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.

Soung: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...years experience. I have an exceptional ability to teach math to students with severe learning challenges. I make all levels of math understandable and foster confidence in the student. I'm also expert in SAT/ACT test preparation and high school admission tests. I have a BA in Chemistry from The University of Chicago and a PhD...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry
- Northwestern University - Doctor of Science, Molecular Pharmacology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- MAP
- SAT 8-Week Prep Class
- +42 subjects

Mackenzie: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...learn! I have experience tutoring high school and elementary school students in math, science, and English and I love tutoring in each subject equally. Eventually, I see myself going to medical school and researching topics related to viral diseases which I've been interested in since a very young age. I'm very passionate about the subjects...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +113 subjects

Prahith: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...am a classroom teacher who has spent the last ten years tutoring/educating students with a variety of learning needs. I specialize in figuring out what specific learning strategies work for different students. I can help you go from good to great as I have consistently scored in the 99th percentile for several graduate school tests.
Education & Certification
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Bachelors, Economics
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- CLEP
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ACCUPLACER
- +103 subjects

Kristen: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...and competed on Math Team and Scholastic Bowl, and graduated on the Honor Roll. I was also was super involved in my school's Speech and Acting Team, particularly in Prose Reading, Dramatic Duet Acting, and Oratorical Declamation (for those of you familiar with those events)! I'm not a total athlete but I love badminton and...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +46 subjects

Debra: Huntley PSAT course instructor
My name is Debra and I have an MA in Anthropology from the University of Chicago. I really like engaging with the humanities and hope to help students improve their understanding of history, the social science, writing, and grammar. ... I like to be as conversational as possible, because I think that's the best way to communicate ideas. I try to be pretty informal, because I find that formality can turn students. Overcomplicating the subject matter is not helpful, so I try to make things as simple as possible and build on that foundation.
Education & Certification
- University of Notre Dame - Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
- University of Chicago - Master of Arts, Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Writing
- +37 subjects

Marshall: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...usually with the stipulation that I go through homework after school with kids I babysat. At school, I've tutored struggling peers in economic theory and Spanish. More recently, I worked in Spain as an English teacher for Catalan children ranging from six to fifteen years of age. Finally, I'm an older brother. I taught my...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Economics
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- High School Business
- AP Macroeconomics
- +55 subjects

John: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...Literature in a "No Child Left Behind" evening school program. My tutoring experiences throughout the years have been fun and interesting. In college, I was a part time tutor for our university's tutoring center, tutoring other college students and helping them with their language and writing skills. I have also participated in various after-school tutoring...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Secondary English Education
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT
- STAAR
- SAT
- +77 subjects

Jessica: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...how to change that mindset—because as “useless” as many students think learning how to, say, calculate an integral or write an essay analyzing Austen is, most of the skills they pick up along the way do serve some purpose later in life, both directly and indirectly. Outside of tutoring and academic pursuits, I am on...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Economics, Cancer Biology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- SAT Subject Tests
- +62 subjects

Todd: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...the real world. Learning is a lot easier and fun if students see the relevance to their lives. I am a very patient person, and I believe that making mistakes is often when the most learning occurs. Specific to ACT tutoring, I use a variety of books, including The Complete Guide to ACT Reading and...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- University of Chicago - Master of Social Work, Social Work
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +72 subjects

Najla: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...am comfortable working with students of all ages. Most importantly, however, I absolutely love working with students, and have a sincere passion and enthusiasm for teaching. I consider it a challenging calling, but one that has been immensely gratifying, both personally and professionally. I look forward to meeting and exploring how we can achieve your...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- University of Washington , Columbia University - PHD, History
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ASPIRE
- ISEE
- CLEP
- +108 subjects

Masooma: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...tutoring philosophy: as a tutor, I believe that the most important way to help my students understand their material better is by simply being there for them every step of the way. This way, students can feel comfortable making and consequently recognizing their common mistakes, which we can then work on to eventually fully grasp...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- +105 subjects

Muskaan: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...to bring this passion into them. Additionally, I can provide assistance with SAT test prep as well as AP testing prep. With my five years of experience with tutoring, I can help students by providing challenging practice problems, way to remember formulas, and other strategies to improve their test taking skills. I primarily work with...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University-Chicago - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ISEE
- SAT
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- +71 subjects

April: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...and understandable as possible. I have more than 12 years of experience tutoring high school and college students in math, from algebra to calculus. My favorite kind of math is Algebra. I have memorized every formula and equation used in all levels of Algebra. My interests include puzzle and logic games, Garfield, and concerts.... Math doesn't have to be as hard as some make it. I find that students learn more when the material is presented in their language. Rather than use mathematical jargon, I try to make it as easy as possible by explaining things in different ways.
Education & Certification
- Missouri Southern State University - Bachelors, Environmental Health
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT
- CLEP
- SAT
- +55 subjects

Hannah: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...a wide range of subjects, since I strongly believe in the virtues of a well-rounded, versatile education. However, I prefer tutoring math and standardized test prep because I love helping students to be confident and successful in these areas. I love learning and I hold myself to the highest standards, and I hope to inspire...
Education & Certification
- American University - Bachelor in Arts, International Studies
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- Advanced Placement
- +97 subjects

Ethan: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...Chemistry and Spanish on a Pre-med track. I tutor math, science, and Spanish. My favorite subject to tutor is Calculus because I have so much fun with the songs and illustration I use to learn and teach. I meet students where they are and use illustrations and several resources to help the student the best...
Education & Certification
- Wheaton College (Illinois) - Bachelor of Science, Chemistry
- Wheaton College (Illinois) - Bachelor in Arts, Spanish
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Spanish 2
- +32 subjects

Lisa: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...am able to tutor math from elementary math to Calculus. I earned my Bachelors of Arts in Economics at the University of Illinois in Champaign. I earned my Masters in Education at North Park University. My teaching philosophy centers on a student centered approach. My tutoring style is laid back, allowing the students to show...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- North Park University - Master of Arts, Education
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT
- ISEE
- CLEP
- +97 subjects

Chhavi: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...students so that they get confident in attempting a problem all by themselves. I believe that math can be understood best when the concepts are clear. I give more importance to make sure that the basics of each concept and topic is well understood by the student by doing enough practice and doubt solving.
Education & Certification
- SUNY at Binghamton - Master of Science, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- CLEP
- UK Key Stage 2 SATs
- HSPT
- +79 subjects

Jide: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...school. Academics have played a major role in my life, as I was a student who personally struggled and took many steps to overcome the challenges presented during my early education. As somebody who has had to work to find new intuitive ways to learn, I highly value the qualities of patience and out-of-the-box thinking...
Education & Certification
- Oakland Community College - Bachelor of Science, Engineering, General
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- REGENTS
- SAT
- ACT
- +44 subjects

Rebekah: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...me excited about education and about educating you/your child! My experience as a TA and math tutor equips me to teach subjects including: English, music, math, and test prep. I also have experience in childcare spanning the last 3 years. Growing up overseas equipped me with crucial intercultural communication skills. Lingually, I am fluent only...
Education & Certification
- Wheaton College (Illinois) - Bachelor in Arts, Communication and Rhetoric
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- Singing
- Other
- +31 subjects

Colin: Huntley PSAT course instructor
...Pepperdine University and published author on legal and political theory. I teach history, philosophy, political science and test prep, generally in the form of a socratic, question-based, student-led dialogue. I have about a year's worth of experience tutoring and enjoy working with students who are motivated to learn the material we'll cover, but who might...
Education & Certification
- Pepperdine - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- High School World History
- +33 subjects