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.
Adam: PSAT course instructor
...as a substitute, paraprofessional, and full-time teacher teaching both social studies and French. I spend my summers working in Nice, France at a summer camp for American high school students, running activities and trips while tutoring them in French. My main areas of expertise are French and History though I also tutor Literature and SAT Prep (Verbal/Writing). In my years as a teacher and tutor I have learned that having fun is a great indicator...
Education & Certification
- College of the Holy Cross - Bachelor in Arts, History and French
- University of Massachusetts Amherst - Masters in Education, Education
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Test in French
- College Geography
- World Religions
- +34 subjects
Jimmy: PSAT course instructor
...tutored Chemistry to adult learners progressing towards nursing certifications. I am a lifelong science and math enthusiast, and they are my favorite subjects to teach. My approach as a tutor is to set clearly defined goals for learning and to accomplish them, while making it as enjoyable an experience as possible. Education done properly shouldn't feel like a chore. It's very important for me to engage the student, try to see things from their perspective,...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Berkeley - Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- World History
- College Geography
- Writing
- +86 subjects
Layla: PSAT course instructor
...ended up knowing the entire curriculum for her middle school science classes before she ever took them! I continued to volunteer tutor through high school, did two years of paid tutoring while studying English Literature as an undergrad at Harvard College, and then spent a year in Japan teaching English as a second language to students ranging in age from 4 to 80 years old (!). One of the greatest joys of tutoring in particular,...
Education & Certification
- Harvard College - Bachelor in Arts, English Literature
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- Social studies
- SAT
- College English
- +27 subjects
Zhenrui: PSAT course instructor
...in someone else's education. I have over four years of experience tutoring, starting as a volunteer when I was still in high school. Many students at my high school came from lower-income families and didn't have expensive test prep classes or professional tutoring agencies within their means, yet still aspired to some of the best universities in the country. To help them achieve their dreams, I started my own six-week ACT prep program after school,...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelors, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- College Chemistry
- ACT Math
- IB Physics SL
- +39 subjects
Divya: PSAT course instructor
...this program, I helped first year students navigate the academic, social and extracurricular aspects of their college experience. Biology, Chemistry and English are my favorite subjects to tutor, and also the areas in which I have the most experience. I am a voracious reader, so Critical Reading and Writing are my strongest sections on Standardized Testing. Outside of the classroom, I also enjoy running, playing the piano, and watching soccer and tennis
Education & Certification
- Brown University - Bachelor in Arts, English (with Pre-Med)
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- College English
- SAT Subject Tests
- English
- +39 subjects
Shellee: PSAT course instructor
...Bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University and a Masters degree in Business Administration from Indiana University. I've previously tutored elementary and middle school math, as well as Algebra and SAT prep. I really enjoy tutoring math because numbers are fun and there are many practical ways to teach math which make it more interesting and understandable for students. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking new recipes, traveling internationally and playing cards and...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, Chemical Engineering
- Indiana University-Bloomington - Masters, Business Administration, General
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- Middle School Science
- Arithmetic
- Geometry
- +13 subjects
Annie: PSAT course instructor
...food and environmental justice that has driven me to work on community gardens in the city. I have worked extensively with youth of all ages to develop their reading, writing and leadership skills in after school programs and through service learning projects. I strongly believe that young people have the power to change the world, and one of the best tools they have to do so is through their writing. I love working with others...
Education & Certification
- Temple University - Bachelor in Arts, Geography & Urban Studies, Environmental Studies
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Reading
- Literature
- Environmental Science
- +31 subjects
Krishna: PSAT course instructor
...and recognition in Biology Research & with special recognition by the Guidance Department. I have also been dancing for the last seven years and am versed in modern, hip-hop, contemporary, kathak, and Bhangra. I have also been a professional photographer for the last 4 years. I am involved in several organizations at Cornell and hold leadership positions in several. I have conducted original research through the American Museum of Natural History, and upon graduating from...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- Calculus
- SAT Mathematics
- Writing
- +61 subjects
Jackson: PSAT course instructor
...science, and I enjoy helping others learn and improve their confidence in these subjects. I will be a fourth-year at the University of Chicago in the fall. I am majoring in physics and molecular engineering. Before that, I graduated from the IB program at Robinson High in Tampa. I am excited at the idea of tutoring others because of my own enthusiasm for learning and the possibility of inspiring enthusiasm in others.
