Award-Winning PSAT Tutors serving Columbia, SC

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.

1,000+
Schools &
Universities
98%
Satisfaction
10M+
Hours
Delivered
2x
Growth in
Proficiency
Get Started in 60 Seconds!

Who needs tutoring?

No obligation. Takes ~1 minute.

Rakib
Certified PSAT Tutor
Rakib
BA University
5+ Years Tutoring

I am an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley in pursuit of a degree in Data Science. Prior experience has taught me that the difference between a wish and a goal is consistency. This ethos has enabled me to excel in primary school and allows me to continuously enjoy watching others make progress toward their academic objectives under my guidance.

SAT Scores
Composite1520
View Profile
Carlos
Certified PSAT Tutor
Carlos
BA University
3+ Years Tutoring

I've helped several hundred students in a wide variety of subjects, from executive functioning to computer science to standardized testing. I also help students with general support in math and English. Most of my students are around 9-17, but I work well with students who are older and a little younger as well. I also work very well with students who have specific obstacles or requirements, such as neurodiversity support or schedules that change a lot. Most of my background is in computer science, from my college major to my experience hands-on over the past 10 years. Regardless of the subject, I believe every student's needs are unique and every student is able to achieve great things with the right preparation and support. My number one goal is to provide that whenever I can, both to the student and to their parents. I communicate with parents outside of sessions a lot to establish their expectations, better understand students, and recommend ways they can directly support their children in their journey as well.

SAT Scores
Composite1450
View Profile
Certified PSAT Tutor
Saad
Current Undergrad, Mechanical Engineering Prairie View A & M University
9+ Years Tutoring

I am well familiar with all the techniques to achieve a higher score. I can also show a student how to study effectively so that they do well in school.

SAT Scores
Composite1540
View Profile
Certified PSAT Tutor
Cyril
BS Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

I am currently pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering and Spanish at Virginia Tech. I have a strong academic record in my fields. I enjoy sharing knowledge and helping others overcome learning challenges. Through previous tutoring, I have developed excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. I am comfortable using online learning technologies and am committed to providing engaging, supportive lessons that help students reach their full potential.

SAT Scores
Composite1480
View Profile
Certified PSAT Tutor
Kelly
BA University
6+ Years Tutoring

I am currently learning how to do is to play the piano, and I can tell you first hand that practice and determination does make a difference! Outside of tutoring, I also love to dance, ski, and watch airplanes! Hope we can connect sometime soon. :)

SAT Scores
Composite1430
View Profile
Certified PSAT Tutor
Elliot
BA Hampshire College • Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience Vanderbilt University
9+ Years Tutoring

Elliot's neuroscience PhD means he's spent years doing exactly what the PSAT's reading passages demand — digesting complex arguments quickly, weighing evidence, and identifying the claims that actually hold up. That scientific rigor carries into the math sections too, where his quantitative reasoning and statistics background makes the data-analysis and Heart of Algebra questions feel routine. He scored a 1540 SAT and holds a 5.0 rating.

ACT ScoresPerfect Score
Composite36
SAT Scores
Composite1540
View Profile
Certified PSAT Tutor
Austin
BA University of Notre Dame
15+ Years Tutoring
ACT Scores
Composite33
SAT Scores
Composite1570
View Profile
Certified PSAT Tutor
Eric
BA Ohio University-Main Campus
1+ Years Tutoring

I'm a recent college graduate with degrees in Biological Sciences and Russian from Ohio University. During my time there, I tutored students in a variety of subjects, including biology, chemistry, and Spanish. In addition, I worked as both a peer advisor and teaching assistant, which gives me insight into the learning strategies and study skills that students need to succeed. As a tutor, I like to focus on doing actual problems with students because it is the most effective way to immediately identify their strengths and weaknesses and to address them. In my free time, I like to lift weights, read books, and spend time with my friends.

