Award-Winning PSAT Tutors
serving Chicago, IL
Award-Winning
PSAT
Tutors in Chicago
Private 1-on-1 tutoring, weekly live classes for academic support, test prep & enrichment, practice tests and diagnostics, and more to elevate grades and test scores.
Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings
UniversitiesSchools & Universities
DeliveredHours Delivered
ProficiencyGrowth in Proficiency
Who needs tutoring?
No obligation. Takes ~1 minute.

I am a second year law student at the University of Chicago who hails from the San Francisco Bay Area! I tutor the SAT, ESL, and Spanish. I was an AVID tutor in high school, and after college I taught an ESL class and tutored a high school student in Spanish. In law school, I am involved with the Lawyers in the Classroom program. My tutoring philosophy is based on listening to students work through problems and helping them to spot their confusions or incorrect assumptions. I believe students learn much better when they aren't simply told the right answer or right reasoning; they need to get there on their own.

Anna's MD/MBA path through Northwestern's Feinberg and Kellogg programs means she's spent years toggling between dense scientific literature and business case analysis — the exact mix of reading speed and quantitative precision the PSAT demands across both its Evidence-Based Reading and math sections. Her 36 ACT and 1590 SAT confirm she's mastered standardized test architecture at the highest level, and she uses that experience to teach students how to spot the PSAT's recurring trap-answer patterns in command-of-evidence questions. Rated 5.0 by students.
Scoring a 1530 on the SAT and a 35 on the ACT means Asta knows exactly how the PSAT's Evidence-Based Reading and Math sections are structured — they're built from the same question design. She breaks down the specific traps College Board uses in command-of-evidence and data-analysis questions, teaching students to spot wrong-answer patterns before they even finish reading the choices. Rated 5.0 by students.
I'm referring to math, of course, but I didn't always like the subject. Until about age 16, I thought of math as a boring, mind-numbing process of blindly memorizing formulas and then forgetting them after the test, but a series of wonderful teachers showed me the truth. I had thought that everything in math was invented arbitrarily just to torture students, but actually it all made sense in a deep way. When I caught a glimpse of what math really was, I found it irresistible and I ended up majoring in math in college at UChicago. I'm currently a Master's student in Computer Science at NYU.
I am a math tutor who is currently attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and majoring in Environmental Engineering. I have been tutoring math for over four years, both at Fenwick High School (where I attended) as a peer tutor and with Mathnasium. I teach Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calc, and Calculus 1 + 2, and I also cover all sections of the ACT. I prefer to take an involved approach to tutoring -- that is, rather than have my students sit and listen to me talk, I prefer to actively engage them with problems. I believe that the best way to learn is to do, and I love to use this philosophy in my tutoring. However, I am willing to adapt to whatever style my students prefer -- if my students learn best from lectures, then lectures will be what we do. Working with clients to discover the way they learn best is one of my favorite parts of tutoring.
I am a life-long proponent of education and learning. I graduated from Princeton University with a B.A. in philosophy. After working for a few years, including in book publishing, I returned to school and completed my M.A. in history at the University of California, Berkeley. While there, I taught history and philosophy classes to undergraduates. I also taught Standardized Test Prep (SAT and GRE) for Summit Tutors and Kaplan.
Industrial engineering at Northwestern trains you to optimize systems — and Oliver applies that same mindset to the PSAT, teaching students to recognize which question types eat the most time and where strategic shortcuts actually exist in the no-calculator math and Writing and Language sections. His 1590 SAT and 36 ACT mean he's stress-tested every strategy he teaches across both major test formats. Rated 5.0 by students.
I am comfortable tutoring a variety of subjects, I am most passionate about writing and language, and I truly believe that strong writing skills are an asset in every area of life. Through my experience as an after-school program manager, I learned to build relationships and work well with students, parents, and teachers to meet student goals. In response to the pandemic, I quickly learned ways to adapt my educational youth work to a virtual setting. My social work background helps me connect with students on a personal and social-emotional level, which lays a trusting foundation for real growth and learning.
