Your first session focuses on assessment and goal-setting. A tutor will review your current skill level, discuss your target score, and identify which math topics (algebra, functions, geometry, data analysis) need the most work. You'll also discuss your test-taking habits—pacing, how you approach word problems, and where you typically lose points—so the tutor can create a personalized study plan tailored to your needs.

Timing issues often stem from spending too long on difficult questions or second-guessing answers. A tutor will teach you strategic approaches like identifying which questions to tackle first, when to skip and return, and how to recognize time-traps. Practice tests under timed conditions are essential—they build confidence and help you develop a rhythm so you're not rushed on test day.

The best way is to take a full-length practice PSAT and analyze your wrong answers by topic. Most students find patterns—maybe they struggle with word problems, quadratic equations, or geometry—rather than being weak across the board. A tutor can review your practice test results, pinpoint these patterns, and create a focused study plan so you're not wasting time on topics you already know well.

Test anxiety often comes from feeling unprepared or unsure of your approach to problems. Regular practice with a tutor builds genuine confidence because you've solved hundreds of similar problems and know your strategies work. Tutors also teach calming techniques and help you develop a pre-test routine so you walk into the exam feeling ready, not panicked.

Most students benefit from 1-2 sessions per week over 8-12 weeks leading up to the test. This frequency allows time between sessions to practice what you've learned and solidify weak areas without overwhelming your schedule. Your tutor can adjust frequency based on your progress and how much time you have before test day.

Practice tests do two critical things: they show you exactly which topics and question types trip you up, and they train your brain to work under timed pressure. Taking practice tests regularly helps you identify patterns in your mistakes, build test-taking stamina, and refine your pacing strategy. A tutor can review your practice test results with you to target the most impactful improvements.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds, proven experience preparing students for standardized tests, and familiarity with the PSAT format specifically. Ideally, they should be able to explain not just how to solve problems, but why certain strategies work and how to avoid common traps. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have track records helping students improve their PSAT Math scores.