Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you work with a tutor, but most students see meaningful gains of 50-100+ points when they focus on their specific weak areas. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction is particularly effective because a tutor can identify exactly which question types, concepts, or pacing issues are holding you back—then target those directly. With a structured study plan and regular practice, you'll build both skills and test confidence.

Reading and Writing often challenge students because they require both speed and accuracy—you need to understand complex passages quickly and apply grammar rules under time pressure. Math trips up students who haven't seen certain question formats or who rush through problems without checking their work. A tutor can help you develop section-specific strategies, like active reading techniques for passages or systematic approaches to multi-step math problems, so you're not just faster but more accurate.

Timing issues usually come from either spending too long on hard questions or not reading carefully enough. Effective strategies include learning to recognize question difficulty levels, knowing when to skip and return to a problem, and practicing full-length tests under timed conditions so you build a feel for the clock. Personalized tutoring helps you find the right balance for your style—some students need to slow down and be more deliberate, while others need permission to move faster through easier questions.

Practice tests are essential—they're the best way to identify weak areas, get comfortable with the test format, and build stamina for the full 2.5-hour exam. Taking full-length, timed practice tests regularly (ideally every 1-2 weeks) gives you realistic score estimates and shows your progress over time. A tutor can review your practice test results with you, pinpoint patterns in your mistakes, and adjust your study plan based on what you're actually struggling with.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with the format—which is why consistent practice and tutoring build real confidence. Developing concrete test-day strategies (like deep breathing, positive self-talk, and a clear plan for tackling each section) helps you stay calm under pressure. Working with a tutor also means you'll have practiced so many similar questions that the actual test feels familiar rather than scary.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either a full practice test or a review of your previous PSAT score—to understand your current level and identify your biggest opportunities for improvement. You'll discuss your goals (like reaching a specific score or qualifying for National Merit), your timeline, and which sections need the most work. From there, your tutor will create a personalized study plan and you'll start working on targeted strategies and practice.

Look for tutors who have strong backgrounds in test prep and understand the specific skills the PSAT measures—not just general math or reading knowledge. Experience with SAT/PSAT formats, familiarity with the College Board's question styles, and a track record of helping students improve are all important. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in standardized test prep and can explain not just the right answer, but why test makers designed each question the way they did.