Score improvement depends on where you're starting and how consistently you prepare, but most students see meaningful gains—typically 50-100 points—when they work with a tutor on targeted strategies and practice. The key is identifying your specific weak areas (whether that's reading comprehension, algebra, or grammar) and focusing your effort there rather than trying to improve everything at once. With personalized 1-on-1 instruction, you can address gaps much faster than studying alone.

Reading and writing often challenge students more than math, particularly the dense passages and vocabulary-in-context questions that require careful analysis. Many students also underestimate the importance of pacing—they get stuck on one question and run out of time for easier ones later. A tutor can teach you strategic approaches like skimming techniques, time management by question type, and how to recognize question patterns that appear repeatedly on the test.

Your first session typically starts with a diagnostic assessment—either a full practice test or targeted questions—to pinpoint exactly where you're losing points. From there, a tutor will discuss your goals (like qualifying for National Merit or improving a specific section), create a study plan tailored to your timeline, and begin working on your most pressing weak areas. This personalized approach means you're not wasting time on skills you've already mastered.

Practice tests are essential—they're the best way to understand the test's format, build stamina for a 2-hour 45-minute exam, and identify patterns in the types of questions you miss. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions also helps you develop realistic pacing strategies. A tutor can review your practice test results with you, explain why you missed certain questions, and adjust your study plan based on what you discover.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty—not knowing what to expect, feeling unprepared, or doubting your strategies. Working with a tutor builds confidence through repeated exposure to test questions, practice under timed conditions, and learning specific techniques that work for you. When you've practiced extensively and have a solid game plan for tackling each section, you walk into test day feeling prepared rather than panicked.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of preparation, meeting with a tutor 1-2 times per week depending on their starting point and goals. If you're aiming for National Merit recognition, you might start earlier and be more intensive. The exact timeline depends on your current skills and how much independent practice you do between sessions—a tutor can recommend a personalized schedule based on your needs and the test date.

Look for tutors who have strong backgrounds in standardized test prep, understand the specific skills the PSAT measures, and can teach test-taking strategy—not just content. They should be able to explain why answer choices are right or wrong, help you recognize question patterns, and adapt their teaching based on your learning style. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in test prep and can provide the personalized instruction that makes the biggest difference.