Most students struggle with pacing because they either read too slowly and run out of time, or skim too quickly and miss important details. The Critical Reading section requires you to balance speed with comprehension—you need to identify the main idea and key details without rereading entire passages. A tutor can teach you strategic reading techniques, like previewing questions before reading and knowing which details matter most, so you can work through passages efficiently without sacrificing accuracy.

The best way is to take a full practice test under timed conditions and review your mistakes carefully. Look for patterns: Are you missing vocabulary-in-context questions? Struggling with inference or main idea questions? Having trouble with specific passage types like paired passages? Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can analyze your practice test results, pinpoint your specific weak areas, and create a study plan that targets what you need most. This diagnostic approach saves time and leads to faster improvement.

Aim for at least 3-4 full practice tests under timed conditions, spaced out over your study period. This gives you enough data to identify patterns in your mistakes and builds test-day stamina. Between full tests, focus on targeted practice with specific question types where you're weakest. A tutor can help you use practice tests strategically—reviewing not just what you missed, but why you missed it and how to avoid that mistake next time.

You don't need to memorize thousands of words, but vocabulary knowledge definitely helps. The PSAT tests vocabulary in context, meaning you can often figure out word meanings from surrounding clues—but knowing common roots and prefixes gives you a big advantage. A smarter approach is learning the 200-300 words most frequently tested on the PSAT, combined with strategies for using context clues when you encounter unfamiliar words. Tutors can help you build vocabulary efficiently so you're not wasting time on words that rarely appear.

Test anxiety often comes from feeling unprepared or uncertain about your approach. Building confidence through consistent practice with a tutor—where you develop a reliable system for tackling passages and questions—significantly reduces anxiety on test day. Simple strategies like taking deep breaths between passages, starting with passages you find easier to build momentum, and trusting your preparation can make a real difference. Tutors can also help you practice positive self-talk and develop a pre-test routine that calms your nerves.

Paired passages test your ability to compare ideas across two related texts, which feels overwhelming to many students. The most effective strategy is reading both passages first to understand each author's main point and perspective, then tackling questions that focus on one passage before moving to comparison questions. This approach prevents you from rereading passages multiple times. A tutor can walk you through several paired passage examples and help you develop a system that works for your reading style and speed.

Your first session focuses on understanding where you are and where you need to go. You'll likely take a diagnostic practice test or review results from a recent test, discuss your goals, and identify your biggest challenges—whether that's timing, specific question types, or confidence. From there, your tutor will create a personalized study plan that targets your weak areas and fits your timeline before the PSAT. This foundation ensures every session after that is focused and productive.