PSAT 8/9 Tutoring

PSAT 8/9 Overview

The PSAT 8/9 is a grade-level adjusted version of the SAT that’s offered in school once or twice a year. Some schools use it to measure student progress, while others use it to determine class placement. 

The PSAT 8/9 is not a college entrance test (that’s the SAT), and it is not used to qualify high achieving students for National Merit recognition (that’s the PSAT).

Here is some information about the test itself: 

• The test is administered in a digital format only (a paper and pencil version will be made available only to students with an approved accommodation).
• The test is adaptive. Each section is broken into two modules. The first module will include easy, medium, and hard questions. The second module's mix of questions will be based on the student's performance in the first module.
• The test has just two sections: a combined reading & writing section and a single math section.
• The reading and writing passages are short, and each is followed by only one question.
• Calculators are allowed for the whole math section.
• Like the SAT and PSAT, the PSAT 8/9 takes 2 hours and 14 minutes.

Our Approach to the PSAT 8/9

Our tutors are skilled at customizing instruction for each student, something that is especially important when students are aiming for high scores. Does your child need more help with math and less with reading? We can do that! Our individualized approach ensures that your child will earn their best possible PSAT 8/9 score.

We address four core competencies in our test prep tutoring: test taking strategies, academic skills, timing/pacing, and test anxiety. And all in the context of this test’s digital, adaptive format! We’ve tutored hundreds of students for this style of test, so we are well-versed in what students need to be successful.

We want you to feel supported during this process, too! Your tutoring director will walk you through a customized tutoring timeline, update you on progress, alert you to important deadlines, and answer any questions you have along the way.

Testing Accommodations

Our tutors are able to support students with accommodations such as extended time, multiple day testing, a reader, a writer, or alternate test formats. We help students understand how to most effectively use their accommodations on the test day.

First Step

All students begin by taking a diagnostic pre-test. Based on our score analysis, the tutoring plan will include  goal scores and a recommended number of tutoring sessions.

Sign up for one of our proctored pre-tests, a great opportunity to get a feel for the real test day. If your child is unable to make a proctored test date, you can request a free practice pre-test here!

When to Start Tutoring for the PSAT 8/9

The start date for tutoring depends on the test date and your child's needs and goals. If they're looking to boost confidence, we might need just a few sessions during the month or so before the test. If your child is prepping to achieve a high score because the test is being used for class placement, we may need more time. 

Give us a call, and we'll help you determine the best timeline for your child.