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Award-Winning PSAT Writing Skills Tutors

Certified Tutor
16+ years
John
I'm a huge Red Sox fan and love watching detective shows when I have free time.
University of St Thomas
Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama
American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Associates, Acting

Certified Tutor
6+ years
Mimi
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...
Harvard University
Masters in Education, Education
Dartmouth College
B.A.
Certified Tutor
Elena
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...
Cornell University
Bachelor in Arts
University of Chicago Law School
Juris Doctor, Law
Certified Tutor
8+ years
Anna
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...
Northwestern University
Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
Northwestern University
Graduated (Honors Program in Medical Education)
Certified Tutor
10+ years
Nina
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 ...
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
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Alex
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 ...
Washington and Lee University
Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Elliot
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...
Hampshire College
Bachelor in Arts, Cognitive Science
Vanderbilt University
Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience
Certified Tutor
10+ years
Chelain
I am currently a resident physician at Northwestern Hospital.
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
Certified Tutor
Michelle
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...
Baylor College of Medicine
Current Grad Student, M.D.
Rice University
Bachelor's in Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Certified Tutor
4+ years
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.
Rice University
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Certified Tutor
Edward
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...
University
Bachelor's
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Peter
I am a graduate from Georgetown University, where I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics with a minor in Music. I'm currently pursuing a Master's of Science in Business Analytics at Carnegie Mellon University. I've been tutoring since I started high school, focusing on mathematics and w...
Georgetown University
Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics
Certified Tutor
6+ years
I'm eager to teach students how to make connections and understand any part of the world they need!
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity, Ministry
University of Kentucky
Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Phillip
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.
Brown University
Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Top 20 Test Prep Subjects
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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
Peter
AP Calculus BC Tutor • +29 Subjects
I am a graduate from Georgetown University, where I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics with a minor in Music. I'm currently pursuing a Master's of Science in Business Analytics at Carnegie Mellon University. I've been tutoring since I started high school, focusing on mathematics and writing. Throughout my college career I was employed both privately and by Georgetown University to tutor peers and high school students in the Washington, D.C. area. I worked with students taking classes in all levels of mathematics falling under Algebra, Calculus, Combinatorics, and Problem Solving. Hobbies: art, books, reading, music, writing
Austin
Elementary Math Tutor • +34 Subjects
Hobbies: reading, music, writing, art, books, traveling, travel, outdoors
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
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.
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.
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.
Sherry
Middle School Math Tutor • +34 Subjects
I am a graduate of the University of Chicago, with a bachelor's degree in psychology and linguistics. Currently, I am pursuing a master's degree in speech-language pathology at Teachers College, Columbia University. In the past, I have worked as a teacher's aide in a public school classroom, a mentor to middle school girls, an instructor and tutor at the literacy education organization 826, and a summer camp counselor. I tutor a diverse range of subjects, and I find that I especially enjoy tutoring language arts, reading, and writing at all levels, from elementary school all the way up to college/grad school test prep. As a tutor, I am committed to helping students reach their full potential as learners. Throughout my years as an educator, I have seen firsthand the remarkable academic growth that can occur when tutors provide students with the individualized support that they need. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, journaling, and learning about other languages and cultures.
Violet
AP Calculus AB Tutor • +28 Subjects
I am a member of the Brown Class of 2018, pursuing a bachelors degree in mathematics. I graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 2014. (I am able to help anyone with the boarding school admissions process.) Outside of academia, I pursue my passions in dance, travel, volunteering, reading and art. My tutoring subjects are mathematics (from elementary school to college level) and standardized testing (SAT, SAT subject tests, PSAT, and SSAT). I have tutored mainly high school students in the New York State Regents exams and AP Calculus, although I also have experience with students in middle and elementary school. Since I have been through many school systems, including public, private, studying abroad, and boarding school, I have learned many different techniques and can attack a problem from various angles. Ultimately, my teaching style is full of tips and tricks to break down complicated topics into simple, more understandable ideas. Hobbies: books, music, art, travel, reading, writing
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.
Top 20 Subjects
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.
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