Many students struggle with time management—the 35-minute window moves quickly when you're reading passages carefully and analyzing each question. Others find it difficult to distinguish between similar grammatical rules or to recognize when a sentence is actually correct as written. A third common challenge is understanding the rhetorical questions, which require you to think about why a writer made specific word choices rather than just identifying errors.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you practice, but most students see meaningful gains—typically 20-50 points—within 4-8 weeks of focused preparation. The key is identifying your specific weak areas (whether that's comma rules, verb tense, or rhetorical questions) and drilling those patterns repeatedly. Working with a tutor helps you avoid wasting time on concepts you've already mastered and focus energy where it matters most.

Practice tests are critical—they help you build stamina, identify patterns in question types, and get comfortable with the pacing demands of the real exam. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions also reveals which grammar rules trip you up most often and whether your errors come from knowledge gaps or rushing. Most students benefit from taking 3-5 complete practice tests during their preparation period, then reviewing each one carefully to understand why they missed questions.

Effective strategies include reading each passage quickly for context before tackling questions, using process of elimination to narrow down answer choices, and trusting your ear for what sounds correct (while still applying grammar rules). Many students benefit from marking questions they're unsure about and returning to them if time allows, rather than getting stuck on one difficult question. Learning to spot common error patterns—like misplaced modifiers, pronoun agreement issues, or unnecessary commas—helps you answer questions faster and more accurately.

Varsity Tutors connects you with experienced tutors who specialize in PSAT Writing preparation and understand the specific challenges this section presents. When you get matched with a tutor, you can discuss your current score, target score, and timeline so they can create a personalized study plan. Tutors can focus on your exact weak areas, provide targeted grammar instruction, and give you feedback on timed practice questions to build both skill and confidence.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment—either reviewing a recent practice test or having you work through a sample Writing section—so your tutor can pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses. You'll discuss your current score, target score, and how much time you have to prepare. From there, your tutor will outline a customized study plan that prioritizes the grammar rules and question types where you need the most help.

Tutoring builds confidence by helping you master the content and develop reliable test-taking strategies, which naturally reduces anxiety. When you understand grammar rules deeply and practice under timed conditions repeatedly, the exam feels less intimidating and more like familiar work. Your tutor can also teach you specific techniques for managing stress during the test, like how to pace yourself, when to skip and return to questions, and how to stay focused when you encounter a difficult passage.