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.
![Online PSAT tutor named Rebecca Online PSAT tutor named Rebecca](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878163645/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Rebecca: PSAT course instructor
...level. I also think it is important that learning is not just for one assignment or one test, but rather that it sticks with you to build a solid foundation of knowledge and confidence that you can carry forward. My favorite subjects to 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...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of Chicago SSA - Masters, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- +53 subjects
![Online PSAT tutor named Ben Online PSAT tutor named Ben](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878091919/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Ben: PSAT course instructor
...is to work together to pick up the pieces that were lost or are close, but not quite there: learning the way you want to learn and the way you learn best rather than having topics taught at you. For standardized testing: I 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...
Education & Certification
- George Washington University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- Roosevelt University - PHD, Clinical Psychology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- GED
- SAT
- ACT
- +50 subjects
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Diptesh: PSAT course instructor
...6-12 and college 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...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Global Public Health & Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- TACHS
- +88 subjects
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Kacey: PSAT course instructor
...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 Brigham Young University. I am an Applied & Computational Mathematics major with a concentration in Electrical and Computer Engineering: Circuits. I have earned the high in many of my math and physics courses. In addition, I placed third in my university's undergraduate math competition while only a freshman....
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University-Provo - Current Undergrad, Applied and Computational Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- GED
- ACT
- SAT
- +43 subjects
![Online PSAT tutor named Audrey Online PSAT tutor named Audrey](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878091576/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Audrey: PSAT course instructor
...an award-winning collegiate 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...
Education & Certification
- Pomona College - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- ACT Reading
- +36 subjects
![Online PSAT tutor named Brianna Online PSAT tutor named Brianna](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878149512/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Brianna: PSAT course instructor
...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 and individualized learning fun. Math, science and test prep are the subjects I'm particularly passionate about tutoring, as I've always loved those...
Education & Certification
- University of Richmond - Current Undergrad, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT 8-Week Prep Class
- ACT
- SAT 8-Week Prep Class
- +217 subjects
![Online PSAT tutor named Tessa Online PSAT tutor named Tessa](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878209691/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Tessa: PSAT course instructor
...lifting the curtain on the intricacies of the subject matter. I believe that learning is, and ought to be, for its own sake. Math and philosophy, and their nuanced interactions, are my great passions. I've run more 5ks and 10ks than I can 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...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Mathematics and History
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Advanced Placement
- SAT
- +106 subjects
![Online PSAT tutor named John Online PSAT tutor named John](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/877927333/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
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
- CLEP
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +110 subjects
![Online PSAT tutor named Max Online PSAT tutor named Max](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878144154/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Max: PSAT course instructor
...the next several months. In the past I have worked with students of a variety of age ranges on standardized test prep, middle school and high school math classes, and college-level biology courses as a volunteer, teaching assistant, and private tutor. I have 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,...
Education & Certification
- Ball State University - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- ACT
- SAT
- +62 subjects
![Online PSAT tutor named Alex Online PSAT tutor named Alex](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878077860/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Alex: PSAT course instructor
...to a solution. I also try to apply this method to test preparation, so that students aren't just following a test-taking strategy because they were told to, they are using that strategy because they were encouraged to discover it for themselves and they understand 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Florida - Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
- Georgetown University - Master of Arts, Conflict Resolution
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- +146 subjects
![Online PSAT tutor named Kevin Online PSAT tutor named Kevin](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878123352/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Kevin: PSAT course instructor
...my opinion, the 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...
Education & Certification
- Georgetown University - Current Undergrad, Finance
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- ACT
- +16 subjects
![Online PSAT tutor named Kelsey Online PSAT tutor named Kelsey](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878016885/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Kelsey: PSAT course instructor
...Analytics at Rutgers University. As a lifelong student, she loves tutoring to help others feel passionate about their own educational paths. Kelsey still attributes her academic successes to the study tactics she developed during her formative elementary and high school years, and she believes 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...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT
- HSPT
- SSAT
- +79 subjects
![Online PSAT tutor named Spenser Online PSAT tutor named Spenser](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878118030/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Spenser: PSAT course instructor
...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 to the best of their abilities on the standardized test that they are preparing to take. I hope that I can play a part in helping my students to attend the higher education institution of their dreams, and I will work as hard as I need...
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelors, Public Policy
- Brown University - Masters, Urban Education Policy
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- ACT English
- +17 subjects
![Online PSAT tutor named Joshua Online PSAT tutor named Joshua](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878079108/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Joshua: PSAT course instructor
...of African immigrants in Western Europe. Since graduation, I have worked at a public school in Harlem as the College Counselor working with students from grades 6-12. In my two years of experience, I have had the opportunity to network with college admissions 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...
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
- CAHSEE
- SAT
- ISEE
- +92 subjects
![Online PSAT tutor named Emerson Online PSAT tutor named Emerson](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878017992/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Emerson: PSAT course instructor
...of East Austin, and since I have worked as a private elementary school tutor, a private SAT-prep tutor, and a preschool tutor for the Neighborhood Schools Program in South Side Chicago. I have taken, and succeeded in, a broad range of Advanced Placement (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...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor of Science, Biology and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Languages
- +66 subjects
![Online PSAT tutor named Lee Online PSAT tutor named Lee](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/877924552/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Lee: PSAT course instructor
...Math, Chemistry, Biology and Physics, so I can work with a student on more than one class at a time. I also have a lot of experience with test prep and love working with students who need help with standardized tests. I'm a laid 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...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Northwestern University - Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT
- ASPIRE
- SAT
- +41 subjects
![Online PSAT tutor named Erica Online PSAT tutor named Erica](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878085368/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Erica: PSAT course instructor
...am pursuing a Master's degree in Elementary Education and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. I am extremely passionate about teaching and work daily to improve my craft. Students, parents, supervisors, and colleagues have described me as efficient, extremely patient, creative, 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...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College - Bachelor in Arts, English; Latin Language and Literature
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- HSPT
- SSAT
- ISEE
- +77 subjects
![Online PSAT tutor named Andrew Online PSAT tutor named Andrew](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878101958/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Andrew: PSAT course instructor
...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 on which to build further skills and concepts. I have also lived in Germany for a year, and am able to bring world-life...
Education & Certification
- Oberlin College and Conservatory - Bachelors, German Studies and Voice Performance
- DePaul University - Masters, Voice Performance
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- German 4
- +26 subjects
![Online PSAT tutor named Molly Online PSAT tutor named Molly](https://vt-vtwa-assets.varsitytutors.com/vt-vtwa/uploads/tutor_images/878054301/display/display_vt_optimized.jpg)
Molly: PSAT course instructor
...students with a variety of needs. I can also tutor students through high school and college in History and Spanish as I hold degrees in both subjects from Columbia University. I am highly qualified to tutor Writing at all levels - from elementary to adult professional writing - as I have written two distinguished theses as part of my academic training. As a Tutor, I can do more than simply help students with homework. My...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Northwestern University - Masters, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- TOEFL
- +111 subjects