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.

Raj: Alvin PSAT course instructor
...and see the difference in their grades. I'm a big advocate for the philosophy that "practice makes perfect" and I absolutely love my students that are ready to put in work. I specialize in tutoring math and science subjects. In my free time, I love playing sports (especially basketball), reading books, and spending time with...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +37 subjects

Megan: Alvin PSAT course instructor
...chemistry students, which made me passionate about tutoring and teaching beyond Baylor. I love seeing the "Ah-Ha" moment in students and helping them reach their academic goals. Learning should be exciting and stimulating, and I am here to facilitate that experience. My tutoring interests are mostly focused on Neuroscience, Psychology, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and...
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- TACHS
- CogAT
- HSPT
- +49 subjects

Bryan: Alvin PSAT course instructor
...Additionally, designing each session based on the individual prevents from wasting time covering material that he/she is already proficient in. I have a wide range of experience as a tutor. Since my freshmen year in college, I have worked with students ranging from refugee children in middle school to full-time college students. I prefer tutoring...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelors, Biological Sciences
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- ISEE
- +52 subjects

Michael: Alvin PSAT course instructor
...chemistry, biology, physics, mandarin Chinese, grammar, and writing. Practice is the key to excel in any subject, especially math and science. More importantly, academics require one to think logically and to enjoy the solving process. In my free time, I am a part-time magician creating memorable entertainment for all ages and events. I truly enjoy...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor of Science, Statistics
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- College Algebra
- +39 subjects

Alexandra: Alvin PSAT course instructor
...History, Spanish, and Government/Social Studies. Through my experiences helping struggling students and peers, I have realized the value of adaptability. Most people reach out to a tutor because the traditional classroom method is not best suited for their learning needs. There is nothing more joyful than when a student finally understands the material in a...
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- GED
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACCUPLACER
- +308 subjects

Aurnab: Alvin PSAT course instructor
Hello! I'm Aurnab. I'm a Bioengineering student at Rice University. I've been tutoring since high school. Due to my wide background in a variety of subjects that I've studied, I have a very interdisciplinary approach to tutoring that can be tailored to any student to achieve results.
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Current Undergrad Student, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- ACT
- +90 subjects

Elena: Alvin PSAT course instructor
...College Senior Honor Society my senior year of college. One of Mortar Board's missions is to help promote literacy. My chapter of the honor society worked with InspireSTL, a St. Louis based tutoring program, which places talented low-income middle school students into the region's top college-prep high schools and supports their ongoing academic progress, offering...
Education & Certification
- Southern Methodist University - Master of Arts, Art History
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- History
- +37 subjects

Matthew: Alvin PSAT course instructor
...in high school and have worked with students at every level of education. I specialize in teaching from a very fundamental perspective and in building concepts from the ground up but also enjoy helping students to "just get done" with their homework. Though I'm particularly fond of math and science, I can provide assistance in...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
- Stanford University - Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- College Biology
- GRE Quantitative
- +42 subjects

Kayley: Alvin PSAT course instructor
...out of 656 students. I have always been a strong student who loves to learn and help others learn. I have been tutoring my peers, siblings, and neighbors my whole life. My tutoring style is very adaptable; I change it based on each individual's specific needs. I like to get to know everyone and use...
Education & Certification
- New Mexico State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- REGENTS
- ACT
- +50 subjects

Alicia: Alvin PSAT course instructor
...been teaching science for 3 years. Every year I've taught, my students have made great improvements in the classroom and Standardized Tests. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about tutoring Math and Science. I am an eager, honest, reliable, and compassionate individual seeking to contribute an alternative and customizable...
Education & Certification
- Sam Houston State University - Bachelor of Science, Kinesiotherapy
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- GED
- +29 subjects

Jay: Alvin PSAT course instructor
...with students of a variety of ages and stages in their education and feel well prepared to help with math, science, clinical/medical, public health, health policy, and related subjects (with certain others being of particular interest to me given my competency in them as a result of my academic and professional background).
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACCUPLACER
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +153 subjects

Subhash: Alvin PSAT course instructor
...learn, not just transferring knowledge. It's important for students to develop intuitions and not just memorize facts. In addition to ECE I'm interested in topics like Machine Learning and Data Science and how to apply them to other fields in the world. I'm a musician, I play tuba/baritone and sing as well! I also enjoy...
Education & Certification
- Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering - Bachelor of Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- Writing
- +54 subjects

Tacor: Alvin PSAT course instructor
...in education: a Language Arts/English teaching license for 5th-12th grade from Indiana and a Substitute Teaching license for K-12th grade students issued by Illinois. I've also successfully passed the Praxis II content area exam for English, Language, and Literature. I have three years of teaching experience, one at the collegiate level and two at the...
Education & Certification
- Chicago State University - Bachelor in Arts, English
- Chicago State University - Master of Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ISEE
- SSAT
- Middle School English
- +54 subjects

Syed: Alvin PSAT course instructor
...a bioengineering major at the University of Houston - Honors College. I am also working as a Research Intern at Rice University's Center for Theoretical Biological Physics. I have tutored students of various ages from different backgrounds over the past four years. I enjoy disseminating knowledge to anyone who is ready to learn!
Education & Certification
- University of Houston - Bachelor of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- TEAS
- CogAT
- TOEFL
- +117 subjects

Jane (Elizabeth): Alvin PSAT course instructor
...helping a high school freshman learn to make a solid argument, I value the impact I make on others through teaching. I began my professional life as a tutor six years ago, and have taught a variety of subjects, including time management, reading, writing, history and SAT and AP preparation. In lessons, I focus on...
Education & Certification
- Rice University - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- STAAR
- Music
- +26 subjects

Lidya Mussie: Alvin PSAT course instructor
...one-to-one and classroom size tutoring experience. I love teaching and I make friends with my students very easily. While I have tutored most of the major subjects given in middle and high school, I am very passionate about Physics, Math and Chemistry. It gives me great satisfaction to ease students' during exam time and I...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston - Doctor of Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- UK A Level
- ACCUPLACER
- +79 subjects

Travis: Alvin PSAT course instructor
...University of Texas at Austin. I have lots of volunteer experience including being a camp counselor for teenagers with disabilities. As someone who has gone through the college application process and has an appreciation for how difficult it is, I am ready to help students learn and show what they are capable of.
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- STAAR EOC
- STAAR
- SAT Subject Tests
- +80 subjects

Tomi: Alvin PSAT course instructor
...them in groups during my teenage years. I would definately consider myself a STEM student by default and I'm most passionate about coding and US history but I also know economics and various math and english courses as well. I enjoy helping students who are struggling. I strongly believe encouragement leads to confidence which is...
Education & Certification
- Houston Community College - Associate in Science, Computer Science
- Western Governors University - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- UK GCSE
- SAT
- +92 subjects

Jahrel: Alvin PSAT course instructor
...teach about journalistic writing in my high school journalism class, and more. Education has been one of the core principles of my life and I believe every individual can benefit from assistance and support in their educational journey. The successes in my life have not been accomplished on my own and I have a strong...
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Bachelor, Molecular and Cellular Biology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- College Math
- Test Prep
- SAT Reading
- +21 subjects

Courtenay: Alvin PSAT course instructor
...past three years and want to bring my passion for teaching outside the school. I've worked with first grade in HISD and at KIPP, but enjoy working with students of all ages and have experience tutoring both middle and high school students as well. My teaching experience helps me to personalize instruction, pinpointing a student's...
Education & Certification
- University of Virginia-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, French
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +68 subjects