Timing is one of the biggest challenges on the PSAT Math section. Effective strategies include: tackling easier problems first to build confidence and secure quick points, marking difficult questions to skip and return to later, and practicing with a timer to build speed without sacrificing accuracy. Working with a tutor helps you identify which problem types slow you down and develop personalized techniques to work through them more efficiently.

Taking full-length, timed practice tests is the most effective way to pinpoint weaknesses. After each test, analyze your missed questions to spot patterns—do you struggle more with geometry, algebra, or word problems? Are you making careless mistakes or truly not understanding concepts? Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who can review your practice tests, identify these patterns, and create a targeted study plan to address them before test day.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with question formats. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction builds confidence through repeated exposure to PSAT-style problems, timed practice, and proven test-taking strategies. A tutor can help you develop a pre-test routine, teach relaxation techniques, and ensure you're comfortable with every problem type you'll encounter—all of which reduce anxiety and help you perform your best on test day.

For most students, 4-8 weeks of focused preparation is ideal, working 3-4 hours per week. This timeline gives you enough time to identify weak areas, learn and practice new strategies, and build test-day confidence without burnout. If you're starting from a lower baseline or aiming for a very high score, you may benefit from starting earlier. A tutor can help you create a realistic study schedule based on your goals and current performance level.

Practice tests serve dual purposes: they help you become comfortable with the test format and timing, and they reveal exactly where you need to focus your study efforts. Taking tests under timed conditions mirrors test-day pressure, helping you identify whether you rush through problems or get stuck on certain types. Expert tutors use your practice test results to create a targeted study plan, ensuring every tutoring session addresses your actual weak points rather than generic review.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in PSAT Mathematics and have a proven track record of helping students improve their scores. Tutors are matched based on their expertise with the specific PSAT concepts you need help with, their teaching style, and their availability. You can discuss your goals and timeline with your tutor from the start, ensuring they understand whether you're aiming to improve by a few points or targeting a significant score boost.