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Award-Winning PSAT Tutors

John

Certified Tutor

16+ years

John

Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama
John's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry

John's English and Drama training sharpened the close-reading and rhetorical analysis skills that the PSAT's Evidence-Based Reading section rewards — identifying how authors structure arguments, use tone shifts, and deploy evidence across paired passages. His 36 ACT and experience teaching both SAT ...

Education

University of St Thomas

Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama

American Academy of Dramatic Arts

Associates, Acting

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1420
ACT
36
Rhea

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Rhea

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Rhea's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra

Scoring a 1550 on the SAT means Rhea already had the PSAT mastered before she sat for the real thing — the question types, the pacing traps, and the specific grammar and evidence-based reading skills that National Merit semifinalist cutoffs demand. As a UChicago biology student, she brings sharp ana...

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1550
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Conor

Bachelor of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
Conor's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Reading
SAT Writing and Language

I am currently a medical student in Philadelphia, and have a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Stony Brook University. I have several years of experience tutoring SAT students, but thanks to my mixed background I have proficiency in a wide range of subjects including mathematics, biological scie...

Education

Stony Brook University

Bachelor of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering

Drexel University

Doctor of Medicine, Biomedical Sciences

Test Scores
SAT
1560

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Emily

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Emily's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Calculus
Algebra
AP Biology

I am currently a fourth year medical student in Indianapolis. I completed my undergraduate education at Indiana University Bloomington, where I majored in Biology and Spanish. I also completed two minors in Mathematics and Chemistry. While at IU, I worked for the Department of Mathematics and Depart...

Education

Indiana University-Bloomington

Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis

Doctor of Medicine, Community Health and Preventive Medicine

Test Scores
SAT
1480
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

Max

Bachelors, Biology, General
Max's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra

Max's biology background gives him a surprising advantage on the PSAT — the evidence-based reading passages frequently draw from scientific studies, and he teaches students to navigate those dense, data-heavy texts the same way he'd read a research paper. His 1580 SAT and 36 ACT mean he's mastered e...

Education

Ball State University

Bachelors, Biology, General

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1580
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Sharon

Master of Science, Journalism
Sharon's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am a graduate of the University of Chicago, and I will be starting a graduate program at Columbia in August. I am about to complete a year of service with City Year, an education non-profit that places young adults into under-served schools. As a City Year member, I worked full-time in the classro...

Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Master of Science, Journalism

University of Chicago

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1550

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Miguel

Bachelors, Computer Science / English
Miguel's other Tutor Subjects
AP Statistics
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra

Miguel's dual Computer Science and English degrees mean he's equally sharp on the PSAT's no-calculator algebra questions and the Evidence-Based Reading passages that trip up students who can parse code but not arguments — or vice versa. He teaches the Writing and Language section by connecting gramm...

Education

The University of Texas at Austin

Bachelors, Computer Science / English

Test Scores
SAT
1550
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

Gary

Juris Doctor, Law
Gary's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Subject Test in United States History

Scoring 1500 on the SAT means Gary already knows the test family inside and out — the PSAT uses the same question structures, just with a slightly lower ceiling. He breaks down the Evidence-Based Reading passages and No Calculator math traps that tend to cost students the most National Merit qualify...

Education

Brigham Young University-Provo

Bachelor in Arts, International Relations

University of Georgia

Juris Doctor, Law

Test Scores
SAT
1500

Certified Tutor

Kate

Masters, Environmental Engineering
Kate's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus

I'm available to tutor biology, chemistry, physics, math from Algebra up through AP Calculus, SAT test prep, and French. I've been tutoring students in science and math for 7 years. I also spent 8 months working and studying in France, and have tutored high school and adult students in French. When ...

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Masters, Environmental Engineering

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1580

Certified Tutor

Marco

Bachelors, Engineering
Marco's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4

I am currently an engineering student at Columbia University. My favorite subjects to tutor are math, physics and introductory Chinese, as well as SAT prep. I know how stressful standardized testing can be, and therefore I hope to help my students prepare both academically and mentally, introducing ...

Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelors, Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1590

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Rachel

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +31 Subjects

I'm a recent Georgetown University graduate originally from San Diego, CA. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Human Science, and I graduated with Honors with Distinction. While at Georgetown, I completed the pre-medical track and minored in Math. I'm an experienced standardized test taker, and I am passionate about helping students achieve their academic potential! I have tutored elementary school through college students in reading comprehension, math, SAT prep, and chemistry, and even started an afterschool engineering program for elementary school students. I am a strong proponent of framing intelligence as a muscle that is strengthened over time rather than an innate characteristic. While I'm not tutoring, I enjoy cooking, reading, and playing with dogs.

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Naama

College Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects

I'm a New York transplant to LA, and a freelance composer and musician by nature. I am an artist and a teacher-- these are my two passions! I'm also a translator, linguistics nerd, avid reader, and fabulous teacher. I went to NYU and studied Linguistics, and am continuing my studies for an Applied Linguistics Masters here in California. Hobbies: books, traveling, music, singing, art, travel, nature, reading, writing

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Elena

Calculus Tutor • +23 Subjects

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.

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Joey

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +21 Subjects

I am a graduate of Columbia University with a degree in Drama and Theatre Arts. I taught math and essay writing to my peers in high school and college, and have tutored a close friend in her mathematics courses since junior year of high school. I am most comfortable and passionate about tutoring SAT prep, particularly the Math section and subject tests. I believe in supporting and encouraging my students and making material as accessible as possible, breaking down what may be difficult subject matter into terms and concepts that they already understand. I firmly believe in the potential of every student to grasp material that they may think is out of reach, and aim to reduce the stress factor of studying as much as possible. Outside of tutoring, I am a professional actor and playwright, and in my free time (a rare, mystical thing these days) I enjoy playing guitar and mandolin, practicing yoga, and my PS4.

