Score improvement depends on your starting point and commitment to practice, but most students see meaningful gains with focused instruction. Research on 1-on-1 tutoring shows significant benefits when students work on targeted weak areas—whether that's reading speed, vocabulary retention, or question interpretation. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who can identify your specific challenges and create a personalized study plan to help you reach your goals before test day.

Timing is one of the biggest challenges students face—you have about 50 minutes to read multiple passages and answer 47 questions. Expert tutors teach pacing strategies like skimming passages effectively, identifying question types quickly, and knowing when to skip and return to difficult questions. With practice tests and timed drills, you'll develop a rhythm that works for your reading speed and builds confidence on test day.

PSAT vocabulary questions focus on words in context rather than isolated definitions, so memorizing word lists has limited value. Instead, effective preparation involves understanding how words function within sentences and passages, learning common word roots and patterns, and practicing with actual PSAT vocabulary questions. Tutors can help you build a strategic approach to tackling unfamiliar words and recognizing vocabulary patterns that appear frequently on the test.

Taking full-length practice tests every 1-2 weeks gives you valuable data about your progress and helps you identify patterns in your mistakes. Between full tests, focused practice on specific question types or passages is more efficient than random studying. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who use practice test results to guide your preparation, helping you spend study time where it matters most.

Taking a diagnostic practice test is the best first step—it shows you which question types trip you up, whether you struggle with certain passage topics, and where timing issues emerge. Expert tutors analyze your practice test results to pinpoint patterns: Are you missing inference questions? Struggling with dense historical passages? Rushing through vocabulary? Once you know your specific challenges, you can focus your preparation strategically rather than studying everything equally.

Test anxiety often comes from feeling unprepared or uncertain about what to expect. Working with a tutor builds confidence through repeated practice with real question formats, timed drills that simulate test conditions, and proven test-taking strategies. When you know exactly what to expect and have practiced extensively, anxiety naturally decreases. Tutors also teach relaxation and focus techniques to help you stay calm during the actual test.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Tulsa who specialize in PSAT preparation and have proven success helping students improve their Critical Reading scores. You can share your goals, current score, and availability, and we'll match you with a tutor who fits your needs. Whether you're preparing months in advance or need intensive help closer to test day, personalized 1-on-1 instruction adapts to your schedule and learning style.