Most students see meaningful improvement when they work on identifying their specific error patterns and practicing targeted strategies. Typical gains range from 20-80 points depending on your starting level and consistency with practice. The key is understanding *why* you're missing questions—whether it's grammar knowledge gaps, misreading the question, or pacing issues—so you can address the root cause rather than just memorizing rules.

Students often struggle with pacing—trying to read and answer 44 questions in 35 minutes leaves little time for careful review. Many also mix up similar grammar rules or miss context clues that signal the correct answer. Rhetorical questions about word choice and sentence purpose can feel subjective, and students frequently second-guess themselves rather than trusting their understanding of the passage's tone and intent.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who diagnose your specific weaknesses—whether that's grammar rules, time management, or question interpretation—through practice tests and targeted drills. Tutors teach you to recognize error patterns quickly, develop a systematic approach to each question type, and build confidence through repeated exposure to similar problems. This personalized approach is far more effective than generic test prep, as it focuses your study time on what actually holds you back.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of consistent preparation, with 3-5 hours per week of focused study. If you're starting significantly below your goal score, you may want to begin earlier. The ideal schedule includes grammar review, full-section practice tests, and targeted drills on your weakest question types, with tutoring sessions spaced throughout to keep you on track and adjust your strategy as needed.

Start by reading the entire sentence or passage context before answering—many errors only make sense when you understand the full meaning. Use elimination to narrow down answer choices by identifying what's clearly wrong first. Practice reading questions carefully to catch what's actually being asked, and develop a consistent approach to each question type so you can work quickly without sacrificing accuracy. Tutors can help you refine these strategies through timed practice and feedback.

Practice tests are crucial—they help you identify weak areas, build stamina, and practice pacing under realistic time pressure. Taking full practice sections regularly (not just individual questions) trains your brain to work efficiently and helps you spot your personal error patterns. Reviewing your mistakes in detail is just as important as taking the test; this is where tutors can help you understand why you missed questions and how to avoid similar mistakes on test day.

Building confidence through repeated practice is the most effective antidote to test anxiety. When you've seen similar questions dozens of times and know your approach, the test feels less intimidating. Tutors can also teach you breathing techniques, help you develop a pre-test routine, and remind you that the PSAT is a learning opportunity—not a high-stakes exam like the SAT. Practicing under timed conditions regularly makes the actual test feel familiar and manageable.