Many students struggle with pacing because they spend too long on difficult problems early in the test, leaving less time for easier questions they could answer correctly. A tutor can teach you strategic approaches like identifying which problems to tackle first, recognizing when to skip and return, and using process-of-elimination techniques to work faster on multiple-choice questions. Practice tests are essential here—they help you internalize the rhythm of the test so you're not surprised by the time pressure on test day.

Start by taking a full-length practice test under timed conditions and reviewing every question you miss—not just the answer, but why the correct answer is right and why your choice was wrong. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can analyze your practice test results to spot patterns, like whether you're consistently missing geometry problems or struggling with word problems across topics. Once you identify your weak areas, targeted practice on those specific question types is far more efficient than reviewing everything.

The PSAT uses specific question types—multiple choice, student-produced response (grid-in), and increasingly complex word problems—each with its own strategy. If you don't practice the exact format you'll see on test day, you might solve a problem correctly but grid in the answer wrong, or misread what a question is actually asking. A tutor helps you become fluent in recognizing these formats quickly and knowing the best approach for each one, which builds both speed and confidence.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or encountering unfamiliar question types on test day. By working through practice tests and learning proven problem-solving strategies, you build genuine confidence—not just positive thinking, but actual competence. Tutors also help you develop a pre-test routine and teach you how to manage panic if you encounter a difficult problem, so you stay focused and don't let one question derail your entire performance.

Most students benefit from 4-8 weeks of consistent preparation, with 3-5 hours per week of focused study. If you're aiming for significant improvement, starting earlier gives you time to master foundational topics and take multiple practice tests. A tutor can help you create a realistic schedule that fits your other commitments and prioritizes the areas where you'll gain the most points, so you're not wasting time on material you already know.

Your first session typically involves taking a diagnostic test or reviewing your recent practice test results to understand your current level and identify priorities. The tutor will ask about your goals—whether you're aiming for a specific score or just want to improve—and discuss which topics feel most challenging. From there, you'll develop a personalized study plan and likely dive into one weak area so you can see immediately how targeted instruction makes a difference.

Look for someone with strong knowledge of the PSAT format and test-taking strategy, not just general math skills. Ideally, they've helped other students improve their scores and can show you exactly how to approach different question types. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in test prep and understand the specific challenges of PSAT Math—like balancing speed with accuracy—so you're learning from someone who knows the test inside and out.