The PSAT Math section typically has tight timing constraints, so effective pacing is crucial. A strong strategy is to work through easier problems first to build confidence and secure those points, then allocate remaining time to harder problems rather than getting stuck early. Expert tutors can help you practice this approach repeatedly with official practice tests so it becomes automatic on test day. They'll also teach you when to skip and come back versus pushing through, and help you identify the problem types that consistently eat up your time—whether it's grid-in questions, multi-step word problems, or advanced algebra concepts.

The biggest culprits are typically misreading what a question is asking, rushing through setup on word problems, and making arithmetic errors under pressure. Many students also struggle with the transition to calculator-allowed versus no-calculator sections—they either over-rely on technology or don't use it strategically. Other frequent challenges include confusion with exponent rules, mistakes on percentage and ratio problems, and trouble translating real-world scenarios into equations. A tutor can review your practice test work to identify your specific error patterns, then help you build checks and strategies to catch them before submitting answers.

A solid timeline depends on your target score and current level, but most students benefit from 6-12 weeks of consistent prep. A typical weekly structure includes one full-length or half-length practice test (to build stamina and identify weak areas), targeted drills on 2-3 specific topics where you struggle, and review sessions to understand mistakes. Spacing out your practice over weeks is more effective than cramming—your brain retains strategies better through repeated exposure. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can create a personalized study schedule based on your timeline, current score, and goal score, ensuring you're spending time where it matters most.

The best way is to take a full practice test under real conditions and review it carefully—not just looking at what you got wrong, but categorizing your mistakes by type. Did you miss problems because you didn't understand the concept, made a calculation error, misread the question, or ran out of time? Keeping this breakdown helps you see patterns. Common trouble spots for Minneapolis students include Passport to Advanced Math (quadratics, polynomials, complex equations), Heart of Algebra (linear equations and systems), and Problem Solving & Data Analysis (percentages, probability, interpreting graphs). A tutor can accelerate this diagnostic process by analyzing your practice work and drilling your specific gaps rather than having you review material you already know.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with question formats, so thorough practice with official PSAT questions is your best defense. Taking multiple practice tests under timed conditions helps your brain become comfortable with the format and reduces surprises on test day. Building confidence through targeted tutoring also matters—knowing that you've mastered the concepts and practiced your pacing strategy takes pressure off. Beyond content prep, strategies like starting with easier problems to build momentum, taking deep breaths between sections, and reminding yourself of the questions you've successfully answered can shift your mindset. Tutors can incorporate these mental strategies into your regular sessions so they feel natural when it counts.

The PSAT is typically given in October, so starting prep in June, July, or August gives you a strong 2-3 month runway to build skills and test your strategies. However, even 4-6 weeks of focused tutoring can produce solid gains if you're disciplined with practice between sessions. Starting earlier is generally better because it reduces pressure and allows time to revisit difficult concepts if needed. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who can work with your timeline—whether you need intensive prep or a lighter schedule closer to test day—and adjust the focus based on where you start.