The PSAT Math section tests both speed and accuracy, and pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face. A tutor can teach you how to quickly identify easier vs. harder questions, which ones to solve first, and when to skip and return to a problem. They'll also help you practice with timed drills so you develop a feel for how long each question type should take—typically 1-2 minutes per problem depending on difficulty.

Students often rush through the easier questions and make careless errors, misinterpret what a question is asking, or get stuck on one hard problem and run out of time. Other frequent issues include not showing work (which makes it hard to catch mistakes), skipping steps in multi-step problems, and not using the calculator strategically when it's allowed. A tutor can help you develop a checklist for catching these mistakes before you submit your answer.

The best way is to take a full-length practice test under timed conditions, then review every question you missed or guessed on—not just the ones you got wrong. Look for patterns: Are you struggling with algebra, geometry, word problems, or data interpretation? A tutor can analyze your practice test results in detail, pinpoint your specific weak areas, and prioritize which topics will give you the biggest score boost. This targeted approach is much more efficient than reviewing everything.

Aim for at least 3-4 full-length, timed practice tests spread across your preparation period so you can track improvement and adjust your strategy. Taking practice tests isn't just about getting a score—it's about building stamina, identifying patterns in your mistakes, and getting comfortable with the test format and timing. A tutor can help you space these out effectively and use each one as a learning tool rather than just a practice run.

Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unsure of your strategy, so solid preparation is your best defense. A tutor can help you build confidence by practicing under realistic test conditions, teaching you breathing and mental reset techniques for when you hit a hard problem, and helping you develop a positive self-talk routine. Knowing that you have a plan and have practiced extensively makes a huge difference in staying calm during the actual test.

The calculator is allowed on most of the PSAT Math section, but it's not always the fastest tool—sometimes mental math or pencil-and-paper work is quicker. A tutor can teach you when to use it strategically (complex calculations, checking your work) versus when to skip it and solve mentally. They'll also help you avoid common calculator mistakes like entering numbers wrong or using it for simple arithmetic when you could solve faster by hand.

Look for someone with strong knowledge of PSAT-specific content and question formats, not just general math skills. They should be able to diagnose your weak areas quickly, teach you test-taking strategies alongside math concepts, and adapt their teaching style to how you learn best. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors for students in Virginia Beach who specialize in PSAT prep and can create a personalized study plan based on your goals and timeline.