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Nicholas

Calculus Tutor • +17 Subjects

I am currently a rising senior studying computer science at Rutgers. I have always had a passion for helping others learn as I know from personal experience how much of an impact good teachers can have on students. I personally like to emphasize practicing above all when teaching as I feel that hands-on work in a subject is the best way to fully understand it. I currently tutor C, Java, Python, and general college computer science.

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Julia

11th Grade math Tutor • +41 Subjects

I am a recent college graduate currently pursuing a career in publishing in New York City. My interest in tutoring and the publishing industry stem from the same source: I want to help instill in others the same love of learning I have felt throughout my life. Whether it's getting lost in a good book or feeling the thrill of excitement at finally solving a difficult math problem, I feel that learning should be fun and viewed as a challenge, not a chore. Throughout my academic career, I have been a well-rounded student, excelling in math as well as language and literature. I am a notoriously good test-taker, a skill developed from solid study habits that I hope to pass on to future students. For me, tutoring is my way of giving back to my community and paying forward the help I've gotten from teachers, mentors, and fellow students throughout my life.

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Arthur

Statistics Tutor • +51 Subjects

I am available to tutor in a broad range of subjects, though I am most passionate about Economics, History, and Civics. Please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to arrange a session.

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Vansh

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +24 Subjects

I am currently pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Aerospace Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. I am also a graduate of the high school International Baccalaureate Program. I have informal experience tutoring high school physics, but am most passionate about tutoring students for the ACT standardized test, having had extensive experience preparing for standardized tests throughout high school. I am eager to aid students in boosting their scores before their upcoming college applications, an important milestone in many students' lives. In my free time, I also enjoy playing tennis.

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Suzanne

Calculus Tutor • +24 Subjects

I am currently working on a Master of Arts in Philosophy at Georgia State University, where I serve as a teaching assistant and writing consultant. I currently tutor in the areas of test preparation, government, philosophy, and religious studies. My passion for education stems from the joy I find in helping students achieve their goals. My teaching style involves asking lots of strategic questions to help students discover answers for themselves, a process which my students typically find quite empowering. Still, I recognize that each student has unique needs, questions, and learning styles, so I strive to listen first and then craft individualized plans to meet each student's particular objectives. In my spare time I like to get outside hiking, playing soccer, or volunteering at my church's community garden. I also enjoy reading, watching football, and cooking.

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Chelain

Calculus Tutor • +14 Subjects

I am currently a resident physician at Northwestern Hospital.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Score improvement depends on your starting point and effort, but students typically see meaningful gains within a few months of focused preparation. Many students improve by 100-200 points, with some gaining even more if they address foundational gaps in specific sections. The key is identifying your weak areas early—whether that's reading comprehension, algebra, or test-taking pacing—and targeting those with personalized instruction rather than generic prep.

The most common timing issue is spending too long on difficult reading passages or algebra problems, which leaves students rushing through easier questions they could answer correctly. Tutors work with students on strategic pacing: knowing when to skip a tough question, how to manage the 3-hour test format across three sections, and which question types typically take longer based on your strengths. Practice tests are essential—they help you develop a realistic pace before test day rather than discovering timing issues in the actual exam.

The best approach is taking a full-length practice PSAT under timed conditions, then analyzing your results section by section: Reading & Writing, Math, and if applicable, your question types within those sections (like command of grammar, word choice, algebra, advanced math, etc.). Tutors excel at digging deeper than just your overall score—they'll identify whether you're making careless mistakes on easy questions, struggling with test-specific question formats, or lacking foundational skills in specific topics. From there, you can focus your prep time where it matters most.

Most students benefit from 2-4 months of preparation if they're starting with moderate scores, or 3-6 months if addressing significant skill gaps. However, timeline depends on your baseline, target score, and frequency of tutoring. Some students do intensive prep with weekly sessions, while others spread sessions out over a longer period. Your tutor will help create a realistic study schedule that includes regular practice tests, review of weaker topics, and time for material to settle in—research on learning shows spaced repetition is far more effective than cramming.

Test anxiety often stems from either unfamiliarity with the test format or lack of confidence in your knowledge. Personalized tutoring addresses both: you'll become deeply familiar with PSAT question types through repeated practice, which reduces anxiety significantly. Your tutor can also teach you specific test-day strategies—like breathing techniques, how to manage panic on difficult sections, and how to build confidence by tracking your actual score improvements over time. Many students find that mastering the material and practicing under timed conditions is the most effective anxiety management tool.

Reading and Math require different skill sets: reading relies on comprehension, vocabulary, and inference, while math is more about problem-solving and formula application. Many students naturally lean one direction, but PSAT Reading & Writing also tests grammar and writing mechanics, which some students find counterintuitive. A tutor will diagnose whether your struggle is foundational (missing core skills) or test-specific (not understanding PSAT's unique question formats). For example, some students do fine with grammar in isolation but miss PSAT writing questions because they don't understand the context-based approach the test uses.

Excellent PSAT tutors understand not just the content but the test itself—they know common pitfalls, question patterns, and why students struggle with specific problem types. They're skilled at diagnosis: pinpointing whether your reading issues stem from vocabulary, comprehension speed, or misunderstanding question instructions. Great tutors also adapt their teaching style to how you learn best and help you build test-taking confidence, not just knowledge. They use practice tests strategically to identify patterns in your mistakes rather than just drilling random problems, and they explain the reasoning behind both correct and incorrect answers.

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