Your first session focuses on assessment and planning. A tutor will review your current PSAT score (or have you take a diagnostic test), discuss your target score, and identify which sections need the most work. Together, you'll create a personalized study plan with realistic timelines and establish which strategies work best for your learning style.

That depends on your diagnostic results. Most students find one section significantly harder than the other—some struggle with reading comprehension and time management on the Reading & Writing section, while others find Math pacing and complex word problems more challenging. A tutor can analyze your practice test results to pinpoint exactly where you're losing points, then prioritize that section while maintaining your stronger area.

A typical study schedule includes a full practice test every 1-2 weeks, with targeted drills on specific question types in between. This spacing helps you track progress, identify patterns in your mistakes, and build test stamina. Your tutor will review each practice test with you to pinpoint exactly what went wrong—whether it's misunderstanding the question, running out of time, or careless errors—so you can avoid those mistakes on test day.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format or lack of confidence in your skills. Tutors help by building confidence through repeated exposure to real PSAT questions, teaching concrete pacing and strategy techniques you can rely on, and practicing under timed conditions so test day feels familiar rather than scary. Having a clear game plan for each section—knowing exactly how to approach different question types—significantly reduces anxiety.

Pacing varies by section. On Reading & Writing (154 minutes for 52 questions), you have about 3 minutes per question, but skipping difficult passages and returning to them later often works better than getting stuck. On Math (70 minutes for 38 questions), you have roughly 1.5 minutes per question, so knowing when to skip and come back is crucial. A tutor will help you develop a personalized pacing strategy based on your strengths and practice test data.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in PSAT prep and understand the specific challenges Virginia Beach students face. You can specify your target score, preferred study schedule, and any particular sections you want to focus on. Tutors will work with you on personalized 1-on-1 instruction tailored to your learning style and timeline.

Yes—if you're aiming for National Merit recognition, a tutor can help you reach the score threshold for Virginia, which typically ranges from 215-220 depending on the year. Tutors focus on maximizing your performance across both sections and help you develop the consistency needed to score in the top percentile. With targeted preparation, many students improve enough to qualify for recognition and associated scholarships.