Timing challenges on Critical Reading often stem from spending too much time on difficult questions or re-reading passages unnecessarily. Effective strategies include: reading the questions before the passage to know what to focus on, identifying the main idea rather than getting lost in details, and skipping extremely difficult questions to maximize your score on easier ones. A tutor can help you practice these techniques under timed conditions and develop a personalized pacing strategy based on your reading speed and comprehension style.

Paired passages can feel overwhelming, but they follow predictable patterns. Start by understanding how the two passages relate—do they agree, disagree, or approach a topic differently? Read the first passage and answer its questions before moving to the second passage. When you encounter questions about both passages, be precise about what each author actually says rather than making assumptions. Tutors for students in Queens can walk you through the different paired passage question types (comparison, evidence, tone) so you develop a consistent method that works for your reading style.

While vocabulary knowledge helps, the PSAT Critical Reading section emphasizes understanding word meaning from context. You'll often encounter words in sentences where context clues help you identify the correct meaning. Rather than drilling vocabulary lists, focus on recognizing how authors use words to create tone and meaning. That said, building your general vocabulary through reading makes the section easier overall. A tutor can help you balance both approaches—learning key words you're likely to encounter while strengthening your ability to use context clues strategically.

Aim to take a full-length practice test every 1-2 weeks once you've covered the main question types and strategies. This gives you time to practice between tests and allows you to track which areas are improving. However, quantity matters less than quality—it's better to take fewer tests and thoroughly review your mistakes than to rush through many tests without analysis. After each practice test, identify patterns in your wrong answers: Are you missing inference questions? Struggling with vocabulary-in-context? Running out of time? This targeted review with a tutor helps you spend study time where you need it most.

Test anxiety often decreases when you feel confident in your preparation and strategies. Tutoring builds confidence by helping you understand exactly how different question types work, giving you a clear approach for each one, and letting you practice under realistic timed conditions repeatedly. You'll see what you're capable of before test day, which reduces uncertainty and nervousness. Additionally, tutors can teach specific anxiety management techniques like taking deep breaths between passages or positive self-talk during challenging sections, turning abstract test anxiety into concrete strategies you can control.

Start by taking a full-length practice test under timed conditions and reviewing your results closely. Look for patterns: Do you miss more reading comprehension questions or vocabulary-in-context questions? Are certain passage types harder (science, history, literature)? Do you run out of time? Are your errors careless mistakes or genuine comprehension gaps? Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can analyze your practice test results more deeply, identifying whether your struggles stem from reading speed, vocabulary knowledge, inference skills, or test anxiety. This diagnostic approach means your tutoring focuses on your actual weaknesses rather than reviewing material you already understand.