Whether your student is in the 8th or 9th grade or is a sophomore or junior, they can benefit from a PSAT class offered by Varsity Tutors. Working with a tutor in PSAT prep classes can be helpful to your student if they are preparing to take the PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, or PSAT/NMSQT. If you're interested in a PSAT course for your student, feel free to contact Varsity Tutors for more details.
The PSAT/NMSQT serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It was designed to be administered to high school sophomores and juniors during the fall. The PSAT 10 is offered in the Spring. However, this exam would not make your student eligible to become a National Merit Scholar. The PSAT 8/9 is designed for eighth and ninth grade students to identify areas where they may need more academic focus for any college readiness exams they'll take in the future.
The PSAT was designed to help students prepare for taking the SAT by completing preliminary practice exams. Being tutored one-on-one in a distraction-free environment can provide your child with the ideal learning situation for their PSAT class. They won't have to compete for the tutor's attention as they would in a classroom setting. When your child asks any questions, they can receive a timely answer from the tutor.
At the start of the first session in PSAT courses, an assessment of your child's academic skills can be completed. The tutor can ascertain any weak or strong areas so the right lesson plan can be implemented in the PSAT classes. This baseline can be instrumental in helping the tutor establish benchmarks for the study sessions. Tutors want to optimize each lesson so that your student can get the most out of the process and increase their confidence level for taking the PSAT.
There are some variations among the PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and PSAT/NMSQT. The chart below shows the differences between these PSAT exams. A PSAT prep course tutor can help your child understand the differences and prepare them for the proper test:
| PSAT Exam | PSAT 8/9 | PSAT 10 | PSAT/NMSQT |
| Who takes it? | 8th and 9th Grade Students | 10th Grade Students | 10th and 11th Grade Students |
| When is the test available? | Fall through Spring | Spring | Fall |
| Is the exam National Merit Scholarship eligible? | No | No | Yes |
| Are students eligible for other scholarships by taking this test? | No | Yes | Yes |
Both you and your child's time is valuable. We can connect you with a tutor who is flexible with your busy schedule. PSAT prep courses can be taken online through our Live Learning Platform. All you need is a laptop, tablet, or even a smartphone, along with an internet connection for these classes.
Your student will need to have a competency in Reading, Writing and Language, and Math in order to do well on the PSAT. When they take PSAT prep classes, they can learn how to study more effectively so they can retain more of the material. Some students may get nervous when taking standardized tests. This could keep students from performing at their level of potential, but if your student has this issue, a tutor can work with them in the PSAT course to learn relaxation exercises, which can help them calm down and focus on the exam day. Staying calm is important if they want to be able to recall information that they've learned.
Each student has a different learning style. A tutor can work with your student's specific learning needs and abilities to customize lessons that help students learn in ways that work for them. This kind of training helps students comprehend ideas more efficiently.
Rebecca: PSAT course instructor
...them effect ways to memorize a textbook. In this way, I agree with William B. Yeats in that "education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." I empower my students to seek answers on their own and develop their critical thinking skills. As a tutor, I structure my teaching around the student's individual interests and needs. For example, one 6th grade student loved to perform onstage, so we wrote...
Education & Certification
- Occidental College - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- AP English Literature and Composition
- GRE
- +31 subjects
Zachary: PSAT course instructor
...in music. I specialize in tutoring high school math and chemistry, but I can also tutor for standardized tests. I have tutoring experience from highschool. I enjoy tutoring because I get to see how my students develop their skills over time. Outside of school, I enjoy playing trombone and singing (I do enjoy using songs to help memorize math formulas), speedcubing (solving Rubik's Cubes really fast), and hanging out with my friends. If you attend...
