Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face on the PSAT. The Reading and Writing section gives you 70 minutes for two modules (with a break between), while Math gives you 70 minutes for two modules. Within each module, you have a specific number of questions to complete in a limited timeframe.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who teach proven pacing strategies: working backward from easier questions, flagging difficult items to revisit, and using practice tests to build speed without sacrificing accuracy. The most effective approach involves timed practice drills to train your brain to recognize question types quickly, then full-length practice tests to simulate real test conditions.

Start with a full-length practice test under realistic conditions—that's your diagnostic. Score each section separately and note which questions you missed: Were they due to not understanding the concept, misreading the question, running out of time, or careless mistakes? This breakdown reveals patterns.

Many students think they're weak in Math when they're actually just struggling with pacing, or they miss Reading questions because they're skimming instead of reading carefully. Tutors specializing in PSAT preparation for students in Chicago can analyze your practice test results to distinguish between skill gaps and strategy gaps, then create a focused study plan that targets the real issue.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format, unclear pacing, or fear of the unknown. The best antidote is practice—working through multiple full-length practice tests builds confidence and makes the actual test feel routine. Tutors also teach calming techniques like deep breathing between modules and positive self-talk strategies that help you stay focused rather than spiral into panic.

Another powerful anxiety-reducer is knowing your weak areas inside and out. When you've practiced those challenging question types repeatedly, you face them on test day with confidence rather than dread. Personalized 1-on-1 tutoring creates a safe space to work through difficult problems and build that familiarity before the stakes matter.

Plan to complete at least 3-4 full-length practice tests under realistic timed conditions. The first one serves as a diagnostic to identify weak areas. The next 2-3 let you practice strategies, build pacing skills, and measure progress. If you have 8+ weeks to prepare, spacing these out with 2-3 weeks of targeted study in between is ideal.

Between full tests, focus on practice drills for specific question types and sections where you struggled. Tutors working with students in Chicago typically recommend a study schedule that balances full-length practice with these focused drills—this combination of practice testing and targeted skill-building is most effective for PSAT score growth.

The Reading and Writing section tests comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and rhetorical skills across two modules with different difficulty levels. The most effective approach: read each passage carefully (don't skim), underline key ideas, then answer questions while referring back to the text. For grammar questions, read the sentence aloud to catch errors your eyes might miss.

Time management matters here too—allocate roughly 13-15 minutes per passage set. If you hit a question you can't answer quickly, flag it and move on; you can revisit it later. Tutors specializing in PSAT prep help students develop a personalized reading strategy based on whether they tend to rush, get caught in difficult vocabulary, or struggle with specific question types like rhetoric or inference questions.

Ideally, start 6-8 weeks before test day. This gives you time to take a diagnostic practice test, identify weak areas, work through targeted study material, and complete multiple full-length practice tests. If you're just a few weeks away, focus on the sections where you lose the most points rather than trying to study everything.

For students in Chicago preparing for the PSAT, connecting with a tutor early lets you build a realistic study plan tailored to your starting point and goals. Even 4-6 weeks of consistent, focused preparation with expert guidance typically yields meaningful score improvements, especially when a tutor helps you prioritize what to study based on your diagnostic results.