Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face on PSAT Critical Reading. Effective strategies include spending 1-2 minutes per passage (depending on length), then allocating about 45-60 seconds per question. Many students benefit from learning how to quickly identify the main idea and structure of a passage before diving into questions. A tutor can teach you which questions to tackle first (often vocabulary in context or detail questions) versus which to return to if time allows, and help you practice this timing until it becomes automatic.

Vocabulary-in-context questions ask you to understand word meanings based on how they're used in the passage, not through memorizing definitions. The most effective approach is to read the sentence around the word, look for context clues (synonyms, antonyms, or explanations), and predict what the word means before looking at answer choices. This strategy works better than memorization because it trains you to think like the test makers. A tutor can show you how to spot different types of context clues and practice this method across dozens of passages so it becomes your go-to approach.

Inference questions require you to read between the lines—drawing conclusions based on what the passage says, not on outside knowledge. They're challenging because you need to distinguish between what's directly stated and what you can reasonably conclude from the text. The key is sticking to evidence: for every answer choice, ask yourself "Where in the passage does this idea appear?" A tutor can walk you through inference questions step-by-step, teaching you to recognize the most testable inferences and avoid traps that sound reasonable but aren't supported by the passage.

A solid PSAT Critical Reading prep schedule typically involves 2-4 tutoring sessions per week combined with independent practice. A realistic timeline might look like: weeks 1-2 learning test strategies and question types, weeks 3-6 practicing individual skills on shorter passages, and weeks 7-8 taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions. Your tutor will help you fit this into your schedule and adjust based on what you need most—some students need heavy focus on reading comprehension while others need to build vocabulary skills. Regular practice spaced over weeks is much more effective than cramming.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or overwhelmed by timing. The best antidote is building genuine confidence through consistent practice with actual PSAT-style questions and passages. A tutor can help you work through full-length practice tests in a low-pressure environment, teaching calming techniques like reading the question stem first, taking deep breaths during breaks, and having a game plan for skipping difficult questions and returning to them later. When you've practiced enough to know your strategies work, anxiety naturally decreases.

Varsity Tutors connects Boston-area students with tutors who specialize in PSAT Critical Reading and understand the specific challenges students face. When you get matched with a tutor, look for someone with proven test prep experience, knowledge of PSAT question formats, and the ability to diagnose exactly where you're struggling—whether that's with reading speed, vocabulary, or inference questions. A good tutor will create a personalized study plan based on your starting score and goals, use real PSAT practice materials, and track your progress on each question type.