Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort level, but most students see meaningful gains within 4-8 weeks of focused preparation. If you're struggling with pacing or question formats, personalized 1-on-1 instruction can help you identify gaps quickly and develop targeted strategies. Many students improve by 50-100+ points by mastering passage analysis techniques and practicing under timed conditions—the key is consistent, strategic practice rather than passive review.

The three most common struggles are managing time (finishing all passages within the time limit), understanding complex question types (like "best evidence" and inference questions), and distinguishing between plausible-sounding wrong answers and correct ones. Many students also struggle with vocabulary in context and identifying the author's tone or purpose. A tutor can help you develop a personalized pacing strategy, teach you how to decode tricky question formats, and show you how to eliminate wrong answers systematically.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to identify your strengths and weaknesses—whether that's vocabulary, inference questions, pacing, or test anxiety. You'll discuss your current score (if you've taken the PSAT), your target score, and your timeline. From there, your tutor will create a customized study plan that focuses on your specific gaps and learning style, and you'll start working on foundational strategies right away.

Practice tests are essential—they help you get comfortable with the test format, build stamina, and identify patterns in the types of questions you miss. Most students benefit from taking a full practice test every 1-2 weeks, then reviewing mistakes with a tutor to understand why they got questions wrong. This combination of practice testing and targeted review is one of the most effective ways to improve, since it mimics real test conditions and helps you apply strategies under time pressure.

Pacing is about strategy, not just speed. Most students benefit from spending 2-3 minutes on each passage and 30-45 seconds per question, but the exact timing depends on your reading speed and comprehension level. A tutor can teach you techniques like active annotation, skimming for structure, and prioritizing easier questions first. With practice, you'll develop a rhythm that works for your brain and learn which passages to tackle first based on difficulty.

Look for tutors with demonstrated expertise in test prep, strong understanding of PSAT format and scoring, and experience helping students improve reading comprehension and test-taking strategies. Ideally, they should have a track record of score improvement and be able to explain their teaching approach clearly. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in PSAT prep and can customize instruction to your learning style and goals.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format or lack of confidence in your strategies. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction builds confidence by helping you master question types, develop reliable strategies, and practice under timed conditions repeatedly. As you see your scores improve and feel more in control of your approach, anxiety naturally decreases. Your tutor can also teach you specific techniques like breathing exercises and positive self-talk to manage stress on test day.