Every fall, millions of high school students take the PSAT. Too often, families think of it as “just practice.” But treating the PSAT as an afterthought is a missed opportunity. In reality, this test can unlock scholarships, boost college readiness, and give students a crucial head start in the admissions process. Parents who encourage their children to take the PSAT seriously—and to prepare for it—can give them a significant advantage.
More Than Practice: A Gateway to Opportunity
The PSAT/NMSQT is designed as a preliminary SAT, but it also determines eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program, one of the most widely recognized academic honors in the U.S.
- Each year, about 1.3 million juniors sit for the exam. Of those, roughly 50,000 earn recognition, and about 15,000 become Finalists eligible for National Merit Scholarships.
- Recognition can translate into prestigious awards—from the National Merit’s $2,500 scholarships to corporate- and college-sponsored packages worth far more. Some universities even offer full tuition for National Merit Finalists.
- For families concerned about rising college costs, these opportunities are not theoretical—they are life-changing. But they are only available to students who take the PSAT seriously.
A Diagnostic Tool With Predictive Power
The PSAT isn’t just about scholarships; it’s also an early indicator of SAT readiness. Studies by the College Board show that PSAT performance strongly predicts later SAT outcomes.
That means a PSAT score report is a roadmap: it highlights strengths, pinpoints weaknesses, and provides parents and students with concrete data for targeted preparation. Treating the PSAT like a “free trial run” without review or preparation wastes valuable insight.
Why the Test Matters
Parents often ask, “If colleges don’t see PSAT scores, why should we stress about it?” The answer is simple:
- Scholarships are at stake. National Merit recognition can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in aid.
- Preparation pays off. Students who approach the PSAT strategically are better positioned for the SAT—still a critical factor at many top colleges—even many that remain test optional!
- Confidence matters. A strong PSAT experience builds test-taking stamina and reduces anxiety before higher-stakes exams.
How Parents Can Help Their Child Succeed
- Encourage preparation. Even modest review—through practice tests, question banks, or timed drills—can significantly raise scores. Free practice resources are available through the College Board and Khan Academy.
- Treat score reports like gold. Don’t file them away—study them. They break down performance by skill area, giving you a precise picture of where your student needs support.
- Think long-term. High PSAT scores can make the SAT less daunting and reduce the need for multiple test sittings later.
- Know the National Merit timeline. If your student scores in the top percentiles, you’ll need to submit additional materials and endorsements to move from Commended to Finalist.
- Research colleges with strong National Merit packages. If National Merit is in your sights, favor or keep open colleges known to sponsor or reward Finalists robustly.
- Don’t neglect holistic strength. Because National Merit or scholarship competition may look at grades, courses, leadership, and essays, ensure your non-test credentials remain strong.
- Use the PSAT momentum. Leverage PSAT success as motivation going into the SAT, college prep, and applications. Let it fuel growth, not complacency.
The Bottom Line
The PSAT may not appear on a college application, but it can shape the path to college in profound ways—from building academic confidence to unlocking scholarship money that makes higher education more affordable.
Parents who treat the PSAT as “just practice” risk missing these opportunities. Parents who encourage preparation, celebrate effort, and use the results strategically position their children for stronger college outcomes.
At C2 Education, we’ve seen firsthand: students who take the PSAT seriously don’t just do better on the SAT—they open doors to recognition, financial aid, and a brighter admissions journey.
