Many students struggle with pacing on the Reading and Writing section because you have limited time to read passages, answer comprehension questions, and tackle grammar/vocabulary items. The key challenge is that you can't spend too long on any single passage without falling behind.

Common trouble spots include:

• Identifying main ideas and author's purpose quickly
• Distinguishing between similar answer choices that seem correct
• Managing vocabulary-in-context questions
• Understanding grammatical structures under time pressure

A tutor can help you develop a strategic reading approach and practice the specific question formats that appear on test day.

Grid-in questions (student-produced responses) require you to enter your answer on a special grid rather than select from multiple choices. This format eliminates guessing and requires precise calculation—but it also means small mistakes like decimal placement errors can cost you points.

Key strategies include:

• Double-check your arithmetic before gridding in your answer
• Understand how to properly fill in the grid (you can write the answer above, but only the gridded portion is scored)
• Know that you can grid fractions or decimals for the same answer
• Practice working backward from answer choices when stuck on a problem

Tutors can walk you through realistic grid-in problems and help you avoid common careless errors that happen under timed conditions.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of focused PSAT preparation, depending on when you're testing. If you're taking the PSAT in October (the typical fall testing window), starting in August or early September gives you enough time to build skills and take practice tests.

A realistic study schedule includes:

• 1-2 tutoring sessions per week focused on your weakest areas
• 20-30 minutes of independent practice between sessions
• One full-length practice test every 2-3 weeks to track progress
• Extra sessions 1-2 weeks before test day for last-minute strategy review

For students in Phoenix's 195 school districts, schedules vary—so working with a tutor who adapts to your timeline and school's testing date is helpful.

Test anxiety is common, especially when you know the PSAT impacts National Merit recognition and college scholarship eligibility. Working through practice tests with a tutor in a low-pressure environment builds confidence and familiarity with the exam format.

Practical strategies include:

• Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions to reduce "test day surprise"
• Developing a consistent pre-test routine (sleep, breakfast, arrival time)
• Learning breathing or grounding techniques to use if anxiety spikes during the exam
• Reviewing your score report after practice tests to focus on fixable mistakes, not what you "should" have done

Tutors can also help you set realistic score goals and remind you that the PSAT is one data point, not a final judgment of your abilities.

National Merit cutoff scores vary by state and change year to year based on the distribution of scores nationally. Arizona's cutoff has typically ranged from 215-220 out of 240 (the Selection Index combines your Reading/Writing and Math subscores), but you should check the latest National Merit guidelines for the exact threshold.

Reaching National Merit recognition can open doors to scholarships and college opportunities, which is why many Phoenix-area students work with tutors to target this goal. A tutor can help you understand whether your practice test scores put you in range and what sections need the most focus.

Varsity Tutors connects you with experienced PSAT tutors who understand the test format, timing strategies, and common pitfalls. The process starts with a consultation where you share your current score (or a practice test result), your target score, and your availability.

From there, you'll be matched with a tutor who specializes in test prep and has availability that works for your schedule. Whether you need help on just the math section or a comprehensive review of all three areas, your tutor will build a personalized plan and adjust it based on your progress on practice tests.