The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test taken by sophomores across America to both prepare them for the SAT and to see if they have the academic chops necessary to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. Considering this is the first major standardized test most students encounter, it tends to be anxiety-inducing. But it needn’t be! The PSAT has minimal impact on your college admissions prospects. Think of it like a warm-up to the real thing: the SAT.

Despite what some test-optional colleges would have you believe, achieving a high SAT or ACT score is crucial to getting into a highly selective school. The students who decline to submit scores are at a total disadvantage and the only reason schools deny this is to drive up their application numbers. In other words, the PSAT is a great way to practice your testing skills a year ahead of your SAT, which is typically taken in junior year. Beyond serving as a trial run for the SAT, the PSAT has very little relevance to most college-bound high schoolers — with a few notable exceptions.

How National Merit Qualification Impacts College Admissions Odds

Most of us understand how the PSAT prepares students for the SAT. However, far too little focus is given to the other half of its function: it serves as a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students who score within a certain top percentile of PSAT-takers become qualifiers for the National Merit Scholarship (the cut-off, for the record, is determined by The College Board). While very few of these students will walk away with an actual merit scholarship from this program, including a National Merit qualification on your college resume will make you seem like a slightly more qualified candidate.

Why? Because National Merit qualifiers give the appearance that they didn’t have to work hard to achieve their (presumably) high SAT score. Admissions officers see that they did quite well on the PSAT and assume that they’ve always been adept at taking standardized tests. Granted, you might have received tutoring for the PSAT. Maybe what seems like a natural skill was actually the result of a strenuous effort on the part of your parents, your tutor, and yourself to get the highest score possible. But college admissions officers can’t tell the difference. They see that you’re a National Merit Scholar and assume you must be elite college material.

Last year, less than 1% of graduating high school seniors qualified as National Merit semifinalists. That’s fewer than 16,000 students. The odds might not be in your favor to receive National Merit recognition, but with the proper prep and tutoring, it’s certainly within reach!

Don’t Worry About The PSAT!

Still, for most students, the PSAT is nothing more than a warm-up. There’s no need to stress over it! After all, the score isn’t reported to colleges. If you do poorly on the PSAT, rest assured that your score will be nothing more than a blip on the radar of your college admissions journey. You’re better off saving that blood, sweat, and tears for preparing for your SAT — with the help of Ivy Coach’s expert team of tutors! So, stress less about the PSAT and focus on the bigger picture of your college admissions journey.

Dr. Fran Bigman, Ivy Coach’s Senior Tutor, has been tutoring students to ace the SAT for over 20 years. Her individualized approach to instruction has benefitted students everywhere — from those at English boarding schools to those she met through working with the Fulbright Commission. Dr. Bigman will work with your child well in advance of their PSAT date to get them into the best shape possible, thus optimizing their odds of receiving National Merit Scholarship recognition and boosting their chances of elite college admission.

To get started, complete Ivy Coach’s complimentary consultation form and indicate your interest in our tutoring services. We will then be in touch.