Score improvements vary based on your starting point and effort, but students typically see gains of 50-100+ points when they work with a tutor to target their specific weaknesses. Many students struggle with pacing, vocabulary in context, or inference questions—areas where personalized 1-on-1 instruction makes a real difference. The key is identifying exactly where you're losing points and practicing with real test materials under timed conditions.

Students often struggle with time management—trying to read every word carefully leaves no time to answer all questions. Vocabulary in context questions trip up many test-takers who rely on dictionary definitions rather than how the word functions in the passage. Inference and author's purpose questions also challenge students who haven't learned to distinguish between what the text explicitly states and what it implies. A tutor can help you develop strategies to tackle each question type efficiently.

Effective strategies include previewing questions before reading the passage (so you know what to look for), annotating key ideas and author's tone as you read, and using process of elimination to narrow down answer choices. Many students benefit from practicing the "read the question, find the evidence" method—returning to the passage to locate proof for each answer. Timing is critical: allocate roughly 8-9 minutes per passage depending on its length, and skip difficult questions to maximize points on easier ones.

Practice tests are essential—they help you identify patterns in your mistakes, build stamina for the full test, and get comfortable with timing under realistic conditions. Taking full-length practice tests every 1-2 weeks allows you to track progress and adjust your study focus. Between practice tests, targeted drills on specific question types (vocabulary, inference, main idea) help reinforce skills. A tutor can review your practice test results with you to pinpoint exactly which question types need more work.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in PSAT Critical Reading and understand the nuances of the test's question formats. When you get matched with a tutor, look for someone with a track record of helping students improve their reading comprehension and test-taking skills. Your tutor should be able to diagnose your specific weak areas—whether that's pacing, vocabulary, or inference questions—and create a personalized study plan tailored to your needs.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about question formats—two things that personalized tutoring directly addresses. Building confidence through repeated practice with real test materials, learning proven strategies, and understanding exactly what to expect reduces anxiety significantly. Your tutor can also help you develop a pre-test routine and teach you techniques to stay calm when you encounter a difficult passage or question.

Your first session typically focuses on assessment and goal-setting. Your tutor will likely ask about your current score, timeline, and specific challenges—then may have you work through a practice passage or two to see your strengths and weaknesses firsthand. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan that targets your biggest opportunities for improvement, whether that's building reading speed, mastering inference questions, or expanding vocabulary. This foundation ensures every future session builds on your actual needs.