Award-Winning PSAT Writing Skills Tutors

America's #1 Tutoring Platform

Who needs tutoring?

FOXNBCCBSUS NewsTIMEUSA Today

TUTORS FROM

  • YaleUniversity
  • PrincetonUniversity
  • StanfordUniversity
  • CornellUniversity

Award-Winning PSAT Writing Skills 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

I'm a huge Red Sox fan and love watching detective shows when I have free time.

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
Alex

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Alex

Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering
Alex's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Algebra

Chemical engineering lab reports at Washington and Lee demanded the same ruthless concision the PSAT Writing section rewards — every sentence justified, every modifier in the right place, zero tolerance for wordiness. Alex pairs that training with a 1590 SAT and a 36 ACT, so he can pinpoint exactly ...

Education

Washington and Lee University

Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1590
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Mimi

Masters in Education, Education
Mimi's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

I am an interdisciplinary educator with an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.A. from Dartmouth College. My background is primarily in integrated arts learning and museum education and I specialize in visual arts, history and art history, and object-based learning. In all su...

Education

Harvard University

Masters in Education, Education

Dartmouth College

B.A.

Test Scores
SAT
1560

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Chelain

PHD, PhD: Molecular Pharmacology and Structural Biology; MD: Medicine. Currently a Resident in Radiation Oncology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. C
Chelain's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
College Essays
Literature

I am currently a resident physician at Northwestern Hospital.

Education

Thomas Jefferson University

PHD, PhD: Molecular Pharmacology and Structural Biology; MD: Medicine. Currently a Resident in Radiation Oncology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. C

Swarthmore College

Bachelors, Biology, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1550
ACT
33

Certified Tutor

Michelle

Current Grad Student, M.D.
Michelle's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Geometry
Calculus

I am proud to be a part of Varsity Tutors! I am originally from San Antonio, TX; I completed my undergraduate education at Rice University in Houston where I received a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Currently, I am in my second year of medical school at Baylor College of Medici...

Education

Baylor College of Medicine

Current Grad Student, M.D.

Rice University

Bachelor's in Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Test Scores
SAT
1570

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Anna

Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
Anna's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Middle School Science
PSAT Writing Skills

The PSAT Writing Skills section tests a specific set of grammar and rhetoric rules that repeat predictably — subject-verb agreement buried in long sentences, comma splices, and transitions between paragraphs. Anna scored a 1590 on the SAT and teaches students to identify these patterns quickly so th...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology

Northwestern University

Graduated (Honors Program in Medical Education)

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1590
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Elliot

Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience
Elliot's other Tutor Subjects
Statistics Graduate Level
Pre-Algebra
Statistics
Middle School Math

Neuroscience PhD work demands writing that's surgically precise — every clause tightened, every modifier anchored, every transition earning its place — which is the same skill set the PSAT Writing section quietly tests behind its grammar questions. Elliot scored a 1540 on the SAT and brings that fir...

Education

Hampshire College

Bachelor in Arts, Cognitive Science

Vanderbilt University

Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1540
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

Elena

Juris Doctor, Law
Elena's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Mathematics
SAT Reading and Writing

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 La...

Education

Cornell University

Bachelor in Arts

University of Chicago Law School

Juris Doctor, Law

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1600

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Nina

Masters in biostatistics
Nina's other Tutor Subjects
Statistics Graduate Level
Statistics
Calculus
Algebra

I am a recent graduate from a masters program in biostatistics at Columbia University. I received my Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences, with a focus in neurobiology at Northwestern University. In August, I will be starting a doctoral program in biostatistics at NYU. I was a teaching assistant ...

Education

Columbia University

Masters in biostatistics

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences (focus in neurobiology)

Columbia University in the City of New York

Current Grad Student, Biostatistics

Test Scores
SAT
1550

Certified Tutor

15+ years

Austin

Bachelors
Austin's other Tutor Subjects
Elementary Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math
Education

University of Notre Dame

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1570
ACT
33

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Emily

Master of Public Health (MPH), concentration in Epidemiology and Global Health
Emily's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

PSAT Writing questions test a narrow set of grammar and rhetoric rules — subject-verb agreement buried in long sentences, comma usage with nonessential clauses, logical transitions between paragraphs. As a National Merit Scholar who qualified on the strength of these same skills, Emily walks student...

