflect on your needs and requirements. Answer these questions: 

• What are your strengths and weaknesses in the subject you’re taking?

Understanding your areas of improvement will help you find a tutor who specializes in those areas and can provide targeted assistance. 

The pass rate of physics is 51.6%. Out of this, only 8.8% of candidates scored a perfect 5. Similarly, chemistry, language, and calculus are hard to crack.

Figure out your struggling areas so your tutor can help you improve. 

• What are your learning style preferences?

Determine your preferred learning style. Are you someone who learns best through visual content, interactive discussions, or hands-on activities? Do you like one-to-one sessions or group sessions? 

Knowing your learning style will allow you to find an online tutor who aligns with your preferences and can tailor their teaching methods accordingly.

• How much time do you have to commit to tutoring?

Evaluate how much time you can dedicate to tutoring sessions. Count your existing commitments, such as schoolwork, extracurricular activities, or part-time jobs. 

This assessment will help you find a tutor who can accommodate the schedule and provide the necessary support within your available time frame. The earlier you start, the better. 

Look for qualified tutors

Finding a qualified and experienced tutor is essential for your AP exam preparation. Here are a few key considerations:

• Tutoring experience: 

Ensure that your tutor has significant experience in tutoring AP students. 

Though the college board has no specific training for AP tutors, the tutors must have at least two years of tutoring experience. 

AP exams have a distinct format and require targeted preparation. Find a tutor familiar with the strict AP-level guidelines and marking of AP exams. 

They will guide you through the commonly asked questions, scoring schemes, and practicing essential areas.

• Credentials and Reviews:

Check the tutor’s credentials and qualifications. What are their certifications and degrees? Do they have any relevant educational background demonstrating their expertise in the subject matter? That’s a must! 

Additionally, read reviews or testimonials from previous students to gauge their tutoring abilities and effectiveness.

How to ace AP exams with online tutoring?

Setting clear goals, coming prepared, asking questions, and practicing regularly are vital steps to getting the most out of online tutoring for AP exams. Let’s learn about these steps in detail.

Set clear goals

Establish goals for your tutoring sessions. Define what you aim to achieve. Some students want to improve their grades; others want to earn a high score on the AP exam. Where do you stand? 

• Communicate these goals to your online tutor, which will help them structure the sessions according to your needs.
• Now, break down the bigger goal into smaller sections. For example, AP physics will require you to master trigonometry, algebra, Newtonian mechanics, and other topics. 
• Attempt them one by one. You can hire different online tutors to explain various topics in detail.

Be prepared for each session

Come prepared for your tutoring sessions. Bring doubts, concerns, and areas you’d like to focus on during each online session.

• Before diving into lessons, quickly scan through the topics. Staying prepared lets you maximize your tutor’s expertise and ensures productive sessions.
• Do your homework. Give at least 5 to 6 hours a week to MCQs, FRQs, unit tests, puzzles, progress checks, and 1-2 labs. 

Ask questions

AP subjects cannot be taught straightforwardly. They require a breakdown of facts and proper doubt-clearing sessions. A good tutor will encourage curiosity and provide thorough explanations to enhance understanding.

• Online tutoring gives you a comfortable virtual space to share these doubts frankly. Don’t hesitate to ask your tutor questions. 
• Engage in active discussions and webinars. Seek clarification on any topics or concepts that you find challenging. Remember, the more questions you ask, the more you will learn. 

Practice regularly

AP exams clocks for 2 to 3 hours. Completing your answers within this span will require intense practice. Online tutors can be most helpful here!

• Work with your online tutor to develop a study plan. It must incorporate regular practice exams, mock tests, and review sessions.
• Discuss the exam format and rehearse similar questions to build confidence and understanding. Don’t skip mock tests.
• Reviewing the lessons with your tutor reinforces your understanding and helps solidify concepts.
• With these drills and reviews, you’ll eventually get the hang of the AP exam pattern.

How to get a 5 on AP exam

Preparing for the Advanced Placement (AP) test requires persistence and effective strategies. From starting early and creating a study plan to taking practice exams and staying motivated, these tips will guide you toward success:

Start early

Don’t wait until the last minute. Start at least 2 to 3 months before the exam date.

• It is best to start during the midpoint of the school year. WHY? Because you’re freshly taught a few essential concepts included in AP prep, too. Besides, you will have enough time to work with new concepts, and you won’t be surprised to find foreign topics later.
• Qualified online tutors are available round the clock. Choose a comfortable schedule and a specialized tutor for yourself.
• Are you taking multiple APs? Then, you must have adequate time for each preparation.
• Begin your preparation in advance to have ample time to review the material thoroughly. Avoid procrastination to avoid last-minute stress. 

