The Critical Reading section gives you about 1.5 minutes per question, so strategic pacing is essential. Most students benefit from skimming the passage first, then reading the questions to understand what to look for before diving into a detailed re-read. This approach prevents wasting time on details that won't be tested. Tutors can help you identify which passage types (prose fiction vs. paired passages vs. history/social studies) you should tackle first based on your strengths, and teach you how to flag difficult questions and come back to them rather than getting stuck.

Vocabulary appears throughout the Critical Reading section—in "Vocabulary in Context" questions, in passage comprehension, and even in understanding wrong answer choices. Rather than memorizing isolated word lists, the most effective approach focuses on words that appear frequently in standardized tests and learning them in context. Spaced repetition over time works better than cramming; aim to review new words multiple times across different weeks. Tutors can help you build a personalized word bank based on practice test results rather than generic lists, so you're focusing on gaps that actually affect your score.

The PSAT Critical Reading includes Vocabulary in Context, Reading Comprehension (main idea, detail, inference), Command of Evidence (supporting evidence from the text), and Paired Passage questions. Most students find inference questions most challenging because they require reading between the lines and distinguishing between what the passage states directly versus what can be reasonably inferred. Paired passages add complexity because you must compare perspectives. Working through different question types with a tutor helps you develop specific strategies for each—like underlining evidence in the text for evidence questions or looking at surrounding sentences for context clues in vocabulary questions.

Taking 4-6 full practice tests under timed conditions is ideal for building test endurance and identifying patterns in your performance. More important than quantity is analyzing what you miss—whether it's careless errors, misunderstanding question formats, or genuine knowledge gaps—and targeting those specific issues. Los Angeles students have access to official PSAT practice materials and tutors who can help you interpret your results to see whether you need more vocabulary work, better pacing, or stronger inference skills. Spacing practice tests across your preparation period (rather than all at once) helps solidify improvements through spaced repetition.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of focused preparation, dedicating 3-5 hours per week to studying. If you're starting significantly below your target score or have limited test-taking experience, extending to 12-16 weeks allows time for building foundational reading skills and practicing repeatedly. However, consistent effort over 8 weeks typically produces better results than sporadic cramming over a longer period. A tutor can help you create a realistic timeline based on your current level, target score, and how much time you can dedicate each week.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about question formats, so thorough practice is your best defense. Familiarity breeds confidence—taking multiple practice tests under timed conditions trains your brain to stay calm during the actual test. Techniques like deep breathing before starting, reading questions carefully to avoid misreading, and giving yourself permission to skip difficult questions and return to them later can reduce panic. Tutors can also help you develop a pre-test routine and teach you to distinguish between productive nervousness (which keeps you focused) and counterproductive anxiety that clouds your thinking.