Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you practice, but most students see meaningful gains with focused tutoring. Students who work with tutors on targeted strategies—like improving reading speed, mastering question formats, and identifying common trap answers—typically improve by 50-100+ points over a few months. The key is identifying your specific weak areas (whether that's vocabulary, inference questions, or pacing) and practicing strategically rather than just reading more.

Timing is one of the biggest challenges students face on PSAT Critical Reading. Expert tutors help you develop a pacing strategy that works for your reading speed—whether that means reading the passage first then answering questions, or reading questions first to know what to look for. Practice with timed drills and full-length practice tests helps you internalize the rhythm so you're not rushing through the last passage. Many students also benefit from learning which question types to tackle first based on difficulty.

Students often struggle with inference questions—choosing answers that are too literal or making assumptions that go beyond what the passage actually says. Vocabulary-in-context questions trip up many students who rely on memorized definitions rather than understanding how words function in context. Another frequent issue is misreading questions or missing qualifying words like "except" or "primarily," which completely changes what you're looking for. Tutors help you slow down strategically and develop a checklist to catch these errors before they cost you points.

Consistent practice beats cramming—ideally 3-4 focused study sessions per week for 30-45 minutes each is more effective than marathon weekend sessions. Your study plan should mix untimed practice (to build accuracy and understanding) with timed practice (to build speed and confidence). Full-length practice tests once every 1-2 weeks help you track progress and identify patterns in the types of questions you're missing. A tutor can help you create a personalized schedule that fits your timeline and builds skills progressively.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure about your approach—which is why practice and strategy are so powerful. Taking full-length practice tests under real testing conditions helps desensitize you to the pressure and builds confidence in your skills. Tutors also teach breathing and mental techniques to stay calm when you encounter a difficult passage, plus strategies for moving forward productively if you get stuck on a question. Knowing you have a solid game plan reduces anxiety significantly.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who start by assessing your current strengths and weaknesses through practice tests and diagnostic questions. From there, tutoring focuses on targeted skill-building—whether that's vocabulary strategies, inference techniques, or pacing—combined with regular practice and feedback on real PSAT questions. Your tutor will work with you on your schedule and adjust the focus based on what's most impactful for your score. Most students benefit from starting 2-3 months before test day to allow time for skill development and confidence building.

Getting started is simple—connect with Varsity Tutors and let us know your PSAT timeline and goals. We'll match you with a tutor who has expertise in PSAT Critical Reading and understands how to help students improve their reading comprehension and test-taking skills. Your first session is a chance to discuss your current score, identify your biggest challenges, and create a plan tailored to you. From there, you'll work together consistently to build skills and confidence before test day.