Score improvements depend on where you're starting and how consistently you prepare. Most students see meaningful gains (50-150+ points) when they work with a tutor to identify weak areas, learn test-specific strategies, and practice with real PSAT questions. The key is understanding *why* you're missing questions—whether it's timing, comprehension, or concept gaps—so tutoring can target those exact issues.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either a full practice test or targeted questions—to identify your strengths and specific areas for improvement. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who'll review your results with you, discuss your goals (like hitting a certain score or qualifying for National Merit), and create a personalized study plan that fits your timeline and learning style.

Pacing is one of the most common challenges students face. A tutor can teach you strategies like identifying easier vs. harder questions, knowing when to skip and return to a problem, and practicing with timed sections so you build speed without sacrificing accuracy. Working through practice tests under real time constraints—with feedback on your approach—is the most effective way to develop this skill.

That's completely normal—most students have a stronger section. Tutoring can be customized to focus more on your weaker area while maintaining your strengths. For reading, tutors help with comprehension strategies and question types; for math, they target specific concepts or problem-solving approaches. You don't need to spend equal time on both sections if one needs more work.

A typical prep schedule includes 1-2 full practice tests per month, with weekly focused practice on weaker areas in between. This gives you enough data to track progress without burning out. Your tutor can recommend a schedule based on your timeline and current score, and help you review each practice test to understand patterns in your mistakes rather than just looking at the final score.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format or fear of time pressure. Regular practice with real PSAT questions under timed conditions builds confidence through repetition. A tutor can also teach you calming strategies, help you reframe mistakes as learning opportunities, and remind you that the PSAT is a practice test—the goal is to learn, not to be perfect.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert PSAT tutors who understand the test format, timing, and strategies that work. You can share your goals, current score (if you have one), and preferred schedule, and we'll match you with a tutor who fits your needs. Your first session is a chance to see if it's a good fit before committing to a full prep plan.