The PSAT Math section has two parts with different time limits, and pacing is crucial—many students rush through easier problems or spend too long on difficult ones. Expert tutors teach strategic approaches like tackling questions by difficulty level, knowing when to skip and return, and recognizing which problem types you solve fastest. Practice tests help you internalize realistic pacing so you're not scrambling on test day.

The best way is to take a full practice test under timed conditions and analyze your wrong answers by topic—algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, geometry, and trigonometry each appear regularly. A tutor can review your practice test results, spot patterns in what you're missing, and prioritize the topics that will give you the biggest score boost. This targeted approach is much more efficient than reviewing everything from scratch.

Your first session typically involves taking a diagnostic practice test or reviewing your recent test results to understand your current level and identify skill gaps. The tutor will ask about your timeline, goals, and which math topics feel most challenging, then create a personalized study plan. This foundation helps ensure every session afterward focuses on what actually moves your score forward.

Absolutely—test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with question formats, both things tutoring directly addresses. As you build confidence through practice and master specific strategies, anxiety naturally decreases. Tutors also teach calming techniques and help you develop a pre-test routine so you walk in feeling ready rather than panicked.

Most students benefit from taking 3-5 full practice tests under timed conditions spread throughout their preparation period—this builds stamina and lets you track improvement over time. Between full tests, you'll work on individual problem sets and specific topics with your tutor. The key is analyzing what you got wrong on each test so you're learning from mistakes, not just taking tests for the sake of it.

Varsity Tutors connects you with experienced tutors for students in Columbia who specialize in PSAT Mathematics and understand the test format, timing, and question types. You can share your goals and availability, and get matched with someone who fits your learning style. Tutors bring expertise in both the math content and test-specific strategies that standardized test prep requires.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of consistent preparation, with 3-5 hours per week of focused study—though this varies based on your starting level and target score. If you're aiming for significant improvement, starting earlier gives you time to build fundamentals and take multiple practice tests. A tutor can recommend a realistic timeline based on your diagnostic results and help you stay on track.