I've been working with students for over seven years, from middle school all the way through college, across subjects like math, calculus, statistics, linear algebra, chemistry, and physics, with a lot of SAT and ACT prep mixed in. My background is perhaps a little unconventional. I have two bachelor's degrees, one in Engineering and one in Communication Studies, plus a Master's in Design. That combination means I can guide you through challenging technical material and communicate it in a way that is easy to grasp. What I care most about is helping students get to a place where they don't need me anymore. I know that sounds like a strange thing for a tutor to say, but I think it's the right goal. I'm not here to walk you through steps to copy down. I want you to understand why something works, because that's what holds up under pressure, on a test you haven't seen before. If you're ready to ace that test or prove that theorem that's been bugging you, reach out and let's work together
I'm thrilled to work with anybody on any subjects of interest, reach out with any questions!
I'm a recent graduate of Oberlin College and Conservatory, where I studied Jazz Trumpet and Environmental Studies. I tutor in a wide range of subjects, including math, French, English, environmental science, and standardized test prep. I have experience teaching academic subjects and music in both classroom and individual settings, and I have worked with middle school through college-aged students. As a teacher, I strive to be flexible and approachable, getting to know my students and constantly reassessing my approach based on the needs of the individual student I am working with.
Stage management trained Ariela to take in conflicting, fast-moving information and reorganize it on the fly — a skill that pays off on the PSAT's Writing and Language section, where students need to quickly evaluate sentence placement, spot grammar errors in context, and choose the most logical revision under time pressure. Her 1590 SAT means she's already dominated the test architecture the PSAT mirrors, and she brings that same organizational instinct to the math sections, where translating wordy setups into clean equations is half the battle.
I am an incoming medical student at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. I graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt University majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I'm passionate about teaching STEM topics and making sure my students truly understand the material. I have 4 years experience teaching and tutoring elementary, middle, high school, and college students in STEM topics through a program called VSVS. Looking forward to meeting you!
I am a personable, easy-going tutor who wants students to feel comfortable working with me. I'm starting a PhD program in the fall and looking for a few tutoring opportunities to supplement my fellowship.
I am a graduate of Northwestern University, where I completed a BA in Cognitive Science (Neuroscience concentration) as well as a BMus and Masters degree in Voice and Opera Performance. I tutor test prep for the SATs and ACTs, as well as math for all ages. I excel particularly in writing and editing and love tutoring in the humanities. My teaching philosophy is one of guidance rather than direct instruction, helping students to discover answers on their own. I am very patient and understand that sometimes all it takes to understand a difficult concept is to explain it in a few different ways. We all learn differently, so I aim to develop an individualized approach for each student in order to make the most of our time together.
I'm Charlie. I graduated from the University of Chicago last Spring, and I'm headed for Harvard Law School this Fall; in the interim, I'm preparing students to take the ACT and LSAT online and locally in Chicago. I've been tutoring and instructing students of all ages for more than five years now, and since I started focusing on standardized test prep specifically I've spent a lot of time and effort to become the best LSAT and ACT instructor that I can be. I'm really proud of the rigorous, student-centered pedagogical approach that I've developed, and I'd love to show it to you!
I am an undergraduate student studying Economics and Public Policy at the University of Chicago. I attended the Horace Mann School in New York City. I love teaching and working with students because I feel that there is nothing more rewarding than being able to provide the extra push that students might need to be successful. I am passionate about helping students learn and making sure they are having fun doing so. I'm also happy to talk about anything a student might want to talk about, academically, extracurricularly, or otherwise.
I am a lover of math, English, and learning in general. I am currently studying pure mathematics and political science at DePaul University. I have been a tutor for four years now! I love helping students achieve their goals and gain confidence in their abilities. I am especially passionate about helping students learn to appreciate and comprehend math and its importance.
I'm passionate about education and love working with students.
I am confident that I can help my students find success.
I am seeking to continue this since I have graduated.
I am currently pursuing a Master's in Teaching at the University of Chicago and also have a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Chicago.
I am a recent graduate of Northwestern University with degrees in Theatre Management, Marketing, and Spanish. I am passionate about tutoring because I love engaging with students in a way that makes them excited about learning. I believe that finding connections to the material allows students to develop a personal investment in their work that will always result in greater success. I encourage students to actively participate in a tutoring session, making sure that their needs drive a session rather than my pre-planned agenda. Every student learns differently, and I have found that the greatest success is a result of playing to these strengths rather than fighting against them. I am excited to be a part of Varisty Tutors, and to help students thrive in their academic lives.
