PSAT prep

PSAT/NMSQT prep — a head start on the SAT and National Merit.

The PSAT/NMSQT is both practice for the digital SAT and, for juniors, the gateway to National Merit recognition. Elite matches your student with a tutor who builds SAT-transferable skills now and, where the goal is National Merit, prepares for that higher bar.

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A student preparing for the PSAT one-on-one with a tutor.

Why the PSAT matters

The PSAT is practice — and, for juniors, real stakes.

For most students it is a low-pressure preview of the digital SAT. For high scorers, the junior-year PSAT/NMSQT can open National Merit scholarships and recognition.

The gradeWhether it is a sophomore practice run or the junior National Merit year.

The starting pointA recent practice score across Reading, Writing, and Math.

The goalSAT preparation, a strong score, or National Merit qualification.

What PSAT prep covers

SAT-transferable skills, at the PSAT level.

Prep doubles as early SAT preparation, since the tests share a format.

Reading and WritingThe same skills the digital SAT tests, at the PSAT level.

MathAlgebra and problem-solving with and without the calculator.

Digital formatThe same adaptive, app-based format as the digital SAT.

Score and indexHow the PSAT score and the Selection Index work.

National MeritPreparing juniors aiming for the commended and semifinalist thresholds.

SAT transferBuilding skills that carry straight into SAT prep.

How PSAT prep works

Diagnose with a real test, target weak areas, then practice under real conditions.

Prep is built on data from full-length practice, not generic worksheets.

1 · DiagnoseA full-length practice test sets an honest baseline and shows exactly where points are lost.

2 · Target the gapsSessions focus on the specific content and question types costing the most points.

3 · Learn the strategySection timing, question order, and the exam format and scoring itself.

4 · Practice and trackRegular full-length practice tests measure progress and refine the plan.

Who it helps

Whether your student is just starting or aiming higher.

Students starting prepBuild a plan from a first practice test and steady, structured sessions.

Students raising a scoreTarget the specific sections and question types holding a score back on a retake.

Students balancing schoolFit focused prep around coursework, activities, and the test calendar.

Explore related support

Plan the test, format, and subject.

All test prep Digital SAT prep ACT prep Math tutoring Test-prep bootcamps

Common questions

PSAT prep FAQs

How is the PSAT related to the SAT?The PSAT/NMSQT uses the same digital format and tests the same skills, so PSAT prep is also strong preparation for the SAT.

Can PSAT prep help with National Merit?Yes. For juniors aiming at National Merit, tutors target the higher Selection Index needed for commended and semifinalist recognition.

Is PSAT prep in-home or online?Both. In-home where a local tutor can be matched, and online with the same vetted, degree-holding tutors nationwide.

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From our parent guides

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Share the student’s grade, target test and date, current score context, schedule, and online or in-home preference.