Score improvement depends on your starting point and consistency with practice, but most students see meaningful gains—typically 20-50 points—when they work with a tutor to target their specific weaknesses. Whether you struggle with grammar rules, pacing, or identifying question types, personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps you focus on what matters most for your score. The key is identifying your error patterns early and practicing strategically before test day.

Many students struggle with pacing—finishing all 44 questions in 35 minutes while maintaining accuracy. Others find it hard to distinguish between similar grammar rules or to recognize when a sentence is stylistically weak versus grammatically incorrect. A third common challenge is understanding the rhetorical questions that ask you to improve organization or word choice rather than fix obvious errors. Tutors can help you develop strategies to tackle each challenge efficiently.

Practice tests are crucial—they help you get comfortable with question formats, identify your specific weak areas, and build the stamina to focus for 35 minutes straight. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions also reveals pacing issues you might not notice in isolated drills. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who use practice test results to guide your study plan and show you exactly where to focus your effort.

You don't need to memorize every grammar rule in existence—the PSAT tests a focused set of grammar concepts like subject-verb agreement, pronoun case, verb tense, and modifier placement. Instead of memorization, the goal is recognizing these patterns quickly and understanding why an answer is correct. Tutors teach you to identify the grammar concept being tested and apply it strategically, which is much more efficient than trying to memorize rules.

Your first session typically starts with a diagnostic—either a practice test section or a conversation about your current strengths and weaknesses in grammar, pacing, and question types. The tutor will identify patterns in your errors and understand your goals, then create a personalized study plan. This might include targeted grammar drills, timed practice questions, or full-section practice tests depending on what will help you most.

Most students benefit from spending about 45 seconds per question, which leaves a few minutes for review. A smart approach is to read each passage quickly for context, then tackle questions in order—easier questions first to build confidence and momentum. If you get stuck on a question, mark it and move on rather than losing time. Tutors can help you practice this pacing with timed drills so it becomes automatic on test day.

Look for tutors with strong English/grammar backgrounds and proven experience teaching PSAT Writing specifically. They should understand the test's unique format and question types, and be able to explain grammar concepts clearly without overwhelming you with jargon. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who know the PSAT inside and out and can tailor their teaching to your learning style and goals.