ACT ScoresPerfect Score
Composite36
SAT Scores
Composite1560
View Profile
Certified PSAT Tutor
Jamie
BA PENN. STATE University • Doctor of Medicine, MD Program Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Jefferson University
1+ Years Tutoring

I am a Penn State Graduate (B.S.) and am currently a student at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Jefferson University. My goal as a tutor is to help make the subjects I love approachable to other students, and to teach the study techniques that have served me well in school. I have tutored people in Biology, Physiology, general and Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Writing proficiency, and Physics. I also teach SHSAT prep to 7th graders. I am qualified to teach strategy and content for the SAT and MCAT, as well as high school Science, Writing, and Math classes. My greatest strength as a tutor is my ability to simplify abstract concepts using analogies and real-life comparisons so that anybody can learn them. Showing students how their studies relate to the rest of the world is the best way to create long term interest and understanding. My main focus is typically "teaching toward the test," as making sure my students get the grades they need is always the priority.

SAT Scores
Composite1550
View Profile
Certified PSAT Tutor
Won
BA Williams College
1+ Years Tutoring

I am comfortable, however, with upper level math classes (such as calculus), and science courses (biology, chemistry, and physics). I am in the process of applying to medical school as well. I have been fortunate to have already been accepted into a couple of schools. I would love to help you prepare for the MCATs and get a head start on your medical school application. I think this one-on-one tutoring model can be a powerful study method in preparing you for success in both the classroom and on standardized tests. In my spare time, I enjoy skiing, running, playing board games, and performing/learning magic tricks!

SAT Scores
Composite1560
View Profile
Certified PSAT Tutor
Daniel
BA Yeshiva University
1+ Years Tutoring

I am planning now to shift to a more educational career. Last year I worked at a small tutoring center, and I decided to branch out even more and work here.

SAT Scores
Composite1590
View Profile
Certified PSAT Tutor
Katherine
BA University of California-Berkeley
15+ Years Tutoring
SAT Scores
Composite1500
View Profile
Certified PSAT Tutor
Alex
BA Washington and Lee University
6+ Years Tutoring

Chemical engineering at Washington and Lee drilled the kind of systematic problem-solving that makes the PSAT's no-calculator math section click — setting up equations from word problems, manipulating expressions without reaching for a graphing calculator, and catching algebraic traps before they cost points. Alex pairs that quantitative strength with sharp reading and writing skills honed through an anthropology double major, which means the evidence-based passages and grammar-in-context questions get the same rigorous attention. His 1590 SAT and 36 ACT confirm he's mastered the full test architecture the PSAT is built from.

ACT ScoresPerfect Score
Composite36
SAT Scores
Composite1590
View Profile
Certified PSAT Tutor
Phillip
BA Brown University
6+ Years Tutoring

I'm a rising junior at Brown University studying biomedical engineering. I have lots of experience in middle school through college level instruction in STEM and SAT/ACT prep. My goal is to provide a fun and productive learning environment by only teaching subjects that I am passionate about.

SAT Scores
Composite1560
View Profile
Certified PSAT Tutor
Kevin
BA Case Western Reserve University
7+ Years Tutoring

I am a rising sophomore at Case Western Reserve University studying engineering. I have taken most high-school level standardized tests, and have scored consistently above the 95th percentile. I have tutored small groups of students throughout high school, and also have experience as a private tutor. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy playing Ultimate Frisbee with my college club team.

ACT ScoresPerfect Score
Composite36
SAT Scores
Composite1550
View Profile
Certified PSAT Tutor
Annabel
BA Princeton University
8+ Years Tutoring

I am currently studying molecular biology and I hope to work at a pediatric hospital after graduating from medical school. As an undergraduate, I am involved in volunteering organizations, photography, dance companies, and Asian-American political organizations.

SAT ScoresPerfect Score
Composite1600
View Profile
Certified PSAT Tutor
Perry
BA Rice University
4+ Years Tutoring

I am an incoming medical student at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. I graduated from Rice University in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in Medical Humanities and Business.

SAT Scores
Composite1570
View Profile

Testimonials

Because the right PSAT tutor makes all the difference.