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, Physics
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- AP Computer Science
- IB Mathematics SL
- SAT Subject Tests
- +62 subjects
Jennifer: PSAT course instructor
...I love language, I love the written word, and the art of writing has always been a pleasure for me to teach. I have been tutoring and editing essays since I was a student in high school. Standardized tests have always come naturally to me, and I love helping students crack the grammar, reading, and writing portions. The best answer is always the most concise. In my personal time, I read many books and watch...
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelor in Arts, Literature with Film Focus
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- AP English Language and Composition
- College English
- Study Skills
- +50 subjects
There are three sections on the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT. The following chart details the three sections, the number of questions for each, and the time allowed for completion. Your student can discuss this information with the tutor during the PSAT prep class:
| PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 Sections | Number of Questions | Time Allowed (in minutes) |
| Reading | 47 | 60 |
| Writing and Language | 44 | 35 |
| Math | 8 | 70 |
Keep reading below to learn more about each of these subtests and how a PSAT tutor could be instrumental in helping your student feel ready to do their best on test day.
PSAT Reading Courses
When your student is getting ready to take the PSAT, a PSAT Reading class set up by Varsity Tutors can be a great way for them to study. We can sign your student up for a PSAT Reading course where they can work with a qualified tutor in a personalized learning environment. If you think this PSAT Reading prep class can help your student, get in touch with us today.
Each session in PSAT Reading prep courses is dynamically designed to meet the needs of your student. In the first PSAT Reading class, a tutor can assess your student's current skillset to get a baseline for future reference. This baseline is helpful in setting tutoring goals and can assist the tutor in planning out PSAT Reading courses. The best part of the baseline is that it allows the tutor to track progress during the PSAT Reading course and make adjustments to the study plan if necessary.
Sessions can be scheduled at a convenient time with both your schedule and your child's. Studying in a distraction-free one-on-one learning environment can help your student concentrate on the material. Your student can access our Live Learning Platform for tutoring sessions. A solid internet connection is all you need to participate in a PSAT Reading class.
There's no specific academic knowledge required for the PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, or PSAT/NMSQT Reading Test. Here is a quick review of what your student will be preparing for during their PSAT Reading course:
- Reading questions are multiple-choice and based on provided passages.
- Some passages pair with other passages.
- Informational graphics accompany some passages; no math is required.
- Prior topic-specific knowledge is never tested.
If your student is in eighth or ninth grade, they still benefit from PSAT Reading prep courses in preparation for the PSAT 8/9. Your student can work with a tutor in a PSAT Reading course to improve their study and test-taking skills, which can help them be more confident when taking the PSAT 8/9. Building a solid academic foundation is an important factor for future growth as a student. The tutor can help your student prepare to interpret and understand the type of content included in the PSAT 8/9, like the passage about an area of social science.
The following list shows where the reading selections from from for the PSAT 8/9 Reading exam. During PSAT Reading classes, a tutor can review this information with your student:
- One passage from a classic or contemporary work of U.S. or world literature.
- One passage or a pair of passages from either a U.S. founding document or a text in the Great Global Conversation they inspired.
- A passage about social science.
- Two passages of science content.
PSAT Reading prep classes are a great way for your student to prepare for the PSAT Reading assessment. With personalized tutoring, your student can head into exam day with more confidence. Contact Varsity Tutors today to speak with one of our Educational Directors to get your student started.
PSAT Writing and Language Class
If your student is planning to take the PSAT, consider registering them for a PSAT Writing and Language course from Varsity Tutors. A PSAT Writing and Language course will provide your student with an excellent learning environment devoted to their particular needs. A PSAT Writing and Language class can help your student with the particular challenges of the Writing and Language section of the PSAT.
The PSAT Writing and Language test contains a few different types of questions for which your student can prepare during a PSAT Writing and Language class. Below is a list detailing some information about the questions on the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 Writing and Language Section:
- Questions are related to provided passages in a multiple-choice format
- Some passages include visual aids such as graphs, charts, and tables
- This section does not test prior knowledge of topics
The PSAT 8/9 has different goals than the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, so it has slightly different expectations. Your student is still able to prepare for this content in PSAT Writing and Language courses. This table shows some of the abilities assessed on the Writing and Language section of the PSAT 8/9:
- Choosing better argumentative claims
- Choosing relevant supporting details
- Figuring out the meaning of words from context
- Identifying how to improve the effectiveness of a point through structural and word changes
- English conventions such as subject-verb agreement, verb tense, and sentence structure
All PSAT Writing and Language courses take place online over our Live Learning Platform. This makes it easier for students to attend sessions because they can attend from anywhere with an internet connection. High school students often have many activities and commitments in their schedule, and preparing for the PSAT Writing and Language in an online environment can remove a barrier to effective study.
