The PSAT® is more than practice — it’s your first shot at National Merit Scholarship® recognition. Structured prep that takes it seriously, without adding to an already full plate.

8-10th Graders

One Test. Real Opportunity.

Most students treat the PSAT® as a warmup. The ones who prepare for it seriously treat it as the opportunity it actually is — a direct path to National Merit® recognition and significant scholarship money.

Qualifying starts with your PSAT® score. The higher you score, the further along the path you go — from Commended Scholar to Semifinalist to Finalist, each step unlocking more.

To qualify: Score in approximately the top 3–4% of test-takers in your state on the PSAT/NMSQT® (taken in 11th grade). A GPA of 3.3+ (B+) and top-10% state scores on the PSATTM 10 can also unlock National Recognition Program awards.

10th Grade · Sophomore Year

PSAT™ 10 — National Recognition Programs

  • Who qualifies: GPA 3.3+ and top 10% of test-takers in your state or school
  • Awards include: School Recognition, First-Generation, Rural/Small Town, African American, Hispanic, and Indigenous honors
  • Bonus: Some universities offer automatic scholarships to students with National Recognition honors (e.g., Arizona State, University of Arizona)

11th Grade · Junior Year

PSAT/NMSQT® — National Merit Scholarships®

Take the PSAT/NMSQT® in junior year. Score in the top ~3–4% of your state. Maintain strong academic standing. Finalists are selected based on scores, GPA, school recommendation, and an essay.

  • Who qualifies:Top ~3–4% of scorers in your state earn Semifinalist status
  • Path forward: Semifinalist → Finalist → Scholarship recipient

National Merit Scholarship® Award Amounts

A student may only receive one monetary award from the National Merit Scholarship® Corporation — but corporate and college-sponsored awards are separate and can significantly exceed the base amount.

  • $2,500: One-time payment. (One award per student cannot be combined with other National Merit Scholarship® Corporation monetary awards.)
  • $1,000–$10,000/yr: Corporate-Sponsored (Renewable. Up to $40,000 total. Awarded by corporations sponsoring high-achieving students.)
  • $2,500–$5,000: Corporate-Sponsored (One-Time. Single payment from a corporate sponsor. Amount varies by sponsoring organization.)
  • $500–$2,000/yr: College-Sponsored (Renewable. Up to $8,000 total. Valid only at the specific sponsoring institution.)

How We Prepare Students for the PSAT

Our PSAT® curriculum is built for 8th and 9th graders and runs one-on-one this year, not as a scheduled class.
Older students are usually better served by the SAT course. The PSAT tests the same content in a slightly easier form, and the PSAT/NMSQT that carries National Merit is taken in junior year, so a student preparing at SAT level is ready for both.

Two Options:

Option 1 — Join our SAT® course
Best for most students. Our year-long SAT course prepares students for both exams at once. Students train at SAT® difficulty, sit the PSAT® in October well above the level it requires, and continue straight through to the SAT® with no restart and no wasted months.
This is the stronger option for any student ready for SAT-level material. It is also the more economical one.

See the SAT course

Option 2 — Private PSAT® tutoring
Best for students who need a focused, shorter engagement, or who are not yet ready for the pace of a full SAT course. One-on-one, in person at our Midtown office or live online, built around a diagnostic and aimed at the specific sections costing points.
Every hour includes instruction, our own curriculum and materials, and academic counseling on timeline and National Merit strategy. Tutoring is $350 per hour.

To get started, fill out the form below and we will reach out to schedule a diagnostic and build a plan.

Most Intensive Option

The 4-Week Residential Summer PSAT® Camp

For students who want to complete their entire PSAT® preparation — and get a head start on SAT®/ACT® — in one dedicated summer month. Full immersion, structured daily instruction, and mock testing – all in one place. 

How to begin

1. Complete the interest form below.
2. Hear from a Kent counselor. We will reach out to schedule a call, and if it would help, a diagnostic exam to see where your student currently stands.
3. Meet for a consultation. We review the results together and recommend the right path, whether that is one of our classes or private tutoring.