Score improvements depend on your starting point and how much you prepare, but students who work with a tutor often see gains of 50-150 points across the composite score. The key is identifying your specific weak areas—whether that's pacing in the reading section, algebra concepts, or test-taking strategy—and targeting those directly. Most improvement happens when students combine personalized instruction with consistent practice between sessions.

Reading comprehension and time management are common challenges—students often run out of time before finishing all questions or misinterpret what passages are asking. The math section trips up many students on word problems and multi-step questions that require careful reading alongside calculation skills. A tutor can help you develop strategies specific to each section, like annotation techniques for reading and systematic approaches to complex math problems.

Your first session typically starts with a diagnostic—either a full practice test or focused assessment of your strongest and weakest areas. This helps a tutor understand your baseline score, identify patterns in mistakes, and create a targeted study plan. You'll also discuss your goals (National Merit qualification, SAT readiness, specific score targets) so the tutor can prioritize what to tackle first.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of preparation, though this varies based on your starting score and goals. If you're aiming for National Merit recognition, starting in the summer before sophomore year gives you plenty of time. Even 4-6 weeks of focused tutoring combined with independent practice can yield meaningful improvements, especially if you target specific weak areas rather than trying to review everything.

Practice tests are essential—they're the most accurate way to measure progress and build test-taking stamina. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions helps you develop pacing strategies and identify which question types consistently trip you up. A tutor can review your practice test results with you to pinpoint patterns, then teach targeted strategies to address those specific challenges.

Confidence comes from preparation—when you've practiced similar questions repeatedly and know what to expect, anxiety naturally decreases. Tutors help by teaching you concrete strategies (like process of elimination, time management techniques, and how to skip difficult questions strategically) that give you control during the test. Practicing with full-length timed tests under tutoring guidance also desensitizes you to test conditions, so test day feels familiar rather than overwhelming.

Look for someone with strong test-taking expertise, not just subject knowledge—they should understand PSAT question patterns, timing strategies, and how to diagnose exactly where you're losing points. Experience working with students at your level matters too. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in PSAT prep and can customize their approach based on your goals and learning style.