Award-Winning PSAT Tutors
serving Richmond, VA
Award-Winning
PSAT
Tutors in Richmond
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.
Based on 3.4M Learner Ratings
UniversitiesSchools & Universities
DeliveredHours Delivered
ProficiencyGrowth in Proficiency
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No obligation. Takes ~1 minute.

Having scored a 1500 on the SAT and spent years coaching students through both the SAT and LSAT at a test prep agency, Amber knows standardized tests inside and out — including the timing traps and question structures the PSAT uses to trip up even strong students. She breaks down the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections by teaching students to identify answer choices that are "almost right" versus fully supported by the passage. Her law school training in close textual analysis makes her especially sharp on the critical reading and grammar questions that drive National Merit qualifying scores.

I am a current third-year student at Virginia Commonwealth University. I am in the BS/MD Guaranteed Admissions program for Medicine at VCU, and I am majoring in Biology with a minor in Business and a minor in Dance. I am originally from Phoenix, Arizona and I have a passion for teaching. I have had lots of experience with tutoring and also in a large variety of subjects. I worked at a place called "The Tutoring Center" for 8 months where I had the opportunity to teach students aged 5 through 18 in varying levels of Math, English, and Writing. I have also been now tutoring with Varsity for nearly 2 years. While I tutor in a large variety of subjects, I am especially passionate about teaching Math, Chemistry, Biology, and also tutoring in Standardized Test prep such as for the SAT, PSAT, and ACT.
Scoring 1510 on the SAT means Allison already knows the test family inside and out — the PSAT uses the same question structures, passage types, and math concepts, just at a slightly lower difficulty ceiling. She zeroes in on the evidence-based reading pairs and command-of-evidence questions that trip up most sophomores and juniors, turning those into reliable points that boost National Merit qualifying scores.
I am currently working on my Doctor of Pharmacy Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, where I attained my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry. VCU is where I have held bioinorganic research positions as well as teaching positions. I acted as a teaching assistant in various chemistry and biology classes while studying and am currently an adjunct faculty teaching chemistry courses for the university. In addition to Varsity Tutors, I tutor for PCG education where I prepare students at J L Francis Elemetnary School for their mathematics SOLs. Throughout my different experiences with teaching and tutoring, I have found that each individual requires a different teaching style. Adjusting styles to accommodate different learning styles can be difficult at start, but overtime it helps the success of students to achieve their goals.
I am a sophomore electrical engineering student and member of the honors college at Virginia Commonwealth University. I recently graduated from Maggie L. Walker Governor's School in June of 2017. I have a passion for mathematics, especially calculus, and am excited to share my knowledge with others.
I am currently preparing to begin a Master's of Teaching program at VCU this fall and have continued to excel in the math and history courses I need to round out my teaching endorsements. Because my future career path focuses on teaching at the high school level, I have a preference for tutoring math (especially algebra through calculus) and history, along with writing and my current subject of philosophy. Besides my career motivations, I find that I stand out the most as a tutor in these areas because of my capability in clearly presenting complex material and my ability to grasp the diverse perspectives of my students.
I am a recent graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, where I earned a Bachelors of Science in Biology. Throughout my three years of undergrad, I have been a preceptor for Cell Biology and Genetics. In addition, I was a supplemental instruction leader in CHEM 101 and CHEM 102. I am currently a Medical Scribe, but I will be attending VCOM for medical school starting Fall 2018.
I am a 19 year old student taking a year off from college to explore opportunities in the intersection between art and cognitive studies. I am currently residing in Los Angeles, but traveled from Charlottesville, Virginia where I was studying Cognitive Science and Studio Art at University of Virginia. I am patient, flexible, and love working with students in different subjects, but especially math. I prefer to cater the way I teach a student based on how they learn, whether it be by visuals, repetition, etc. I create methods that are out of the box if a student struggles with the way she/he are learning in school since school tends to teach in a uniform method rather than on an individualized basis.
I am an avid enthusiast for following your passions, no matter what they are. I enjoy teaching and spending time with others. I have a great vast amount of experience tutoring other peers, students, children, etc. I hope that I can help others reach their goals in learning!
I am currently a lead preschool teacher. I received my Bachelor's in Psychology from VCU and am looking to return to school to further my education. While in college, I worked as a Supplemental Instruction leader, teaching general biology and anatomy. I have also worked in an after school program with elementary age children, but I have my fondest memories volunteering as a counselor for Camp Kesem. In my own experience, I loved school and now I love teaching even more at all age levels! I especially enjoy the challenge of getting creative to discover what approach and mediums work best for each student. I am available for in person as well as online tutoring.
I am a graduate of Tufts University. I received my Bachelor of Arts in English as well as a minor in History. Since graduation, I have worked as a 7th grade Reading Language Arts teacher in Dallas Texas at a newly formed public all boys school. This has provided me with great experience and insight into how students best learn and how to create culturally responsive lessons that students will engage with. I am most passionate about English, Literature, History, and Spanish. In my experience, working to prepare students for state standardized tests has had the additional benefit of helping students to discover what they enjoy reading about. This increase in intrinsic motivation to read has had an important impact on struggling students. I am dedicated towards ensuring that students are provided with an education that increases their quality of life.