Education

Yale University

Master of Public Health (MPH), concentration in Epidemiology and Global Health

Yale School of Public Health

Master in Public Health, Public Health

Yale University

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), double major in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and French

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1550
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Phillip

Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Phillip's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry
Calculus

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.

Education

Brown University

Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1560

Certified Tutor

Edward

Bachelor's
Edward's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Multivariable Calculus
Trigonometry

I am currently studying chemical engineering at the University of Michigan. I have always helped out my fellow students with schoolwork, and I have tutored in the National Honor Society for three years. My tutoring strengths include my abilities to stay calm, be patient, and offer different perspect...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1520
ACT
36

Certified Tutor

Miranda

Bachelor in Arts, Religious Studies
Miranda's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SSAT- Upper Level

Years of writing and peer-editing rigorous philosophy and religion papers at Pomona College trained Miranda to catch exactly the kinds of errors the PSAT Writing section recycles — awkward transitions, bloated phrasing, and punctuation choices that change an argument's meaning. Her 1560 SAT and 5.0 ...

Education

Pomona College

Bachelor in Arts, Religious Studies

Test Scores
SAT
1560

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Logan

Master of Divinity, Ministry
Logan's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra

I'm eager to teach students how to make connections and understand any part of the world they need!

Education

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Master of Divinity, Ministry

University of Kentucky

Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1400
ACT
36

Meet Varsity Tutors Experts

Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.

Emily

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects

PSAT Writing questions test a narrow set of grammar and rhetoric rules — subject-verb agreement buried in long sentences, comma usage with nonessential clauses, logical transitions between paragraphs. As a National Merit Scholar who qualified on the strength of these same skills, Emily walks students through each rule with real test passages so they learn to spot errors quickly under timed conditions.

View Profile

Phillip

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects

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.

View Profile

Edward

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +31 Subjects

I am currently studying chemical engineering at the University of Michigan. I have always helped out my fellow students with schoolwork, and I have tutored in the National Honor Society for three years. My tutoring strengths include my abilities to stay calm, be patient, and offer different perspectives on the learning process. I do not just help my students learn the material, but I also teach them how to learn it. I tutor math and test prep courses. Outside of school and tutoring, I play the piano. I have played classical piano for 13 years and jazz piano for 7. Hobbies: reading, music, art, books, writing

View Profile

Miranda

Calculus Tutor • +33 Subjects

Years of writing and peer-editing rigorous philosophy and religion papers at Pomona College trained Miranda to catch exactly the kinds of errors the PSAT Writing section recycles — awkward transitions, bloated phrasing, and punctuation choices that change an argument's meaning. Her 1560 SAT and 5.0 tutoring rating back up that instinct, and she teaches students to approach each question by identifying what rule is being tested before even glancing at the answer choices.

View Profile

Logan

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +31 Subjects

I'm eager to teach students how to make connections and understand any part of the world they need! Hobbies: art, books, writing, reading, music

View Profile

Dennis

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +21 Subjects

I am currently attending New York University where I am pursuing a degree in Finance and Statistics. I have previous experience tutoring individuals in math, a subject I have always excelled at academically. My knowledge and interest in mathematics, makes it easy for me to frame and deconstruct seemingly complicated concepts and theories in ways students will be able to understand and remember. Outside of academia I enjoy playing tennis, going to movies, and spending time with friends and family.

View Profile

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.

View Profile

Kiersten

Calculus Tutor • +15 Subjects

I am a junior studying Writing for Screen and Television at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. For the past two spring semesters I worked as a CollegeSpring Mentor, tutoring Green Dot Charter high school juniors for the SAT and teaching them predatory skills for college. In addition to my experience tutoring for the SAT, as a screenwriting major I most enjoy teaching my favorite subject, English. I love showing students the power language endows upon them to communicate their ideas and beliefs with others. I believe every student deserves the chance to succeed and to try to capitalize on their strengths while encouraging them to improve in areas they may traditionally find challenging. Endowing a student with confidence in themselves through patience and support is the best way not only to improve academic performance, but also transform them into lifelong learners. I try to share not only my passion for knowledge with students, but also my love of sports (football, baseball, and softball), action films, and global affairs. Seeing students not only improve academically but also show improved confidence and happiness is the most rewarding part of my job.

View Profile

Nishad

Calculus Tutor • +24 Subjects

I am a first year medical student at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. I have been a private tutor in the past in subjects such as math, biology, chemistry, and the SATs and every single one of my more than twenty students have shown significant improvement. Most importantly, I have a passion for teaching, and your needs and preferences as the learner will always be paramount. I hope to help every one of my students reach every bit of their potential, and along the way, to utterly shatter any self-induced limitations that have been placed upon what they can accomplish.