I am a Duke University graduate with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I have experience tutoring all levels of Spanish language, all sections of the SAT, as well as algebra, pre algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus! I love kids & I have a very flexible schedule and a lot of patience! Let me help you :)
I am a runner, a reader, a lover of outdoors, and a traveller! I am also a people person and enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as meeting new people!
I'm a current third year biology major on the pre-med track at the University of Chicago. I attended Stuyvesant High School in New York City and am incredibly excited to be a part of Varsity Tutors!
I'm a recent graduate of Northwestern University, and have worked as a tutor for Westchester Counseling and Psychological Services and Scarsdale Recreation Camp.
I am a 4th year student at The University of Chicago majoring in Economics. I recently completed all of my coursework and am now filling my time with the activities I most enjoy. One of these activities is teaching. At the beginning of this academic year, I joined an organization on campus that teaches juniors and seniors at a local high school about community engagement through the lens of philanthropy. Through this, I have the unique opportunity to empower students to become leaders in their community; to provide them a platform to change issues about which they are most passionate. This experience inspires my desire to educate young students; to provide them the tools to be leaders, whether that be in the classroom, on the playing field, or in their community. My time as a youth soccer coach and tutor of my little brother and his friends has further bolstered my love of teaching. Given my extensive experience and longtime passion for math and applied math subjects, I feel I can best help students seeking help in these areas, though I have experience in a broad range of subjects. Outside of teaching, I enjoy playing soccer, basketball, guitar and piano, as well as cooking, hiking and listening to podcasts.
I am a Northwestern University graduate and received my Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Robotics. I have an extensive background tutoring middle and high school students in Standardized Tests as well as helping incoming freshmen acclimate to the college environment as a Peer Advisor. Due to my concentration in STEM, I am well-adept in teaching Math and Physics, though am open to tutoring outside those subjects. I believe that working on one's education outside of regular school hours shows a strong initiative to learn, and I want to encourage this drive for learning in my students.
Studying computer science and neuroscience at MIT means Mercy lives in both quantitative and verbal worlds daily — a combination that maps neatly onto the PSAT's split between no-calculator algebra and evidence-based reading passages. Her 1560 SAT shows she's already conquered the test architecture the PSAT is built from, and she uses her CS training to teach the math sections as systematic problem-solving rather than formula hunting.
Studying both computational neuroscience and literature/philosophy at the University of Chicago means Gabriel toggles daily between quantitative problem-solving and close textual analysis — the exact split the PSAT tests across its math and evidence-based reading sections. His 1590 SAT shows near-perfect command of the test architecture the PSAT mirrors, and he's particularly sharp on the writing and language questions where students need to evaluate argument structure and word choice in context. Rated 5.0 by students.
I am most happy when I am actively learning, sharing, and growing with others.
I am currently a Sophomore at the University of Illinois, studying Computer Science. I have an extensive history of tutoring, from helping middle school students in math and science to teaching high-level coding workshops to undergraduates and graduates. I have always loved math and I am pursuing a minor in the field. In my spare time, I am a huge book nerd and have spent many days with my nose in between pages. I also played tennis competitively in high school and am a part of the club team at the University of Illinois.
Scoring a 1480 on the SAT means Molly already knows the testing landscape the PSAT draws from — the same evidence-based reading passages, command-of-evidence questions, and no-calculator math traps. Her background in both education and writing (including two distinguished theses) makes her especially sharp at coaching the Writing and Language section, where students often lose easy points on punctuation and rhetorical synthesis questions. Rated 5.0 by students.
I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan working towards a Bachelor's of Computer Science with a minor in Economics. My focus is helping students hone their mental-math skills and solidify concepts taught from pre-algebra through pre-calc. I'm a big proponent of breaking down some of the barriers that exist within coding and the STEM community. I recognize that helping all types of students feel confident in their math skills is the first step, regardless of their interest in coding.
I am not tutoring, I enjoy running, listening to music, a game of tennis, or a good TV-binge session.
Scoring a 1580 on the SAT means Rebecca already knows the test family inside and out — and the PSAT is built on the same blueprint, just with a tighter score range. She breaks down the Evidence-Based Reading passages and No Calculator math sections into repeatable strategies that build the kind of confidence sophomores and juniors need before the real thing. Rated 4.9 by students, she's especially sharp at teaching time management across the PSAT's shorter format.
