Many students struggle with comma rules, misplaced modifiers, and recognizing when a sentence is actually correct (a common trap). Others rush through the section and miss subtle errors, or spend too much time on one question and run out of time. Expert tutors can help you identify your specific weak areas through practice tests and teach targeted strategies to address them before test day.

With 44 questions in 35 minutes, you have roughly 48 seconds per question—but some questions are easier than others. Effective pacing means spending less time on straightforward grammar questions and more on complex rhetorical or style questions. Tutors can teach you to scan questions quickly, identify question types, and develop a personalized strategy that matches your strengths, plus provide timed practice to build confidence and speed.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort level, but most students see meaningful gains within 4-8 weeks of focused practice. If you're scoring in the 25-50 range, targeted instruction on grammar fundamentals and question patterns can often yield 50-100 point improvements. Personalized tutoring helps you focus on your specific gaps rather than reviewing material you already know, making study time more efficient.

Practice tests are essential because they help you understand the exact question formats, identify patterns in your mistakes, and build test-day stamina. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions reveals whether your struggles are with content knowledge, pacing, or test anxiety. Tutors use your practice test results to pinpoint weak areas and create a focused study plan, then use additional practice to track your progress toward your target score.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about what to expect or lack of confidence in your skills. Repeated exposure to authentic practice questions and timed drills builds familiarity and reduces the "unknown" factor. Tutors also teach breathing techniques, confidence-building strategies, and help you develop a personal test-day routine so you feel prepared and in control when you sit down to take the exam.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in PSAT Writing and understand the specific skills tested on the exam. When you reach out, you can share your current score, target score, and any specific challenges (like grammar rules or pacing), and we'll match you with a tutor whose expertise aligns with your needs. Most students benefit from starting with a diagnostic session to identify gaps and create a personalized study plan.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either reviewing your recent practice test results or taking a sample section—to understand your current strengths and weaknesses. Your tutor will discuss your target score, timeline, and learning style, then create a customized plan focused on your biggest opportunities for improvement. You'll likely walk away with specific strategies and a few practice problems to start building momentum before your next session.