Education & Certification
- Illinois State University - Current Undergrad, Mathematics - Actuarial Science
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT
- MAP
- ACT Math
- +19 subjects
Caroline: PSAT course instructor
...degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology. During my four years of college, I guided K-12 students of the Oakland area in Language Arts and Mathematics and served as a mentor for many high school students. I have also been an undergraduate student instructor for the General Biology lab course offered at U.C. Berkeley, a prerequisite for students wishing to pursue Biology as a major. Since I have a wide range of teaching experiences in both...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Berkeley - Bachelor of Science, Molecular Biology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Graduate Test Prep
- +42 subjects
Kacey: PSAT course instructor
...greatest passions, so I have absolutely loved my experience as a math tutor. I am invested in each of my students' success and work hard to help them succeed. Consequently, each of my past tutoring clients has seen significant improvement. I am a big believer in catering to students' learning styles. I pay attention to whether they are an audio, visual, or kinesthetic learner, and then I tutor accordingly. I am currently a junior at...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Current Undergrad, Applied and Computational Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT
- GED
- SAT
- +43 subjects
Brianna: PSAT course instructor
...Richmond majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing Analytics and a minor in Mathematics. I have worked with kids of all ages, ranging from elementary school to college students through various subjects. I have also worked extensively with special needs children, doing everything from teaching special education to one-on-one in-home mentoring. Through my experiences, I have continued to carry my passion for working with children and have developed my skills in making successful...
Education & Certification
- University of Richmond - Current Undergrad, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT 8-Week Prep Class
- ACT 4-Week Prep Class
- SAT Subject Tests
- +217 subjects
Jaimie: PSAT course instructor
...Bachelor's of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. I am currently working in the lab of Professor Robert Langer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology working on novel drug delivery systems for the gastrointestinal tract. I am hoping to attend medical school in pursuit of becoming a physician. I am currently interested in pediatrics and psychiatry but I am looking forward to exploring a range of available disciplines. I enjoy tutoring because I find it to...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern University - Bachelors, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- REGENTS
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +93 subjects
Travis: PSAT course instructor
...a better understanding of why an answer is wrong and how to arrive at the correct one. I specialize in essay writing, elementary-high school math skills, college admissions essays, and test preparation. I am confident that by tailoring personalized learning sessions to individual student needs and giving students the resources and skills they need to succeed, any student can ace their next exam, get the best grade, or get into the college of their dreams.
Education & Certification
- University of Southern California - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
- University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy - Master in Public Health Administration, Master of Public Administration
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- SAT Reading
- +34 subjects
Erica: PSAT course instructor
...specialties: *Standardized tests, such as the ISEE, SSAT, and AP examinations *Students who demonstrate challenging behaviors *Long-term tutoring in math and reading--I love to guide a student who initially struggled to meet and exceed expectations! Outside of my direct work with students, I have coordinated a math tutoring program that placed K-12 math tutors into local public schools. I have also served as a Crisis Services Supervisor at the National Runaway Safeline (NRS). At NRS,...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, English; Latin Language and Literature
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SSAT
- ISEE
- GED
- +77 subjects
Del: PSAT course instructor
...having one on one guidance in understanding how to take a test can markedly improve a score. An important part of gaining that understanding is working in the ways that each student learns best. In fact, I think that is one of the most fulfilling things about tutoring: finding the learning methods innate in each student and helping shape those instincts into tools for learning any material. Outside of academics I enjoy writing, recording, and...