4.9

Average Session Rating – Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings

Worked with a PSAT Tutor

Your customer interface is A+, being your agents or your site, The tutor you found for me is perfect, no formulas or canned lectures but easy flowing lecture addressing my needs. Congratulations for a job well done.

JA
Julio Aranovich
Worked with a PSAT Tutor

Heejin has been very patient with me. I work a full time job sometimes even on the weekends. It has been a slow process with my Korean classes, but Heejin has been wonderful and patient.

AH
Angela Hussein
Worked with a PSAT Tutor

My son has had many quality tutors through this convenient service, and he can hop on at any time of day to get support for a homework assignment or test. It's very convenient and effective.

TR
Tara R
Worked with a PSAT Tutor

I've been working with my tutor for a few months now and the progress has been remarkable. The personalized attention and tailored lessons made all the difference compared to in-classroom learning.

MC
Michael Chen
Worked with a PSAT Tutor

The flexibility of scheduling combined with the quality of instruction is unmatched. I can get help exactly when I need it, whether that's late at night or early in the morning before a test.

PP
Priya Patel
Worked with a PSAT Tutor

My daughter went from dreading her sessions to looking forward to them. The tutor made the material engaging and built her confidence in ways I never thought possible. Highly recommend.

RW
Rebecca Williams

Practice PSAT

Free practice tests, flashcards, and AI tutoring for PSAT

PSAT Practice Hub
Practice tests, flashcards, AI tutor & more

Frequently Asked Questions

The PSAT is a standardized test that measures reading, writing, and math skills for students typically in grades 9-10. It serves as a practice test for the SAT and helps identify academic strengths and areas for improvement. For students in Columbia, taking the PSAT is an excellent way to get familiar with test formats, pacing, and question types before tackling the SAT, which plays a key role in college admissions.

Score improvement varies based on starting point and effort, but students who work with a tutor often see meaningful gains—typically 50-100+ points—by addressing specific weak areas and building test-taking confidence. The key is identifying which sections (reading, writing, or math) need the most work and developing targeted strategies. With consistent practice and personalized guidance, most students see noticeable progress within 4-8 weeks of tutoring.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to identify your current strengths and weaknesses across reading, writing, and math sections. The tutor will discuss your goals, review your test-taking habits, and create a personalized study plan tailored to your needs. This foundation helps ensure all future sessions focus on the areas where you'll see the most improvement.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face, and it's highly learnable. A tutor can teach you strategies like skimming techniques for reading passages, identifying question types quickly, and knowing when to skip and return to difficult problems. Practice tests under timed conditions are essential—they help you develop a rhythm and build confidence so you're not rushing or second-guessing yourself on test day.

Reading and writing tend to be challenging for many students because they require both speed and comprehension, while the math section often trips up students who haven't practiced specific question formats or need to refresh foundational concepts. The good news is that each section responds well to targeted tutoring—a tutor can pinpoint whether you're struggling with content knowledge, test strategy, or time pressure, and address the root cause.

Most students benefit from taking 3-5 full-length practice tests under timed conditions during their prep period. The first practice test establishes your baseline and identifies weak areas, while subsequent tests help you track progress and refine your strategy. Between practice tests, focus on drilling specific question types and reviewing mistakes—this targeted work is often more valuable than taking test after test without analysis.

Test anxiety often stems from unfamiliarity with the test format or uncertainty about your abilities. Working with a tutor builds confidence through repeated exposure to authentic questions, mastery of strategies, and consistent practice under realistic conditions. Tutors also teach breathing techniques and mental strategies to manage stress on test day, so you can approach the PSAT feeling prepared rather than panicked.

Look for tutors who have strong backgrounds in standardized test prep, understand the specific skills the PSAT measures, and can explain concepts clearly. Ideally, they've helped other students improve their scores and can provide examples of their approach. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in PSAT prep and understand how to tailor instruction to your learning style and goals.

Let’s find your perfect tutor

Answer a few quick questions. We’ll recommend the right plan and match you with a top 5% tutor.

Prefer to talk? Call us