Most students struggle with pacing because they either rush through passages and miss key details, or spend too much time on one question and run out of time for others. The PSAT Critical Reading section requires you to read actively—annotating, predicting answers before looking at choices, and eliminating wrong answers strategically. A tutor can help you develop a personalized pacing strategy that matches your reading speed and builds confidence in managing the 65-minute section.

PSAT Critical Reading focuses on command of evidence (finding support in the text), vocabulary in context, inference and main idea questions, and paired passage comparison. Each question type has specific strategies—for example, vocabulary questions reward understanding context clues rather than knowing obscure definitions, while inference questions require careful attention to what the passage actually states versus implies. Working through each question type with guided practice helps you recognize patterns and respond faster on test day.

The best way is to take a full-length practice test under timed conditions, then review every wrong answer to categorize mistakes—did you misread the question, miss key evidence, struggle with vocabulary, or run out of time? Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who analyze your practice tests to pinpoint patterns (like consistently missing inference questions or specific vocabulary categories) rather than treating all mistakes the same. Once you know your weak areas, targeted practice on those question types yields faster improvement than generic test prep.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of focused preparation, with 3-4 hours per week of active practice and review. If you're aiming for significant improvement or tackling multiple weak areas, starting earlier gives you time to build reading stamina and test-taking habits without cramming. A tutor can create a personalized study schedule that fits your timeline and focuses your effort on the question types and strategies that will move your score the most.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about what to expect or feeling unprepared—both things that practice and strategy reduce. Taking multiple full-length practice tests under timed conditions builds familiarity and confidence, while learning specific strategies (like annotating passages and eliminating wrong answers systematically) gives you concrete tools to rely on. Working with a tutor helps you identify which question types or situations trigger anxiety, then practice those scenarios until they feel routine rather than threatening.

Look for someone with strong reading comprehension skills, deep familiarity with PSAT question formats and strategies, and experience helping students improve their scores. The best tutors teach you how to think through questions strategically—not just give you answers—and can explain why wrong answers are traps. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Bakersfield who specialize in PSAT prep and can tailor their approach to your learning style and specific weak areas.

Your first session typically involves taking a diagnostic test or reviewing recent practice tests to understand your current level, question type strengths and weaknesses, and pacing challenges. The tutor will explain their approach to PSAT Critical Reading and work with you to set realistic improvement goals and a study plan. This foundation ensures your tutoring focuses on what matters most for your score.