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
...tutor include English, SAT test preparation, math, and psychology. My approach to tutoring is to meet the student where they're at and go from there. I find that this way we can build a productive tutoring relationship where I can help individualize learning to each person's particular learning style. Outside of academic interests, I enjoy cooking, being with friends and family, traveling the world, and looking as ridiculous as possible doing Zumba.... My teaching philosophy is to meet each student where they are in each subject. That way we can work together to build confidence and skills in the most effective way for each individual.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SSAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- +53 subjects
Ben: PSAT course instructor
...have taken the special classes and labored through the workbooks to prepare for taking the exams myself. The trick is to learn the test and know how to beat it with the right tools, and I am eager to pass along what I have learned from years of studying for and taking standardized tests. There is nothing quite like sitting down in the testing room and feeling cool, calm, and collected, and I want to...
Education & Certification
- George Washington University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- Roosevelt University - PHD, Clinical Psychology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- GED
- SAT
- ACT
- +50 subjects
Diptesh: PSAT course instructor
...in a variety of subjects since! I specialize in mathematics and science tutoring as well as standardized exam preparation. In the past, I have helped students achieve significant improvements and success on the SAT, SHSAT, Regents and other exams! I truly believe education is a mutual learning and teaching opportunity and enjoy helping my students achieve a thorough understanding (those "Aha!" moments) and appreciation of whatever they choose to study! In the future, I seek...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Global Public Health & Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- REGENTS
- HSPT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +88 subjects
Kacey: PSAT course instructor
...Physics are some of my 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...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Current Undergrad, Applied and Computational Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +43 subjects
Audrey: PSAT course instructor
...mock trial team for several years, which involves mentoring younger students in oral and written communication skills. In addition to my experience, standardized testing has always been a forte of mine. I am enthusiastic about sharing the skills and strategies that I have picked up along my way. If you are seeking a patient, energetic, and articulate tutor for your student, please reach out. I look forward to helping your student find their individual pathway...
Education & Certification
- Pomona College - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- ACT Writing
- +36 subjects
Brianna: PSAT course instructor
...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 and individualized learning fun. Math, science and test prep are the subjects I'm particularly passionate about tutoring, as I've always loved those subjects myself. Additionally,...
Education & Certification
- University of Richmond - Current Undergrad, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT 8-Week Prep Class
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- +217 subjects
Tessa: PSAT course instructor
...count, but the validation of completing a long race is nothing like the satisfying moment of writing "Q.E.D." on 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...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Mathematics and History
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Advanced Placement
- +106 subjects
Andrew: PSAT course instructor
...in Dallas, TX. He is currently interviewing for a residency position in Ophthalmology and is newly married to a second grade teacher. Andrew is an expert in test taking strategies and specializes in pre-medical, medical and general science exams. He has a wealth of experience as a tutor and formerly worked as an instructor for The Princeton Review MCAT prep course, in which he taught 11 courses across 4 cities and received excellent reviews. Anyone...
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelors, Biology, General
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center - Current Grad Student, MD
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- GED
- ACT
- +55 subjects
John: PSAT course instructor
I graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC in 2008, the oldest English speaking acting conservatory in the world. I graduated Summa from University of St Thomas with a BA in English, and just wrapped up a MS in Data Science from Northwestern. I'm a huge Red Sox fan and love watching detective shows when I have free time.... Positivity. Always. I believe that if a student is given positive tools and is allowed to understand the material rather than be lectured at, they're more likely to do well in the future.
Education & Certification
- American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Associates, Acting
- University of St. Thomas - Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- ISEE
- +110 subjects
Max: PSAT course instructor
...spent time lecturing, providing homework help, and offering specific testing strategies to different students at different times. I have experience with the majority of science and math Advanced Placement courses, the ACT, the SAT, the general GRE, and the Biology GRE. To me, tutoring is a two-way street. While it is important that I answer questions, I also need to ask them to be effective. I love when students have specific questions about the material...
Education & Certification
- Ball State University - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT
- ACT
- +62 subjects
Alex: PSAT course instructor
...why it works. Ultimately, I enjoy teaching because both the student and I can simultaneously improve in a process 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Florida - Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
- Georgetown University - Master of Arts, Conflict Resolution
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- Advanced Placement
- +146 subjects
Kevin: PSAT course instructor
...most important part of tutoring is understanding each individual's needs and learning methods. Everyone is different and to be a successful tutor, you cannot apply the same teaching methods to every student. Understanding how quickly students learn, what types of strengths they have, and their motivations for receiving tutoring is key to helping a student achieve their academic goals. My tutors have been some of my greatest mentors, and I want to be able to...
Education & Certification
- Georgetown University - Current Undergrad, Finance
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +16 subjects
Kelsey: PSAT course instructor
...that all students (regardless of their field of focus) need to build a solid foundation in writing, reading comprehension, 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...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- +79 subjects
Spenser: PSAT course instructor
...Policy from Brown University after 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...
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelors, Public Policy
- Brown University - Masters, Urban Education Policy
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- ACT English
- +17 subjects
Joshua: PSAT course instructor
...counselors across the country, and I gladly connect my students to any college admissions departments I am familiar with. Although my tutoring specialty is test prep -- SAT, ACT, PSAT, SHSAT, and GRE -- I particularly love tutoring writing, and creative writing is a hobby of mine. My philosophy is that even when we are preparing for a standardized exam, we should always be relating the work to your passions, pursuits, and educational goals to...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, French and Francophone Studies
- University of Pennsylvania - Master of Science, Social Policy
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- TOEFL
- SSAT
- REGENTS
- +92 subjects
Emerson: PSAT course instructor
...(AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, and am familiar with the latest formats, question varieties, and scoring guidelines of these standardized tests, along with the SAT. My teaching philosophy is to go beyond "teaching to the test". Although test-taking skills are crucial for any assessment, I believe the most valuable thing a tutor can do is to enhance and help develop conceptual understanding in our clients. I believe that once a student understands something at...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor of Science, Biology and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- AP English Literature and Composition
- +66 subjects
Lee: PSAT course instructor
...back individual, but I like to push my students. I know that every student is able to do well and I really enjoy helping them along their path to success. But being laid back, I am also good at relaxing a student and helping point out what is important and what is not. In my free time, I enjoy writing music. I am also a die hard Packers fan originally being from Green Bay, and...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Northwestern University - Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- ASPIRE
- +41 subjects
Erica: PSAT course instructor
...and caring. I am certified to tutor in a variety of subjects and consider the following areas to be my 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...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, English; Latin Language and Literature
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ISEE
- SSAT
- SAT
- +77 subjects
Andrew: PSAT course instructor
...twice co-taught an intensive one-month long German 101 course, where I designed the lesson plans, and graded homework, quizzes and tests. I am a great tutor because of my broad experience in tutoring many different subjects, so that I have a wide variety of approaches to help all types of students master the material. I also believe that, in my German tutoring especially, I'm very systematic, so that my students have a strong grammar foundation...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College and Conservatory - Bachelors, German Studies and Voice Performance
- DePaul University - Masters, Voice Performance
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- German 1
- +26 subjects
Molly: PSAT course instructor
...a good grade on the next quiz, but to help build a foundation that allows him or her to find success on their own in future units of study. In each lesson, I use a variety of methods - stories, games, worksheets, writing, manipulative activities, etc. - to ensure (1) a deep understanding of academic content and (2) an engaging, fun, authentic interaction with each subject area. Likewise, as a Teacher and Tutor, I focus...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- MAP
- ACT
- SSAT
- +111 subjects