Create a study plan

Knowing that you’ve to study x-hours a day is not enough. Create a particular AP study plan. What are the things you must learn? How will you know them? Keep the plan sorted. 

• Online AP tutors tailor your plan to fit your needs, whether a comprehensive prep or boosting a few areas. 
• Studying 15 hours a week can get an average “3” score. But for “5”, you may have to pace yourself up to 30 to 35 hours a week.
• Divide the study material into manageable chunks, and set realistic goals for each topic. It would be best to make a calendar. Set daily, weekly, and monthly goals on your study calendar.
• An experienced online tutor knows what’s most important for you. Focus on important topics first, and dedicate most of the time to them. Save some time for less important topics too.

Take practice exams

Certain AP exams, like DBQ (document-based questions), test unique skill sets. It’s best to prepare for the actual exam format. 

• Familiarize yourself with the type of questions that are asked in AP exams. Ask for solved pdf files from your online tutor.
• Practice exams simulate the actual test conditions and help you gauge your strengths and weaknesses. 
• Analyze your performance on these exams and identify areas that require further attention. Again, by attention, I mean clear and focused attention from your online tutor!
• Ask for feedback from an online tutor to adjust your study plan accordingly and focus on improving your weaker areas.

By focusing on your weak areas and strengthening time management skills, private tutors equip you to perform your best. Explore how tutoring can optimize your exam readiness in Preparing for Exams? Here’s Why Private Tutoring Can Give You an Edge.

Visit here to check the digital AP exam process.

Tip! Take help from our extensive guides on AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP computer, and more!

Get organized

It’s important to study right. Your organization plays a vital role in adequate exam preparation.

• Keep track of your progress by maintaining a study schedule, tracking completed topics, and monitoring your goals. 
• Use tools such as calendars, to-do lists, or study apps to stay organized. These are the indicative list of applications to help you prepare for your AP, ACT, and SAT exams.

Take care of your health

Falling sick two days before the exams is the last thing you want to imagine here. Hence, make sure you take care of your emotional and physical health. 

• Get enough sleep. Eat a healthy diet full of protein, vitamins, and fiber. 
• Exercise is a must for an active brain! Do some cardio and deep breathing exercises to practice mindfulness and manage stress.

Stay motivated

A dull, muted mind will bear no wisdom. Stay energetic, enthusiastic, and about all hopeful. Remember the law of attraction? You think negatively, and you attract negativity. You think optimistically, and you attract optimism. 

• Let nothing discourage you. You have this ambition for a reason. Recall what made you start this!
• Set small goals and milestones to keep yourself motivated and engaged. 
• Celebrate your achievements, whether completing a challenging chapter or reaching a study goal. Reward yourself with breaks, treats, or leisure activities to recharge and maintain a positive mindset.

The video suggests the ten best test prep tips for AP.

Ace your AP exam with these Tips for taking AP test

Now, let’s talk about how to ace your AP exams with online tutoring and the right test-taking strategy. Taking the AP exam requires some essential tactics discussed below. Time for the real plan!

Scan the question paper

AP question papers usually have 50 to 55 MCQs and three essay-based questions. Do not jump straight into the answering process. Take some time to read the question paper and prioritize topics that you can answer first. 

Set time limits

Know by what time you must complete each section. Complete the MCQs within 1 hr. Do not lag. Keep 2 hrs for the free response questions (essay-based). This is where practicing mock tests with online tutors comes into use. If you’ve already practiced papers, you know the time constraints. 

Understand the question

Read a question repeatedly until you’re sure about what it’s asking. Ask the invigilator if you are in any doubt.

Eliminate confusing answers

Do not waste your time answering questions in which you’ve no clarity. Instead, move to the ones about which you have a clear understanding. Save the confusing problems for the last.

Stay calm 

Don’t panic if you can’t remember a couple of answers. That’s completely normal. Focus on what you can. Breathe and relax. 

Review your answer paper

Remember to proofread your answer scripts. Detect errors and correct them before submitting the paper.

Be optimistic

No matter what, believe in yourself. You have delivered your best, and you receive equally good results.

Over to you…

Preparing for Advanced Placement (AP) exams can be challenging, but with the right online tutor, you can maximize your chances of success. You can avail of online tutoring round the clock at an affordable cost and score high on your AP tests.

You can ace your AP exam by starting early, creating a personalized study plan, taking practice exams, and staying organized.

Remember to take care of your emotional and physical health, staying focused and motivated. 

Looking for expert AP tutors? Book a free trial with Wiingy’s top AP tutors for conceptual understanding, homework help, and test prep.

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