View Profile

Eric

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +37 Subjects

I am available to tutor a range of middle school and high school subjects, but I am most excited about tutoring test prep. I remember how stressful preparing for college can be and I am eager to do my part in helping students fulfill their college goals. I believe that learning is a collaborative process and I am committed to being as actively involved in the student's learning as I can. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, going to the movies (I try to see each Oscar nominee before the ceremony every year.), and am a huge Michigan sports fan.

View Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Score improvement depends on your starting point and current skill level, but students typically see meaningful gains within 4-8 weeks of focused tutoring. If you're struggling with grammar fundamentals, you might improve 50-100+ points. If you're already scoring well and aiming for excellence, improvements may be smaller but still valuable—even 10-20 points can impact your percentile rank significantly.

The key is identifying exactly which writing skills are holding you back—whether that's comma usage, verb tense, sentence structure, or strategy on timed questions—and then targeting those specific areas with deliberate practice.

Most students find these areas challenging:

  • Grammar rules application—Knowing the rule is one thing; applying it under time pressure is another, especially with comma splices, modifier placement, and pronoun-antecedent agreement
  • Sentence structure and wordiness—Recognizing redundancy or unnecessarily complex sentences that could be more concise
  • Verb tense and agreement—Keeping tense consistent and ensuring subjects and verbs match, particularly in longer sentences
  • Pacing—Spending too much time on difficult questions and not leaving enough time to review or finish the section
  • Question format confusion—Misunderstanding what certain question types (like "which revision") are actually asking you to do

A strong strategy balances accuracy with efficiency. Start by reading the passage and question carefully—many errors become obvious once you understand the context. For grammar-focused questions, identify what's being tested before looking at answer choices; this prevents you from being distracted by answers that "sound right" but don't fix the actual error.

Use process of elimination actively: eliminate obviously wrong answers first, then compare the remaining options. On timed sections, aim to spend about 45 seconds per question, flagging anything that takes longer and returning to it if time allows. Finally, review your answers in the last 1-2 minutes if possible—even a quick scan catches careless errors.

Accuracy and speed aren't mutually exclusive—they reinforce each other. The faster you recognize common grammar patterns and errors, the quicker you'll answer. Start by mastering the top 10-12 grammar rules that appear most frequently on the PSAT (commas, verb tense, pronouns, modifiers, etc.) through targeted practice. Once these feel automatic, you'll naturally work faster.

Practice with timed drills on specific rules, then move to full practice passages. Track which rule categories slow you down, and spend extra time on those. Over time, you'll develop pattern recognition that lets you spot errors quickly without sacrificing accuracy.

Take a full practice test every 2-3 weeks to track progress, but focus most of your prep on targeted drills between tests. Full tests are valuable for assessing overall pacing and identifying weak areas, but they're not the most efficient use of study time if you're just starting out.

Once you've diagnosed your specific weaknesses, spend time on focused practice sets for those areas—you'll improve faster this way. Then use practice tests to confirm improvement and build test-day confidence. If test anxiety is a concern, more frequent practice tests can help you get comfortable with the format and build confidence under timed conditions.

Look for a tutor who understands the specific format and demands of the PSAT Writing section and can diagnose your exact weak spots—not just your overall score. The best tutors teach grammar and conventions in the context of how they appear on the test, explain why common answer choices are distractors, and teach you to think strategically about questions rather than relying on "gut feel."

You want someone who can explain rules clearly, provide ample practice with timely feedback, and help you build both skill and confidence. Experience with test prep and familiarity with common student misconceptions makes a real difference in how quickly you improve.

Confidence comes from two things: understanding the rules deeply and practicing consistently. When you truly understand why an answer is correct—not just that it is—you'll second-guess yourself less. Spend time learning the grammar rules behind the questions, not just memorizing answers.

Next, practice in conditions that mirror test day: timed, with full sections, without immediately checking your answers. When you see that your method works repeatedly, confidence grows naturally. If you're still uncertain on test day, trust your strategy: eliminate wrong answers, compare remaining options methodically, and move on. You don't need to feel 100% certain on every question to do well overall.

Connect with PSAT Writing Skills Tutors

Get matched with expert tutors in your subject