Timing is one of the biggest challenges students face—you have roughly 1.5 minutes per question. Expert tutors help you develop a strategic approach: tackling easier questions first, knowing when to skip and return to harder problems, and recognizing which question types you can solve quickly versus those needing more time. Practice tests are essential here; they help you build speed without sacrificing accuracy.

Most students struggle with algebra (especially multi-step equations and systems), word problems (translating real-world scenarios into math), and advanced geometry concepts. Many also find the "grid-in" questions (where you enter your answer rather than choose from options) intimidating because there's no multiple-choice safety net. A tutor can pinpoint which specific topics are holding you back and create a focused study plan.

Confidence comes from familiarity and mastery. When you work through practice tests and understand the exact format, question types, and timing expectations, test day feels much less overwhelming. Tutors also teach you concrete strategies—like taking deep breaths when you hit a tough question, checking your work strategically, and maintaining a positive mindset when you encounter unfamiliar problem types.

Consistency matters more than marathon sessions. Most students benefit from 2-3 focused practice sessions per week, each 45-60 minutes long, combined with regular tutoring. This spacing helps your brain retain concepts through repeated exposure—a learning principle called spaced repetition. Your tutor can create a customized study schedule that fits your school and extracurricular commitments.

The PSAT Math section includes multiple-choice questions, student-produced response (grid-in) questions, and questions embedded in real-world scenarios. Understanding how to approach each format is crucial—for example, multiple-choice lets you check answers by substituting back into the problem, while grid-in questions require you to be more careful about decimal placement and negative signs. Tutors walk you through strategies for each format so you're never caught off guard.

Your first session is all about assessment and planning. Your tutor will likely have you take a practice section or review your recent test results to identify your specific strengths and weaknesses. From there, you'll create a personalized study roadmap that targets your weak areas, sets realistic score goals, and outlines a timeline. This foundation ensures every future session builds directly toward your goals.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds, proven test-prep experience, and familiarity with the PSAT format specifically. Ideally, they've helped other students improve their scores and can explain concepts clearly—not just know the material themselves. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who understand the PSAT Math section inside and out and can tailor their teaching to your learning style.