I am a recent graduate of the University of Chicago with a BA in English and a MA in the Humanities. My specialties are tutoring in test prep, writing, and reading. I am more than happy to spend time on my students outside of our organized sessions to ensure everyone meets their goals. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Looking forward to our tutoring sessions!
I have years of experience teaching writing and literary analysis in the classroom setting, and years of teaching students one on one.
I am 22 years old and a recent graduate from Georgia Tech. I majored in Industrial and Systems Engineering and graduated with a 3.5. I specialize in Math, Computer Science, Languages, and Standardized Testing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Score improvement depends on your starting point and how consistently you engage with personalized instruction. Students who work with tutors typically see gains of 50-100+ points through targeted practice on weak areas, strategic test-taking techniques, and focused review of question formats. The key is identifying which sections—Reading, Writing, or Math—need the most attention and building a study plan around those specific challenges.
With Chicago's average student-teacher ratio at 17.7:1, personalized 1-on-1 tutoring gives you the focused attention that classroom settings often can't provide, allowing tutors to pinpoint exactly where you're losing points and adjust instruction accordingly.
Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face on the PSAT. The Reading and Writing section gives you 70 minutes for two modules (with a break between), while Math gives you 70 minutes for two modules. Within each module, you have a specific number of questions to complete in a limited timeframe.
Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who teach proven pacing strategies: working backward from easier questions, flagging difficult items to revisit, and using practice tests to build speed without sacrificing accuracy. The most effective approach involves timed practice drills to train your brain to recognize question types quickly, then full-length practice tests to simulate real test conditions.
Start with a full-length practice test under realistic conditions—that's your diagnostic. Score each section separately and note which questions you missed: Were they due to not understanding the concept, misreading the question, running out of time, or careless mistakes? This breakdown reveals patterns.
Many students think they're weak in Math when they're actually just struggling with pacing, or they miss Reading questions because they're skimming instead of reading carefully. Tutors specializing in PSAT preparation for students in Chicago can analyze your practice test results to distinguish between skill gaps and strategy gaps, then create a focused study plan that targets the real issue.
Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the format, unclear pacing, or fear of the unknown. The best antidote is practice—working through multiple full-length practice tests builds confidence and makes the actual test feel routine. Tutors also teach calming techniques like deep breathing between modules and positive self-talk strategies that help you stay focused rather than spiral into panic.
Another powerful anxiety-reducer is knowing your weak areas inside and out. When you've practiced those challenging question types repeatedly, you face them on test day with confidence rather than dread. Personalized 1-on-1 tutoring creates a safe space to work through difficult problems and build that familiarity before the stakes matter.
Plan to complete at least 3-4 full-length practice tests under realistic timed conditions. The first one serves as a diagnostic to identify weak areas. The next 2-3 let you practice strategies, build pacing skills, and measure progress. If you have 8+ weeks to prepare, spacing these out with 2-3 weeks of targeted study in between is ideal.
Between full tests, focus on practice drills for specific question types and sections where you struggled. Tutors working with students in Chicago typically recommend a study schedule that balances full-length practice with these focused drills—this combination of practice testing and targeted skill-building is most effective for PSAT score growth.
The Reading and Writing section tests comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and rhetorical skills across two modules with different difficulty levels. The most effective approach: read each passage carefully (don't skim), underline key ideas, then answer questions while referring back to the text. For grammar questions, read the sentence aloud to catch errors your eyes might miss.
Time management matters here too—allocate roughly 13-15 minutes per passage set. If you hit a question you can't answer quickly, flag it and move on; you can revisit it later. Tutors specializing in PSAT prep help students develop a personalized reading strategy based on whether they tend to rush, get caught in difficult vocabulary, or struggle with specific question types like rhetoric or inference questions.
Ideally, start 6-8 weeks before test day. This gives you time to take a diagnostic practice test, identify weak areas, work through targeted study material, and complete multiple full-length practice tests. If you're just a few weeks away, focus on the sections where you lose the most points rather than trying to study everything.
For students in Chicago preparing for the PSAT, connecting with a tutor early lets you build a realistic study plan tailored to your starting point and goals. Even 4-6 weeks of consistent, focused preparation with expert guidance typically yields meaningful score improvements, especially when a tutor helps you prioritize what to study based on your diagnostic results.
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