Your first session focuses on assessment and planning. A tutor will review your current math skills, discuss your PSAT goals, and identify which topics need the most work—whether that's linear equations, word problems, data analysis, or test-taking pacing. From there, they'll create a personalized study plan tailored to your timeline and learning style.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face on the PSAT. Tutors help by teaching you to quickly identify question difficulty, skip strategically, and manage your time across the 45-minute section. Regular practice with full-length tests—not just isolated problems—trains you to maintain steady momentum and avoid rushing through easier questions you could get right.

Tutors use a combination of diagnostic tests, practice problems, and conversation to pinpoint exactly where you struggle. They look at which question types you miss most (grid-ins vs multiple choice), which topics trip you up (ratios, systems of equations, geometry), and whether your errors are careless mistakes or conceptual gaps. This targeted diagnosis means you focus study time where it matters most.

Yes. Tutors build confidence by helping you master the material and become familiar with the test format through repeated practice. When you understand the concepts and know what to expect, anxiety naturally decreases. Many tutors also teach specific strategies for managing stress during the test—like taking deep breaths between sections and staying focused on one question at a time.

Most students benefit from meeting 1-2 times per week for 4-8 weeks before the PSAT, though this depends on your current level and goals. Weekly sessions give you consistent momentum and time to practice between meetings, while bi-weekly sessions work if you're already scoring well and just need fine-tuning. Your tutor will recommend a schedule based on how much improvement you're targeting.

Full-length practice tests do two things: they show you how you perform under real test conditions (timing, stamina, pressure) and they reveal patterns in your mistakes. Taking practice tests regularly—not just doing random problem sets—trains your brain for the actual test experience. Your tutor will review your results to adjust your study plan and focus on the areas that need the most work.

Look for tutors with strong math backgrounds and specific experience preparing students for the PSAT. Ideally, they've helped multiple students improve their scores and understand the test format inside and out. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors in Dayton who have proven track records in test prep and can explain math concepts clearly while teaching strategic test-taking skills.