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.)

Our Programs

Monday & Friday Evening Classes (Live Online)

  • 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  • Live online, 2 hours per session
  • September through June
  • Designed around the high school schedule. Evening sessions let students attend after school and extracurriculars — consistent, manageable prep without disrupting their week.

Saturday Classroom Sessions (In-Person)

  • Saturdays — 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
  • In-person classroom, 4 hours
  • September through June
  • A structured classroom environment builds focus and accountability. Saturdays are also when we hold mock PSAT® — timed, full-length tests that simulate real conditions so students know exactly what to expect on test day.

Intensive Option

5-Day PSAT® Crash Courses

For students who want a concentrated push right before the October PSAT®. Crash courses are offered selectively — scheduled near the official test date each year so availability changes by season.

  • 5 consecutive days of focused PSAT® instruction
  • Timed practice under real exam conditions
  • Reading, writing, and math section review
  • National Merit score threshold strategy
  • Scheduled near the October PSAT® date
  • Limited availability — announced each season

Check back each fall or join our mailing list to be notified when the next crash course is announced.

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.