Education & Certification
- University of Oklahoma Norman Campus - Bachelors, Drama, BFA
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Reading
- Spanish 2
- +13 subjects
Stacie: PSAT course instructor
...things myself, but nothing compares to the sense of accomplishment and purpose that comes with helping others do the same. I take great pride in developing individualized tutoring programs for my students based on their specific needs and goals. I previously taught high school for several years and also have tutoring experience in a wide variety of subject areas. At this time, I focus almost exclusively on assisting students seeking top scores on graduate admissions exams,...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Arlington - Bachelors, English
- Texas AM University - Commerce - Current Grad Student, Secondary Education
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- ISEE
- +134 subjects
Ariela: PSAT course instructor
...great tutor, but also this skill and enthusiasm about learning. I understand that sometimes, the way you package and organize information is the most important part of teaching it to someone else, and that understanding someone's method of processing this information is the easiest way to get it to stick. Like I do backstage, I am excited about solving the puzzle of how someone learns best, and inspired by the idea of recognizing the specificities...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Theater & Performance Studies
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ISEE
- Advanced Placement
- SAT
- +50 subjects
Matt: PSAT course instructor
...concentration in Immunology and Infectious Diseases. I then went on to complete a Masters program at Georgetown University in human physiology. Given the amount of schooling I have gone through myself, I have taken a wide range of subjects and more standardized tests than I would like to admit. I have taught students of almost every age in various fields such as elementary science, Hebrew, chemistry, MCAT prep, and many more.. My ultimate plan is...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Public Health concentration in Immunology and Infectious Disease
- Georgetown University - Masters, Biophysics and Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SSAT
- Advanced Placement
- +85 subjects
Tessa: PSAT course instructor
...a difficult proof. I'm a scholar of the Western canon, greatly influenced by great thinkers and writers of the past such as Plato, Virgil, Aquinas, and Anselm. I love to read and to discuss what I've read, and I heartily appreciate a good philosophical argument. Extracurricularly, I write musicals, one of which premiered at Yale last year, and attend Yale Political Union meetings to debate the pros and cons of various fiscal and social policies...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Mathematics and History
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- +106 subjects
Ruth: PSAT course instructor
...high school English teacher, currently working primarily with 10th grade students. I have previously worked at middle and elementary schools as well. I graduated from the University of Chicago in 2016 with a B.A. in English and Theatre. I then got my M.S.Ed from Northwestern. I have worked with children of all ages in various capacities, including teaching, and I find that the best way for students to learn is to have fun and engage...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, English Lang./Lit. and Theatre and Performance Studies
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +43 subjects
Spenser: PSAT course instructor
...studying public policy as an undergraduate at Duke University. I hope to pursue a career in education policy in the future, but at present I want to be the best tutor that I can be. Given my passionate about education policy, I understand the important role that standardized tests play in allowing students to maximize their own educational potential. My goal as a tutor is to help each student that I work with to perform...
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelors, Public Policy
- Brown University - Masters, Urban Education Policy
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- Test Prep
- +17 subjects
Molly: PSAT course instructor
...Tutor, I can do more than simply help students with homework. My approach to aiding them is three-fold. I will work to: 1. Review and reteach material from her school that has proven difficult. 2. Diagnostically assess for instructional gaps and then fill in gaps to bolster a strong subject area foundation. 3. Impart test-taking skills and strategies necessary for school success. I teach with the tenets of the Common Core State Standards in mind....
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ISAT
- PARCC
- SAT
- +111 subjects
Kyle: PSAT course instructor
...year, I hope to help tutor those still in school not only to keep on my toes academically, but to help those who may be struggling with various subjects throughout their academic careers. There is no better feeling than watching someone have a eureka moment of understanding, and I look forward to meeting and working with new students. As a Colorado native, I love spending my free time hiking and climbing my way through the...
Education & Certification
- University of Colorado Denver - Bachelor of Science, Biology & Psychology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- Ecology
- +46 subjects
Massiel: PSAT course instructor
...Social Development, International Studies, and Philosophy. I look forward to taking a few years off to work following my undergraduate years to then attend law school and pursue public interest law. My little brother (7 years my junior) was my first tutoring buddy and assures even today that I get to help build a science fair project board every year. I was also a camp counselor for three summers caring for on average twenty children...
Education & Certification
- University of Miami - Bachelor in Arts, Human and Social Development, International Studies, and Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT Subject Tests
- +50 subjects
Kelsey: PSAT course instructor
...grammatical and syntactical knowledge, and time management techniques. Kelsey has experience working with students of all ages and a wide range of subjects through her vast tutoring and editing background; she had worked as a lead tutor at a math-focused center for students ages 5 to 18, had individually tutored numerous students on college entrance exam preparation, and has worked professionally as an editorial assistant for research institutions. Her personal goal is to help students...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- HSPT
- GED
- SAT
- +79 subjects
Alex: PSAT course instructor
...that never ceases to make us better. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy pretty much any activity that gets me outside, especially if that outside happens to be in the woods or near the beach (I am from Florida after all...). While outside, I usually find myself running (again, in the woods if possible), reading, or attempting to channel my inner-Ron Swanson by building things from wood (I am at the table- and chair-level, definitely...
Education & Certification
- University of Florida - Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
- Georgetown University - Master of Arts, Conflict Resolution
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- GED
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +146 subjects