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.
Jennifer: Buena Park 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.
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelors, Public Policy
- University of Southern California - Masters, Teaching
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- CAHSEE
- English
- +18 subjects
Benjamin: Buena Park PSAT course instructor
...Modern European History. I love learning and teaching history of all kinds, but I am also available to tutor many other subjects from Math and English to SAT and GRE preparation. While I do not have much formal experience in tutoring, I was a peer tutor throughout high school. Also, as the oldest sibling, it...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Davis - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Drexel Online University - Master of Science, Library and Information Science
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- SAT
- +36 subjects
Whitney: Buena Park PSAT course instructor
...to my tutoring style. I truly believe that any student has the capacity to learn and excel in academics--it's up to the tutor/teacher to find a creative way to teach! The sciences are my specialty, as evidenced by my college major as well as my medical school preparation, but I have worked with students in...
Education & Certification
- Pomona College - Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- SAT Mathematics
- Elementary Math
- +40 subjects
Mark: Buena Park PSAT course instructor
...to students who were previously panicked about the possibility of failure. I believe in an "active" approach to tutoring which includes asking the student questions to not only get closer to a complicated answer, but to build the student's confidence. In addition, I always try to identify exactly where in the thinking process a student...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Irvine - Bachelor of Science, Public Health Science
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- Public Health
- +59 subjects
Katie: Buena Park PSAT course instructor
...Davis Linguistics department, I can empathize with the harsh demands of academia. For students of any age level, I believe striving for the best is a huge indicator of future success. Having an academic guide can truly be the key to the future, and I would love to help you and your family in the...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Davis - Bachelor in Arts, Linguistics
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- SSAT
- +66 subjects
Brandon: Buena Park PSAT course instructor
...Propulsion Laboratory, and the nearby Griffith Observatory to continuously study the stars. Eventually he wishes to pursue a PhD in Astrophysics, hoping to advance the knowledge for all humanity. During his undergraduate career he spent most of his afternoons tutoring and assisting teachers at an Elementary school in Malibu focusing primarily on math and science....
Education & Certification
- Pepperdine University - Bachelors, Physics
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- CAHSEE
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +69 subjects
Taylor: Buena Park PSAT course instructor
...but also love to see a student who goes from struggling to success on their standardized tests. I believe that an education is one of the most influential things a person can possess, and am passionate about helping students succeed academically and helping them overcome frustration they may feel to begin to enjoy their education,...
Education & Certification
- University of Rochester - Bachelor in Arts, English Literature, French
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- Advanced Placement
- ACT
- +45 subjects
Will: Buena Park PSAT course instructor
...English. After graduating from the university, I worked as an English instructor at the University's Center for English as a Second Language (CESL), where for three years I taught academic reading and writing, communication skills, and standardized exam preparation. I enjoy tutoring, and have experience giving private instruction in English reading, writing, and speaking, and...
Education & Certification
- University of Oklahoma Norman Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Letters, International Studies
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ACT
- SAT
- TOEFL
- +32 subjects
Alanna: Buena Park PSAT course instructor
...currently tutor in SAT writing and verbal preparation, essay writing skills, English, and Literature. My favorite subjects to tutor are definitely those that involve writing, because they provide fantastic opportunities for students to express their creativity. One of my major goals in tutoring is to help students find a passion for learning the material they...
Education & Certification
- Occidental College - Bachelor in Arts, American Studies
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- 9th Grade Reading
- Study Skills and Organization
- +49 subjects
Mariapaz: Buena Park PSAT course instructor
...Geometry, and Statistics. I have a B.S. in Secondary Education in Math from the University of South Florida. I also have a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction in Math Education from USF. I recently moved to California from Tampa, FL with my husband when he accepted a research position at UCI. Since moving to California,...
Education & Certification
- University of South Florida - Bachelor of Science, Secondary Education in Math
- University of South Florida - Masters in Education, Curriculum and Instruction in Math
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- Statistics
- Reading
- +21 subjects
Elizabeth: Buena Park PSAT course instructor
...student learns. I think this flexibility and dedication to making school work as easy as possible for my students is my strongest attribute as a tutor. I am available to work up to thirty hours per week. Friday through Sunday I would generally be free to tutor at any time; on Mondays, I am...
Education & Certification
- Occidental College - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- SAT
- +58 subjects
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelor of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- PSAT Writing Skills
- +34 subjects
Tito: Buena Park PSAT course instructor
...Southern California in May 2014 with a B.S in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and a minor in Law and Society. I am able to tutor in multiple science subjects, standardized tests (SAT, ACT) and social sciences (public health, political science). I would be happy to help with any age. I help students by getting...
Education & Certification
- University of Southern California - Bachelor of Science, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- Writing
- +53 subjects
Jonathan: Buena Park PSAT course instructor
...even both as I am pursuing! I’m excited to be able to apply what I know in a meaningful way through tutoring or mentoring, and I look forward to hopefully helping and getting to know anyone who believes they can benefit from my experiences. And of course, as they say at my university, whatever test...
Education & Certification
- University of Southern California - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- Test Prep
- +29 subjects
Kamilah: Buena Park PSAT course instructor
...ways to support teachers and students, as they work toward reaching their goals. I decided to jump back into tutoring. Tutoring allows me to work with students whose needs aren't being met fully in the classroom and the supplement the handwork that each teacher puts into the education plans of their students. I have been...
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelors, Public Policy
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ASPIRE
- SAT
- REGENTS
- +47 subjects
Alexandra: Buena Park PSAT course instructor
...experience tutoring middle and high school math, writing, and test prep. I work with students to deepen their understanding of material so that they can become confident in their work. The goal is not getting any one problem or assignment right, but building the skillset to tackle ANY assignment independently with confidence.
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelor in Arts, United States Government and Politics
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- ISAT
- SSAT
- +72 subjects
Melissa: Buena Park PSAT course instructor
...in the Department of Psychology, including Advanced and Multivariate Statistics. I also absolutely love teaching statistics because it offers us a way to turn real life phenomena into numbers that we can understand around the world. I also love teaching my subject area, Psychology, and ultimately would love to make a career of it. As...
Education & Certification
- California State University-Fullerton - Bachelors, Psychology, Women and Gender Studies
- California State University-Fullerton - Master of Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- Math
- IB Psychology SL
- Statistics
- +20 subjects
Melanie: Buena Park PSAT course instructor
...I have worked with many SAT students both on my own and through other tutoring corporations. While I enjoy teaching groups, I feel that one-on-one tutoring is more beneficial for the student and allows him/her to have the individualized attention they deserve. The SAT's can be daunting without the right preparation, and my goal is...
Education & Certification
- SUNY College at Cortland - Bachelors, Secondary Education in Math
- SUNY College at Cortland - Masters, Education in Literacy
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- REGENTS
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +25 subjects
Zach: Buena Park PSAT course instructor
...critical reading, comprehension, and testing much easier and less daunting. I tutor English, Writing, and SAT Prep for Critical Reading and Writing. One of the things that make me stand out as a teacher is that I remember well what it's like to struggle in a subject. I was not good at math or science,...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelors, Theatre/English
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- PSAT Writing Skills
- +22 subjects
Patrick: Buena Park PSAT course instructor
...increases in math, reading, and writing sections of these tests. I always find that the best tutoring results come from keeping sessions as fun and engaging as possible while still covering the material. When not tutoring, I teach performance classes in subjects like magic, comedy, and balloon sculpting. When not teaching, I enjoy reading, hiking,...
Education & Certification
- Emerson College - Bachelor in Arts, Theatre Studies
Subject Expertise
- PSAT
- ISEE
- ACT
- Advanced Placement
- +79 subjects