Score improvement depends on your starting point and how much you practice, but most students see meaningful gains—typically 50-100 points—with focused preparation over 8-12 weeks. Personalized tutoring helps you identify specific weak areas (like vocabulary in context or inference questions) and develop targeted strategies, which accelerates improvement compared to self-study alone.

Many students struggle with pacing—trying to read every word carefully leaves them rushing through the last passage. Others find inference questions tricky because they require reading between the lines rather than finding direct answers. Vocabulary-in-context questions also trip up students who rely on memorized definitions rather than understanding how words function in passages. Tutors can teach you efficient reading strategies and question-type frameworks that address each of these challenges.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either a full practice section or a few sample questions—to identify your strengths and specific problem areas. Varsity Tutors connects you with a tutor who reviews your results, discusses your goals (like hitting a specific score or qualifying for National Merit), and creates a personalized study plan tailored to your needs.

Practice tests are essential—they help you get comfortable with the test format, build stamina for reading multiple passages, and reveal patterns in the types of questions you miss. Most tutors recommend taking full practice sections weekly and reviewing every wrong answer to understand why you missed it. This combination of practice and reflection is one of the most effective ways to improve your score.

Most test-takers benefit from spending 8-10 minutes per passage (including reading and answering questions) rather than trying to read perfectly. A smart approach: preview the questions first to know what to focus on, read the passage actively, then answer questions in order. Tutors can help you practice this rhythm with timed drills so it feels natural on test day, reducing the anxiety that often slows students down.

Look for tutors with strong SAT/PSAT experience, familiarity with the current test format, and a track record helping students improve reading comprehension and test-taking skills. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who understand the specific challenges of Critical Reading and can explain strategies clearly, whether you're aiming to build confidence or chase a high score for National Merit eligibility.

Most students benefit from 6-12 weeks of consistent preparation, with 3-5 hours per week of study and tutoring combined. If you're taking the PSAT soon, even 4-6 weeks of focused work with a tutor can help you refine your strategy and tackle your weakest question types. The key is starting early enough to practice multiple full sections and build confidence before test day.