Prepare for the PSAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT and compete for National Merit recognition with personalized guidance from expert educators.

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Your Path to National Merit Starts Here

 

PSAT

The PSAT/NMSQT gives students an opportunity to compete for National Merit recognition — an academic distinction awarded to top-performing students across the country.

Each year, approximately 1.5 million students take the PSAT/NMSQT, but only about 16,000 students qualify as National Merit Semifinalists.

Becoming a National Merit Semifinalist or Finalist can help students:

  • Strengthen competitive college applications
  • Demonstrate exceptional academic achievement
  • Increase visibility with admissions offices
  • Qualify for merit-based scholarships
  • Gain access to honors colleges and specialized academic programs

National Merit qualification is based on junior-year PSAT performance. Many schools offer practice PSAT exams for sophomores and freshmen, too and while those scores don’t count towards National Merit qualification, the best way to succeed on the test that matters is to prepare for the first one.

Our goal is to help students build a stronger foundation for future SAT performance and long-term college admissions success.

Personalized PSAT
Prep Designed Around Your Student

Personalized Learning Plans

Every student begins with a customized PSAT preparation strategy based on academic strengths, areas of opportunity, and long-term goals.

Small-Group 3:1 Instruction

Our in-person 3:1 model gives students individualized attention while helping them stay engaged, accountable, and actively involved during lessons.

Ongoing Progress Tracking

Through interim testing, parent conferences, and continuous adjustments to the learning plan, we help students continue improving throughout the program.

PSAT Prep and NMSQT Tutoring for Top Scores

The PSAT is more than just practice for the SAT. For high school juniors, it also serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Strong PSAT scores can help students stand out during the college admissions process and may open the door to valuable scholarship opportunities.

At C2 Education, our personalized PSAT prep programs help students strengthen core math and reading skills while building the confidence and testing strategies needed for junior-year success.

Through small-group 3:1 in-person instruction, interim testing, and customized learning plans, our educators help students prepare strategically for both the PSAT and future SAT success.

Start with a Personalized Plan for Your Student

Get expert insight into your student’s strengths, challenges, and next steps.

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Families Trust C2 for Personalized PSAT and National Merit Preparation

See how students and families used C2 Education’s personalized PSAT prep programs to build confidence, strengthen scores, and prepare for competitive college admissions opportunities.

PSAT and National Merit FAQs

  • Although the junior-year PSAT is the only score that counts towards National Merit Scholarship Qualification, many schools offer practice PSATs for sophomores and freshmen. The best way to prepare for the test that matters is to prepare for the first one. A good score on the PSAT 8/9 or 10 can help build confidence heading into the PSAT/NMSQT.

  • The PSAT/NMSQT is the junior-year version of the PSAT that qualifies students for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10 are designed primarily for practice and academic benchmarking.

  • Approximately 1.5 million students take the PSAT/NMSQT each year, but only about 16,000 students are named National Merit Semifinalists.

  • Yes. Many colleges offer merit-based scholarships and honors program opportunities to National Merit Finalists, including partial tuition and full-ride scholarship packages at some universities.

  • Yes. Because the PSAT and SAT are closely aligned, PSAT preparation helps students build many of the same reading, math, pacing, and testing skills needed for future SAT success.