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.

Ben: PSAT course instructor
...since I was in elementary school. Because not everyone learns the same way, I feel that it is easy for students to miss certain tidbits or whole subjects in the classroom, and it can quickly feel like it is too late to catch up. My goal 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...
Education & Certification
- George Washington University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- Roosevelt University - PHD, Clinical Psychology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- GED
- +50 subjects

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
- Literature
- PSAT Writing Skills
- +31 subjects

Jennifer: PSAT course instructor
I am committed to providing my students with the best learning experience achievable. I strive to cater to their needs and challenge them to achieve their academic goals. ... I believe that every student can reach their personal potential. In order to do so, both student and educator must communicate with each other to use the student's strengths to overcome any challenges the student may face.... I always like to learn about the student's goals, interests, strengths, and challenges. This helps me customize lesson plans accordingly. I also like to share some of my interests and goals in order to begin gaining trust from my student.
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelors, Public Policy
- University of Southern California - Masters, Teaching
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- CAHSEE
- SAT
- Test Prep
- +18 subjects

Max: PSAT course instructor
...from Millburn, NJ. This year, I'm taking two semesters off from school to sing and travel the entire world with the Yale Whiffenpoofs, America's oldest collegiate a cappella singing group. Apart from singing, I'm is passionate about education, particularly in helping high school students achieve their academic goals as they work their way towards college. I volunteer in New Haven as a math teacher and coach at a public middle school (my team of 7th...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Current Undergrad, Economics
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- SSAT
- +104 subjects

Audrey: PSAT course instructor
...skills. I have prior experience working at my school's writing center to assist first-year students with college-level essays. I have also captained 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...
Education & Certification
- Pomona College - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- Study Skills
- +36 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
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- TOEFL
- +93 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
- HSPT
- CLEP
- +110 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
- SAT Subject Tests
- Advanced Placement
- ACT
- +146 subjects

Diptesh: PSAT course instructor
...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 to pursue clinical and pedagogical medicine and enjoy biking, skateboarding, dancing, and philosophizing in my spare time.
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Global Public Health & Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SHSAT
- HSPT
- ISEE
- +88 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
- Advanced Placement
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +106 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
- GED
- ISEE
- +77 subjects

Kevin: PSAT course instructor
...My own experiences as a student receiving tutoring has taught me and helped me a lot in being a successful tutor. In 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...
Education & Certification
- Georgetown University - Current Undergrad, Finance
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- SAT
- +16 subjects

Gabriela: PSAT course instructor
I'm a rising junior at Harvard College. I study African American Studies with a secondary in Women's Studies and I am pursuing a language citation in Spanish. I aspire to one day go to business school. When I am not doing work, I can typically be found reading, writing, or dancing.
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Current Undergrad, African American Studies
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- REGENTS
- TACHS
- SHSAT
- +66 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
- ACT
- SAT
- GRE Analytical Writing
- +17 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 Math
- Languages
- +13 subjects

Sita: PSAT course instructor
...in a field called Geometric Function Theory. Although it wasn't required for my studies, I learned the Finnish language while I was there. Finland is a wonderful country, and I will always cherish my time spent and the people I met there. I moved back to the USA after finishing my PhD, and I was hired as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Hawaii Department of Mathematics. My position included both teaching and...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Berkeley - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics
- Portland State University - Master of Science, Mathematics
- University of Jyvaskyla - Doctor of Philosophy, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACCUPLACER
- +154 subjects

Jack: PSAT course instructor
I'm a recent grad from Northwestern (B.A. in Theatre and Economics) who loves teaching and learning. I love helping other people achieve their goals and helping students find ways to be their best selves. Excited to meet and work with Chicagoland's students!... First sessions always start with discussion of a subject's foundations. If we nail these, the rest of the learning becomes ten times easier.... I'm big on listening. It's my job to hear what a client needs instead of jumping right into practice problems or revisions. First, we talk about goals. Then, we set up a timeline and steps for how to achieve those goals.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Economics/Theatre
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- ACT
- Fiction Writing
- +67 subjects

Jonathan: PSAT course instructor
...who has worked as an international management consultant in Singapore, South Africa, Australia and the United States, I am happy to tutor on any range of subjects in higher education, including all assessment tests and most business school and MBA subjects. As Managing Partner of NashwellCo.work and Managing Director of Linebrand.us, my active roles as a business leader and entrepreneur in the communities of Lubbock, Texas, Durham, NC, and Sydney, Australia are additional sources of...
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelor in Arts, Design and Visual Communications
- Australian School of Business - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
- Texas Tech University - Doctor of Philosophy, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- STAAR
- NNAT
- TOPS
- +318 subjects

Wendy: PSAT course instructor
...After working in standardized test preparation design for several years, I earned my PhD in Psychology and World Religion in San Diego, California. I tutor most subjects in psychology and sociology; specializing in essay and thesis editing. I love to tutor literature, writing, religion, culture, anything in the arts or humanities. I work well with students in the medical field and can tutor for qualifying exams IELTS, GRE Psychology, MCAT Psychology, EPPP. I like to...
Education & Certification
- Hofstra University - Bachelor in Arts, Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Hofstra University - Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology
- University of Southern California - Doctor of Philosophy, Applied Psychology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACCUPLACER
- IELTS - International English Language Testing System
- HSPT
- +273 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
- SAT 8-Week Prep Class
- SAT
- +217 subjects