Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you apply strategies, but most students see meaningful gains with focused preparation. Tutors help you identify specific weaknesses—whether that's vocabulary, pacing, or question interpretation—and develop targeted practice plans. Many students improve by 50-100+ points when they work with a tutor to master test-specific strategies and build reading confidence over several weeks.

Timing is one of the biggest challenges students face on the PSAT. Expert tutors teach pacing strategies like previewing questions before reading, identifying high-value questions to prioritize, and knowing when to skip difficult passages. Practice with timed drills helps you internalize a sustainable pace, and tutors can help you diagnose whether you're reading too slowly, overthinking answers, or struggling with specific question types.

Students in Cincinnati schools often struggle with vocabulary-in-context questions, managing the volume of reading within the time limit, and distinguishing between answer choices that sound similar. Understanding question formats—like inference questions versus detail questions—is also crucial. Tutors help you recognize these patterns and develop strategies specific to each question type, so you're not just reading faster but reading smarter.

Practice tests are essential—they help you get comfortable with the test format, identify your specific weak areas, and build test-day confidence. Tutors use practice test results to pinpoint whether you need help with vocabulary, inference skills, or pacing, then create a study plan around those gaps. Taking multiple full-length practice tests under timed conditions is one of the most effective ways to prepare, and tutors can review your answers to explain why you missed questions.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with the test format. Working with a tutor builds confidence through repeated exposure to real questions, proven strategies, and honest feedback about your progress. Tutors also teach calming techniques and help you develop a realistic mindset about the test—understanding that you don't need a perfect score to do well. As you practice and see improvement, anxiety naturally decreases.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in PSAT preparation and understand the specific challenges of the Critical Reading section. During your first session, you'll discuss your current score, target score, and learning style so the tutor can create a personalized study plan. Tutors work with your schedule and adapt their approach based on your progress, focusing on the areas where you need the most support.

Your first session is an assessment and planning meeting. The tutor will likely review a practice test or sample questions to understand your current strengths and weaknesses, discuss your target score and timeline, and explain the strategies they'll teach you. You'll leave with a clear picture of what to focus on and how tutoring will help you improve. Most tutors spend the first session building rapport and understanding your learning style so they can tailor future sessions to your needs.