Score improvement varies based on starting point and effort, but students typically see meaningful gains within 8-12 weeks of focused preparation. Research on personalized 1-on-1 instruction shows significant advantages over self-study alone, especially when tutoring targets specific weak areas like pacing or question format confusion. The key is identifying which topics are holding you back and practicing strategically.

Timing is one of the most common challenges students face—you have roughly 1.5 minutes per question on average. Expert tutors help you develop strategies like identifying easier questions first, knowing when to skip and return to harder problems, and practicing with real time constraints. Building speed comes from familiarity with question types and reducing hesitation on concepts you've mastered.

Taking a full practice test under timed conditions is the best way to pinpoint exactly where you struggle—whether it's algebra, geometry, data interpretation, or test anxiety affecting your performance. Tutors can analyze your practice test results to spot patterns, like whether you're missing questions due to conceptual gaps or careless errors. This targeted approach saves time by focusing study on what actually needs work.

Most students benefit from taking 3-5 full practice tests spaced throughout their prep timeline, with at least one taken under strict test-day conditions. After each test, reviewing mistakes and understanding why you got questions wrong matters more than the number of tests you take. Tutors can help you extract maximum learning from each practice test rather than just going through the motions.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either a practice test or targeted questions—to understand your current skill level, identify weak areas, and learn about your test anxiety or timing concerns. From there, a tutor can create a personalized study plan tailored to your timeline and goals. This foundation ensures every future session builds directly on what you need most.

Yes. Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with question formats or lack of confidence in specific topics. Personalized tutoring builds both through repeated exposure to real questions, timed practice, and strategies for staying calm under pressure. As you gain mastery over the material and prove to yourself you can solve problems correctly, anxiety naturally decreases.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in PSAT Mathematics and understand the specific challenges students face. You'll discuss your goals, timeline, and learning style, and we'll match you with someone who's a great fit for your needs. The process is straightforward—you can start with your first session within days of connecting.