Score improvement depends on where you're starting and how consistently you prepare. Students who work with tutors typically see the most meaningful gains by focusing on their specific weak areas—whether that's identifying rhetorical strategies in essays, organizing complex arguments, or managing time during the multiple-choice section.

Many students improve by 1-2 score points when they receive targeted feedback on their writing and develop a systematic approach to analyzing texts. The key is practicing with real AP prompts, getting detailed feedback, and revising based on that feedback. Tutors can accelerate this process by identifying exactly which skills need work and providing personalized strategies rather than generic test prep.

The multiple-choice section tests your ability to identify rhetorical choices and understand an author's purpose and effect. A common mistake is reading the passage first, then the questions—this wastes time. Instead, read the question and answer choices first to know what to look for, then find the relevant section in the passage.

Focus on understanding the author's argument and how they construct it. Pay attention to tone, structure, and word choice. When you find the right answer, it should align with the author's main purpose and be supported by specific evidence from the text. Practice passages under timed conditions (about 14-15 minutes per passage) so you can develop a reliable pace and avoid rushing through your final passages.

You have 2 hours and 45 minutes total for three essays: the rhetorical analysis essay (40 minutes), the synthesis essay (40 minutes), and the argument essay (40 minutes), plus about 15 minutes to read and plan. The key is spending your first few minutes understanding the prompt and planning your response rather than jumping straight into writing.

For the rhetorical analysis essay, identify 2-3 key rhetorical choices the author makes and explain their effect. For synthesis, find a clear position and use 3-4 of the provided sources plus your own knowledge to support it. For the argument essay, take a clear stance and support it with well-developed examples. Practice writing full essays under timed conditions so the pace becomes automatic—this reduces anxiety and lets you focus on the quality of your analysis.

Many students struggle with the synthesis essay because it requires managing multiple sources while developing your own argument—it's easy to summarize sources instead of using them strategically. Others find the rhetorical analysis essay challenging because identifying rhetorical strategies requires careful reading and knowing the terminology (ethos, pathos, logos, imagery, parallelism, etc.).

Time management is also a major issue. Students often spend too long on the multiple-choice section or planning their essays, leaving little time to write. Additionally, some students write mechanically without truly analyzing the texts—they identify devices but don't explain why the author chose them or what effect they create. Working with a tutor on these specific skills can significantly boost your confidence and performance.

If you're taking AP English as part of your 11th grade course, you have the full school year to prepare. However, most serious preparation happens in the final 6-8 weeks before the May exam, when you intensify practice tests and essay writing. Many students benefit from connecting with a tutor in March or April for targeted feedback on their essays and strategies for their weakest areas.

That said, starting earlier with a tutor—even in January—allows you to develop strong foundational skills in rhetorical analysis and argument construction before high-pressure test prep begins. Consistent practice throughout the year, combined with focused tutoring in the final weeks, gives you the best chance at improvement.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who provide personalized feedback on your essays—something you can't always get in a classroom setting. Tutors analyze your rhetorical analysis essays, synthesis essays, and argument essays, identifying patterns in your thinking and writing that need improvement. They can also help you develop a systematic approach to analyzing texts and managing time during the exam.

Beyond essay feedback, tutors can clarify confusing concepts (like the difference between ethos and credibility appeals), help you build confidence in identifying rhetorical strategies, and work through practice prompts with you under timed conditions. For Brooklyn students managing a challenging course load, personalized instruction means you focus your study time on what actually needs work rather than reviewing material you've already mastered.