I am often asked by friends to help them with their math homework. I have spent countless hours teaching calculus to engineering, computer science, physics, and economics majors. Being one of seven children, I have been helping my sibling with math for as long as I can remember. I believe that a solid understanding of mathematics is crucial to success, and the demand for people with quantitative skills is only growing.
Years of teaching high school English in a public school setting gave Andrew a sharp sense of where students stumble on the PSAT — especially the evidence-based reading passages and command-of-evidence questions that trip up even strong readers. His own 1430 SAT and a master's in secondary education back up a test prep approach built around identifying trap answer choices and managing time across sections. Rated 5.0 by students.
I am confident that I can help raise your exam scores and improve your overall test-taking abilities.
I am today, so tutoring seems like a good way to give others the same support I received.
I am able to help kids with the material when they don't understand what the teacher is saying.
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 qualifying points. Rated 5.0 by students.
I am available to help students with any topics they are struggling with in their high school or early college-level Physics courses.
I am a recent cum laude graduate of the University of Amsterdam's Masters in Economics Program where I specialized in Monetary Policy and Banking. While there, I worked as a teaching assistant and tutored in economics and mathematics. Prior to that, I worked as an ESL teacher for two years in Russia and China.
I am currently a second year law student at Harvard Law School. I am passionate about public interest law, particularly immigration and criminal defense.
As a dedicated tutor pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, I am passionate about empowering students to excel in subjects like AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science A, and AP Physics C: Mechanics. I also am looking forward to teaching various electrical engineering and computing concepts. With over 2 years of tutoring experience, I focus on creating a supportive learning environment where students can build confidence and develop critical thinking skills. I hope that I can create an environment where learning is fulfilling and isn't done as a means to get a good grade for a class, but rather to build a rich mental model of the world. I love answer questions, exploring ideas, and creating real world connections from what students are learning to where it is applied. I hope to use my wide range of experience in the arts, sports, and engineering, to answer a plethora of question and never shy away from any question!
I am ready to help all students by answering their questions and frequently addressing some questions to them....
Studying Statistics and Machine Learning at Carnegie Mellon, Victoria knows exactly what strong quantitative and verbal reasoning look like — and how to build both for the PSAT. She breaks the test into repeatable strategies, from identifying evidence-based answer choices in the reading module to catching tricky algebra setups in the math section. Her approach turns test-day nerves into confidence by making each question type feel predictable.
Scoring 1460 on the SAT gave Samantha a clear map of how the PSAT's Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections test the same core skills — command of evidence, word-in-context questions, and grammar rules like parallel structure and modifier placement. She breaks the test into repeatable patterns so students can spot what each question is really asking before they even look at the answer choices. Her psychology background also comes in handy for managing test-day nerves and building focused study habits.
The PSAT is more than a practice run — it's the gateway to National Merit recognition, and a few strategic points can make the difference. Abril treats PSAT prep as targeted skill-building, drilling the specific math concepts (systems of equations, ratios, passport-to-advanced-math problems) and writing conventions that appear most often. Her patient, methodical style is especially effective for sophomores and juniors encountering high-stakes standardized testing for the first time.
Because the PSAT doubles as the National Merit qualifying exam, the stakes are higher than many students expect. Aditi creates a structured prep plan covering both the math and evidence-based reading and writing sections, with particular attention to the tricky grammar conventions and data-analysis questions that cost students the most points. She also teaches pacing techniques so students finish each section with time to review.
I am a chemistry and environmental science student at the University of Virginia. In high school I completed the IB diploma program and took chemistry, math, english and history at the higher level. I tutor in Middle school math, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, IB Math (HL,SL and Studies), Calculus 1, Calculus 2, IB Chemistry (SL and HL), IB Environmental Systems and Societies, Ecology, and SAT math test prep. I have experience tutoring students in IB courses and non-IB courses. When I tutor I try to lead you to right answer by asking you questions to determine what you already know, clearing up misconceptions, and getting you to think critically about the material. This tutoring strategy is particularly effective for IB exams or application questions that test critical thinking in addition to your mastery of the subject matter.
I am in graduate school and she is in undergraduate college, we have regular online sessions where I explain her the concepts as best as possible.
I am an expert writer and communicator in both English and Spanish, and my thorough knowledge of linguistics (phonetics and syntax) makes me especially qualified to help second language learners. While I am an effective and capable tutor for a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about English, Spanish, and ESL, for I believe that strong communication skills are the foundation for success.
