Score improvement depends on your starting point and how focused your prep is, but most students see meaningful gains when they work with a tutor to identify specific weak areas—whether that's reading comprehension pacing, math problem-solving strategies, or grammar rules. Many students improve by 50-100+ points by targeting their individual challenges rather than studying everything broadly. The key is consistent practice on your specific problem areas, not just test-taking tips.

The Reading & Writing section trips up many students because of its fast pace and dense passages—you need to read strategically, not word-for-word. The Math section often challenges students who second-guess themselves or spend too long on difficult problems. A tutor can teach you time-management techniques like skimming for key ideas, flagging hard questions to return to later, and practicing with a timer so pacing becomes automatic. Building speed through repeated practice with actual PSAT-format questions is far more effective than rushing blindly.

The best way is to take a full practice PSAT under timed conditions, then review every question you missed or guessed on—not just the final score. Look for patterns: Are you missing grammar questions? Struggling with word problems? Running out of time on reading? Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can analyze your practice test results and create a focused study plan that targets your specific gaps instead of wasting time on topics you already know.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format or fear of running out of time. The best antidote is repeated exposure to real PSAT questions and timed practice tests, which builds confidence through competence. Working with a tutor also helps because you get personalized feedback, learn strategies that work for your brain, and have someone to talk through your worries with. Many students find that mastering specific problem types and knowing what to expect on test day dramatically reduces anxiety.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of focused prep, depending on their starting level and target score. A typical schedule includes 2-3 practice tests spaced throughout your prep period, weekly tutoring sessions to target weak areas, and 30-45 minutes of independent practice between sessions on the specific skills you're working on. If you're aiming for National Merit recognition as an 11th grader, starting prep in the summer before test day gives you plenty of time to build skills without cramming.

National Merit cutoff scores vary by state and year, but Massachusetts typically has one of the highest thresholds due to its strong academic performance. In recent years, the cutoff has been around 215-220 out of 240, though it can shift based on that year's test-taker performance. Since only 11th grade PSAT scores count for National Merit, if you're a junior taking the test, it's worth understanding your state's benchmark and working with a tutor to target that specific goal if it matters to you.

Your first session typically includes taking a practice PSAT or reviewing a recent one you've already taken, so your tutor can see your strengths and pinpoint exactly where you're losing points. You'll discuss your goals—whether that's improving overall score, reaching National Merit range, or mastering a specific section—and create a customized study plan. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who tailor their approach to your learning style, so you'll get strategies and practice materials designed specifically for you, not generic test prep.