Your first session focuses on assessment and strategy. A tutor will review your current reading level, discuss your target score, and likely administer a practice section to identify which question types and reading strategies need the most work. This diagnostic approach helps create a personalized roadmap for the weeks ahead, ensuring you're not wasting time on skills you've already mastered.

Pacing challenges are one of the most common issues students face—the PSAT Critical Reading section requires reading two passages and answering 26 questions in 52 minutes. Expert tutors teach strategic reading techniques like previewing questions before reading, identifying key information on first pass, and knowing when to skip difficult questions and return later. With guided practice and timed drills, you'll develop a rhythm that lets you read actively without rushing.

PSAT Critical Reading focuses on reading comprehension and vocabulary in context across paired passages and single passages. Question types include main idea, detail/evidence, inference, vocabulary, author's tone, and comparative reading questions. A tutor can help you recognize each question type's unique demands, learn the most efficient approach for each, and practice until you're identifying the right strategy automatically.

Taking a full-length PSAT practice test under timed conditions is the best diagnostic tool—it shows exactly which question types trip you up and whether your struggles are speed-related or comprehension-related. Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who can analyze your practice test results, break down error patterns, and prioritize which skills to tackle first for maximum score improvement.

While vocabulary appears on the PSAT, the section emphasizes understanding words in context rather than memorizing isolated lists. A more effective approach is learning common word roots and prefixes, practicing with actual PSAT vocabulary in context, and using spaced repetition to reinforce challenging words. Expert tutors teach vocabulary strategies that stick, focusing on words most likely to appear on the test and techniques to decode unfamiliar terms during the exam.

Most students benefit from 4-6 full-length practice tests spread across their study period, with at least 2-3 taken under strict timed conditions to build stamina and pacing skills. Between full tests, targeted practice on specific question types is more valuable than constant testing. A tutor can help you space out practice strategically, review each test thoroughly to understand mistakes, and adjust your study plan based on what you learn.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with the test format—both things tutoring directly addresses. By practicing with real PSAT questions, building confidence in your strategies, and taking timed practice tests, you'll walk into test day feeling ready. Tutors also teach calming techniques like strategic breathing, positive self-talk, and how to manage your time so you're not rushing, all of which reduce anxiety significantly.