Most students struggle with pacing because they spend too much time on difficult passages or get stuck on vocabulary they don't know. The section gives you about 1.5 minutes per question, which requires efficient reading and strategic question selection. A tutor can teach you how to preview passages, identify key information quickly, and skip questions strategically so you maximize points in the time available.

Vocabulary appears throughout the section—in standalone questions and within reading passages—so it definitely matters, but it's not the whole story. Rather than memorizing endless word lists, effective prep focuses on vocabulary in context and understanding how word choice shapes meaning in passages. A tutor can help you build vocabulary strategically while also teaching you to infer word meanings from surrounding text.

You'll encounter questions about main ideas, supporting details, vocabulary in context, inference, author's tone, and text relationships. Each type requires a slightly different approach—for example, inference questions demand careful reading of what's implied, while detail questions reward quick scanning. A tutor helps you recognize each question type instantly and apply the right strategy, which significantly speeds up your work and reduces careless errors.

Your first session focuses on understanding where you stand. You'll likely take a diagnostic practice test or review past results, and your tutor will identify patterns—like which question types trip you up, whether you rush through passages, or if vocabulary gaps are slowing you down. From there, you'll create a personalized study plan targeting your specific needs rather than generic test prep.

Most students benefit from taking 3-5 full-length practice tests spaced throughout their prep timeline, with at least one or two under timed conditions. Practice tests reveal your weak areas and help you build stamina, but they're most valuable when you review them carefully with a tutor afterward—understanding why you missed questions matters more than the score itself. Your tutor can guide you on pacing and help you avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or uncertain about strategies, so building confidence through targeted practice is the best antidote. A tutor helps you develop reliable approaches to every question type, which reduces the panic of encountering something unfamiliar. You'll also learn time-management and breathing techniques that keep you calm when you hit a tough passage.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in PSAT prep and understand the specific skills the Critical Reading section tests. You can share your score goals and availability, and we'll match you with someone who fits your learning style and schedule. Many tutors in the Memphis area have experience helping students at the 250+ schools across the city prepare for the PSAT.