I am an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia (UVA) originally from Fairfield, Connecticut. I am pursuing my Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Global Public Health on the pre-med track with the hopes of becoming a physician (hopefully in pediatrics). At UVA, I am involved in youth mentoring as a Program Director of "GEMS" (Girls Excited about Math and Science), where I teach exciting lessons and conduct experiments with a class of elementary school girls in a variety of scientific topics, while I am also the Head Program Director of Youth Mentoring at UVA. I was also involved in tutoring throughout high school, where I worked with a group of special needs students. While I tutor in a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about English, Science (especially Biology and Chemistry), and Humanities, which are most strongly reflected in my own studies. In my experience in the areas of reading and writing in particular, strong literary thinking skills helped me to be more creative and set myself apart in many of my applications to college, so I am passionate about helping students of any age to become stronger writers. I am also passionate about enhancing students' skills in critical thinking, especially through STEM topics, which can set students up for success in any difficult course or standardized test. I hope to instill a strong appreciation for education and learning within each of my students, and I believe that the first step is to help students feel more confident in their areas of interest while setting goals for the future. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking and being outdoors, traveling, painting, and playing soccer.
I am a recent college graduate from Columbia University with a lot of experience in research and writing. My major was Human Rights and I am passionate about the issues that I engage with. I received my associate's degree from Bergen Community College in 2014 and my Bachelors from Columbia in 2017. At Bergen Community, I worked in the tutoring center focusing on assisting students with writing in any subject. I also tutor English and the SAT.
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 Math and SAT Reading mean he tackles the full exam, including the algebra-heavy no-calculator section where students often stumble on multi-step word problems. Rated 4.9 by students.
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 subjects, I take a creative, inquiry-based and learner-centered approach, designing opportunities for each unique individual to meet their learning goals.
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.
I am currently a resident physician at Northwestern Hospital.
Anna's MD/MBA path through Northwestern's Feinberg and Kellogg programs means she's spent years toggling between dense scientific literature and business case analysis — the exact mix of reading speed and quantitative precision the PSAT demands across both its Evidence-Based Reading and math sections. Her 36 ACT and 1590 SAT confirm she's mastered standardized test architecture at the highest level, and she uses that experience to teach students how to spot the PSAT's recurring trap-answer patterns in command-of-evidence questions. Rated 5.0 by students.
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 at Columbia University in my department and also have tutored graduate students and undergraduates privately as well. My primary areas of tutoring are math and statistics coursework in addition to math sections on standardized tests such as the GRE and GMAT. I am very passionate about helping students feel more confident and excited about math. In my spare time, I enjoy running, playing piano, and spending time with friends and family.
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.
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 Medicine.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Score improvement depends on your starting point and current gaps, but most students see meaningful gains within 8-12 weeks of focused preparation. Students who work with tutors often improve by 50-100+ points by identifying weak areas early and practicing targeted strategies. Since the PSAT is scored on a scale of 320-1520, even small improvements can boost your National Merit eligibility and confidence heading into the SAT.
Your first session focuses on understanding your baseline skills and goals. A tutor will likely review your recent practice test scores, identify which sections (Reading, Writing, or Math) need the most work, and discuss your timeline and National Merit aspirations. This diagnostic approach helps create a personalized study plan that targets your specific challenges rather than generic test prep.
Many students struggle with the Reading and Writing section because it requires both speed and accuracy—you need to read passages quickly, understand nuanced vocabulary, and apply grammar rules under time pressure. Common issues include spending too much time on difficult passages, misunderstanding question formats, and second-guessing correct answers. A tutor can teach you strategic reading techniques and help you practice pacing so you finish with confidence.
Effective PSAT Math strategy involves mastering the question formats (multiple choice and student-produced responses), knowing when to use a calculator versus solving by hand, and practicing time management since pacing is critical. Many students benefit from learning to recognize question patterns, work backwards from answer choices, and skip difficult problems strategically. Working with a tutor helps you identify whether your gaps are conceptual (needing to relearn topics) or tactical (needing better problem-solving approaches).
Most effective PSAT prep includes a practice test every 2-3 weeks to track progress and identify emerging weak areas. Early in your preparation, you might take a diagnostic test to establish your baseline, then use practice tests strategically to measure improvement and adjust your study focus. Between full practice tests, targeted practice on specific question types helps reinforce skills without overwhelming yourself.
Yes—tutoring can be especially valuable if you're aiming for National Merit recognition, since the PSAT score threshold varies by state and year. In Virginia, the cutoff is typically competitive, making focused preparation worthwhile. A tutor can help you understand what score you need, create a realistic timeline, and develop strategies to maximize your performance in your strongest areas while building confidence in weaker sections.
Test anxiety often stems from feeling unprepared or unfamiliar with question formats, both of which tutoring directly addresses. By practicing under timed conditions, learning proven test-taking strategies, and building familiarity with the exam, you'll feel more confident and in control on test day. Many students also benefit from discussing anxiety management techniques with a tutor, like pacing strategies and how to reset mentally between sections.
Look for tutors with strong track records helping students improve PSAT scores, deep knowledge of the test format and question types, and experience teaching test-taking strategy alongside content. Ideally, they should be able to diagnose your specific challenges quickly and adapt their teaching to your learning style. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who specialize in PSAT prep and understand how to help Richmond students succeed.
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