The biggest obstacles are usually pacing under pressure, understanding complex sentence structures, and distinguishing between tempting wrong answers and correct ones. Many students struggle with vocabulary-in-context questions or fail to identify the main idea when passages include multiple supporting details. Others rush through passages to save time, missing nuance that changes the answer. A tutor can help you develop a strategic approach to each question type and build the reading stamina the test requires.

Most effective preparation includes one full-length practice test every 1-2 weeks, though this works best after you've spent time on targeted skill-building. Early in your prep, focus on mastering individual question types rather than full tests. As you get closer to test day (4-6 weeks out), increase to one full practice test weekly so you're comfortable with pacing and can identify remaining weak spots. After each test, review your mistakes thoroughly—that's where real learning happens.

The Critical Reading section gives you about 70 minutes for roughly 52 questions, so timing is tight. A strong strategy is to spend 8-10 minutes on each passage and its questions rather than racing through or getting stuck on difficult questions. Many students benefit from reading the passage first, then tackling questions in order—but some prefer skimming and returning to specific lines. The right approach depends on your reading speed and comprehension style. A tutor can help you test different strategies with practice tests to find what works for you.

While vocabulary knowledge helps, the PSAT focuses more on context clues than raw vocabulary memorization. Most words tested appear in the passage itself, and you can often figure out meaning from surrounding sentences. That said, strengthening your vocabulary—especially high-frequency academic words—removes one barrier and builds reading fluency. Rather than memorizing endless lists, focus on words that appear frequently on standardized tests and practice using context clues to confirm meanings. A tutor can show you which vocabulary gaps are actually hurting your score.

Much test anxiety comes from feeling unprepared or uncertain about what to expect. Tutoring directly addresses this by building genuine skill and familiarity with question formats, timing, and strategies. When you've practiced extensively and know what to expect, confidence naturally builds. A tutor can also teach you calming techniques specific to standardized testing—like how to move past a difficult question without spiraling, and how to use the process of elimination strategically when you're unsure. Feeling prepared is the best antidote to anxiety.

Look for tutors with specific experience teaching PSAT Critical Reading and a track record of helping students improve their scores. They should understand the test's structure, question types, and strategies—not just general reading skills. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in PSAT prep and can tailor instruction to your specific challenges, whether that's pacing, vocabulary, or analytical reading. The best fit is someone who can diagnose exactly where you're losing points and build a focused plan to address those gaps.