Many students struggle with pacing because they spend too long on difficult problems early in the test, leaving insufficient time for easier questions later. A tutor can help you develop a strategic approach: quickly identify which problems to tackle first, when to skip and return, and how to manage the 70-minute timeframe. Practice tests are essential here—they help you build speed and confidence so timing feels natural on test day.

The best way is to take a full-length PSAT Math practice test under timed conditions, then analyze your wrong answers by topic (algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, geometry, etc.). A tutor can review your results with you, pinpoint patterns in your mistakes, and create a targeted study plan so you're not wasting time on topics you already know. This diagnostic approach is much more efficient than generic test prep.

Your first session typically includes an assessment of your current math level, a discussion of your goals, and a review of a practice test (if you've taken one) to identify your strengths and gaps. The tutor will then outline a personalized study plan tailored to your needs—whether you need foundational concept review, test strategy coaching, or intensive practice on specific question types. This sets the foundation for efficient, focused work in future sessions.

Confidence comes from preparation and familiarity. A tutor helps reduce anxiety by teaching you proven test-taking strategies, walking you through question formats until they feel routine, and providing plenty of timed practice so the test environment feels less intimidating. When you understand the material and know what to expect, nervousness naturally decreases—and you perform better under pressure.

Most students benefit from taking a full practice test every 2-3 weeks to track progress and identify remaining weak areas. Between full tests, your tutor can assign shorter, targeted practice sets focused on specific topics or question types. This balanced approach—mixing focused practice with periodic full-length tests—helps you build skills efficiently while staying motivated by seeing improvement over time.

Look for tutors with strong mathematics backgrounds (ideally college-level coursework or a math degree) and specific experience preparing students for standardized tests. They should understand PSAT Math's unique format and question types, have a track record of helping students improve scores, and be able to explain concepts clearly at your level. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who meet these standards and can tailor instruction to your needs.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of consistent preparation, meeting with a tutor 1-2 times per week. If you're starting further out or have significant gaps to fill, you might begin earlier; if you're closer to test day, you can intensify your schedule. The ideal timeline depends on your current level and goals—a tutor can help you create a realistic plan that fits your schedule and maximizes your score improvement.