PSAT Writing and Language classes allow your student to meet with a skilled tutor in a one-on-one environment. Because they are the only student, your student's time in a PSAT Writing and Language Prep course is focused around their needs and academic goals. Your student and the instructor for their PSAT Writing and Language prep class can study key areas of content, answer practice questions, and work to improve your student's writing abilities. PSAT Writing and Language prep courses are a great opportunity for your student to receive live feedback. This feedback is an important opportunity for your student to develop good habits and build confidence, and this is a great opportunity that PSAT Writing and Language prep classes provide.
In addition to the content learning that your student can experience in a PSAT Writing and Language course, they also can develop their test-taking strategies. Particularly for students that have not taken many standardized tests, learning test-taking skills is an effective way to improve their confidence.
As your student prepares for the PSAT Writing and Language section of the PSAT, consider a PSAT Writing and Language prep class set up by Varsity Tutors. PSAT Writing and Language prep classes are an opportunity for your student to experience one-on-one private instruction in an online learning environment. If you are interested in the benefits that a PSAT Writing and Language class can bring your student's PSAT Writing and Language section prep, contact an Educational Consultant online or over the phone today.
PSAT Math Prep Course
Varsity Tutors is pleased to assist students in finding a PSAT Math course that can help them prepare for the questions they will face in the math section of the PSAT. A PSAT Math class can be designed based on a student's individual strengths and weaknesses and is an efficient way to address any concerns you might have heading into the exam. For students taking the PSAT 10 or PSAT/NMSQT, this is more than just a practice test. Achieving a high score can help you become a National Merit Scholar, which is why receiving the assistance of PSAT Math classes can be vital for some students.
The math section makes up a significant portion of the PSAT, so if you find yourself struggling with several math concepts, it is imperative that you give yourself extra time to review these topics by taking a PSAT Math prep course. Here are some of the topics and concepts you will be expected to understand in the math section of the PSAT:
- Solving linear expressions
- Solving linear inequalities
- Evaluating reports
- Solving multi-step percentage problems
- Solving quadratic equations
- Polynomial expressions
- Understanding nonlinear relationships between zeros and factors of polynomials
Every student has their own area of difficulty when it comes to math. As shown above, the math section of the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 covers a wide range of topics. If you're a student preparing for one of these exams, your PSAT Math prep class can make sure you focus on the areas you need the most help in developing. For example, if you're having difficulty solving quadratic equations, your PSAT Math prep classes can provide you with the proper exercises and sample problems to help you feel more comfortable with them when test day arrives.
For those taking the PSAT 8/9, your PSAT Math course can help you better comprehend complex subjects, such as interpreting variables or constructing functions. Many students find the individual attention given to them during a PSAT Math prep course to be preferable to that of the test review in a regular classroom environment. Regardless of which exam you happen to be preparing for, the invaluable advice and practice you receive from a PSAT Math class could prove advantageous on exam day. Here's a list of some of the topics covered in the math section of the PSAT 8/9:
- Building linear functions
- Interpreting systems of linear inequalities
- Interpreting variables and constants in expressions
- Understanding connections between algebraic and graphical representations
- Making connections between a context and a linear equation
Varsity Tutors understands the value of receiving extra help when preparing for an important exam. That's why we work hard to make sure that finding and scheduling your PSAT Math prep courses is as convenient as possible for you. With a flexible schedule, it's easy to find a PSAT Math prep class that works for your busy life. You even have the choice of where to take your courses, whether it's in your home, a public library, or any other place with an internet connection. Because you utilize the Live Learning Platform, online sessions can be accessed on your laptop, desktop, or mobile devices, giving you the chance to learn from almost anywhere! Don't hesitate to contact us today. Varsity Tutors will be happy to address any questions or concerns you might have and set you up with the right PSAT Math course for you!
Get Signed up for PSAT Classes
PSAT classes give students the opportunity to learn from a test prep expert. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of your child taking a PSAT course, contact Varsity Tutors today. One of our Educational Directors can answer your questions and will help you get connected with a tutor with the proper skills to prepare your child for exam day.
