Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort, but most students see meaningful gains—typically 50-100 points—with focused, personalized instruction over 8-12 weeks. The key is identifying your specific weaknesses (like inference questions or vocabulary in context) and practicing strategically. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who diagnose exactly where you're struggling and create a targeted study plan.

Students often struggle with pacing—trying to read every word carefully when skimming for key information is faster—and with inference questions that require reading between the lines. Vocabulary-in-context questions trip up many students who focus on dictionary definitions rather than how words function in passages. Time management is another big challenge; many students run out of time before finishing all questions. A tutor can teach you efficient reading strategies and help you practice under timed conditions.

Varsity Tutors connects you with a tutor who starts by assessing your current strengths and weaknesses through practice tests or diagnostic questions. From there, your tutor creates a personalized study plan focusing on your specific challenges—whether that's vocabulary, main idea questions, or time management. Sessions typically include strategy instruction, practice with real PSAT passages, and timed drills to build confidence and speed.

Practice tests are essential—they help you understand question formats, identify weak areas, and practice pacing under real time constraints. Taking full-length practice tests every 2-3 weeks lets you track progress and adjust your study strategy. Your tutor can review your practice test results with you, pinpoint patterns in the questions you miss, and target instruction accordingly, making your prep time far more effective than studying in isolation.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with question types—both things tutoring directly addresses. Practicing under timed conditions repeatedly builds confidence and makes the test feel less intimidating. Your tutor can also teach you breathing techniques, help you develop a pre-test routine, and remind you that the PSAT is a learning tool, not a make-or-break exam. Many students find that knowing they have a solid strategy reduces anxiety significantly.

Most successful students spend 2-3 minutes reading each passage and 30-45 seconds per question, leaving time to review. However, the ideal pace depends on your reading speed and comprehension—some students benefit from skimming first, while others do better reading carefully. A tutor can help you experiment with different strategies during practice sessions to find what works best for your style, then drill that approach until it becomes automatic.

Varsity Tutors makes it easy to connect with expert tutors who specialize in PSAT Critical Reading and understand what Hartford-area students need to succeed. You can get matched with a tutor who fits your schedule and learning style, whether you prefer to meet in person or via video. Simply reach out to discuss your goals, and we'll connect you with someone ready to help you build the reading skills and test strategies you need.