Advanced placement or AP classes can be a wonderful way for students to challenge themselves and prepare for college while still in high school. If they score well on the final exam, they may earn college credit or be able to place in higher level courses. It can take time for students to adjust to the rigor and demands of AP classes, however. Working with an experienced tutor can help them to be more successful and develop essential skills.
Benefits of Tutoring for AP Classes
There are many ways engaging in tutoring can support student success and preparation for college.
- Provide Individualized Support: AP classes are generally faster paced and dive deeper into subjects than traditional high school classes. They require students to think critically, analyze and reflect on what they’ve read, and apply information in different ways. Tutoring can focus on specific topics or concepts that students may be struggling with, allowing them to process at their own pace. With one-on-one attention, they can ask whatever questions they may have and get the clarification they need.
- Improve Organizational Skills: With more complex content and assignments, the note-taking and organizational strategies students used in the past may not be as effective. A tutor can work with students on ways to outline their thoughts, arrange their notes and write down key points more efficiently, and break down larger projects into smaller tasks. This can help students stay on track and manage a more demanding workload.
- Boost Confidence: It can be overwhelming or frustrating at first when students are taking classes that are more difficult than they are used to and require a different set of skills. But with the support of tutoring, they can recognize their own strengths and that with hard work and focus, they can be successful. A topic they initially didn’t understand may not be as challenging when they break it down and approach it in a different way, or when they use new strategies they’ve learned in tutoring.
- Prepare for the AP Exam: The final exam for AP classes is not the same as with other high school courses. The AP exam is designed and administered by the College Board and reflects the type and depth of questions students would be expected to answer in college. Working with a tutor, students can tailor their study prep on topics that will be covered in the exam, as well as ways of approaching higher-level multiple choice and free response questions.
Tutoring can empower students to take greater responsibility and control over their learning. The skills they develop can benefit them not only in their AP classes, but in their other courses and beyond. Build a strong foundation and get a head start on preparing for the rigors of college classes. Sign up for tutoring at Crafting Scholars today and learn more about how our learning specialists can design a program to fit your unique needs and goals.