Your first session focuses on understanding your current strengths and challenges through a diagnostic assessment or review of recent practice tests. A tutor will ask about your goals, test timeline, and any specific sections that feel difficult—like dense passages or particular question types. From there, you'll develop a customized study plan that targets your weaknesses while building on what you already do well.

Timing struggles usually stem from either reading too slowly or spending too long on difficult questions. Tutors teach strategic approaches like previewing questions before reading, identifying question types quickly, and knowing when to skip and return to a question. With guided practice and timed drills, you'll develop a rhythm that lets you read carefully without rushing or running out of time.

While the PSAT does test vocabulary, memorizing random word lists isn't the most effective approach. Instead, tutors focus on teaching you how to use context clues to infer word meanings—a skill the test actually rewards. You'll learn common word patterns and roots, plus review vocabulary that appears frequently in standardized tests, making your preparation more strategic and efficient.

Most students benefit from taking a full practice test every 2-3 weeks to track progress and get comfortable with the test format and timing. Between full tests, focus on targeted drills for specific question types or passages. A tutor will help you use practice test results to identify patterns in your mistakes—whether you're missing certain question types or struggling with particular passage topics—so your study time stays focused and productive.

The PSAT Critical Reading section includes questions about main idea, vocabulary in context, inference, detail comprehension, and author's tone or purpose. Each type requires a slightly different approach—for example, inference questions demand careful reasoning between the passage and answer choices, while vocabulary questions often hinge on understanding how a word functions in its sentence. Tutors break down each question type so you recognize patterns and develop targeted strategies for each one.

Test anxiety often comes from uncertainty about what to expect or doubt about your abilities. Tutoring builds confidence through familiarity—you'll practice the exact format and question types you'll see, learn proven strategies, and track your improvement over time. Working with a tutor also gives you a safe space to discuss concerns and develop mental strategies for staying calm and focused on test day.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors experienced in PSAT Critical Reading preparation who understand the section's unique challenges. You'll share your goals, timeline, and preferred learning style, and you'll be matched with someone who fits your needs. From there, you can start personalized 1-on-1 instruction designed around your specific strengths and areas for improvement.