Help Your Teen Make the Most of Their PSAT/NMSQT

Event Date: August 26, 2026

The PSAT™/NMSQT® is more than a test. It's an opportunity to build that picture. We walked through free College Board resources and simple ways to support preparation at home, and showed how your teen can use their scores through the BigFuture® School Mobile App to connect their academic strengths to college and career options. 

Watch now for practical next steps to help your teen feel ready, without adding pressure.

Key Takeaways

1. Preparation Doesn't Have to Be Expensive

"There are excellent research-based resources available at no cost." – Erin Carlson, Sandusky High School

Free, research-based tools can help your teen build skills and confidence before test day. College Board offers free practice tests your teen can use anytime to get familiar with the format and ease some of that pre-test stress.

2. One Test, Two Purposes in Junior Year

"It is still a PSAT... but it also serves as the National Merit Scholarship qualifying test." – Dixie Ross, Texas Public Schools

The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) and PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) are the same exam. You can take it in 10th or 11th grade, but only junior-year scores count toward the National Merit Scholarship Program. Take it as a sophomore for practice under real test conditions and to spot weak areas. Take it as a junior for the same reasons — plus National Merit eligibility.

3. Let Your Teen Drive Their Own Prep

"Allowing students some choice and agency in the process can be very helpful." – Angela Pitkonen, Redan High School

Anxiety often comes from feeling like test prep is being done to them instead of by them. Let your teen pick how they study, whether that's an app, a study group, or a few practice sections a week. A little ownership can turn dread into confidence.

4. The Score Report Is a Launchpad, Not Just a Number

"The score report is more than just a number... it's going to provide a detailed picture of the student's strengths, areas for growth and then readiness for college level work." – Erin Carlson, Sandusky High School

Remind your teen the score report is more than a grade. It breaks down strengths, areas to grow, and how ready they are for college-level work — turning one test into a real planning tool. That kind of insight can guide course choices and career exploration long after test day.

Speakers:

	Erin Carlson  English Teacher, Sandusky High School, Michigan Erin Carlson is a wife and the mother of three children: Matt (23), David (18), and Rachel (15). She teaches high school English at Sandusky Jr./Sr. High School.  In her spare time you will find her teaching cooking classes for teens at the local library, volunteering, reading, or baking.
	Dixie Ross  Math Teacher, Concordia High School, Texas  Dixie Ross has taught mathematics in Texas public schools for over forty years. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in Adolescent and Young Adulthood Mathematics and was a Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Based on her own experience with the PSAT, she has been passionate for her entire career about preparing students effectively for standardized tests and helping students to access the options and opportunities those provide.
	Angela Williams Pitkonen  AP World History Teacher, Redan High School and AP U.S Government and Politics Virtual Instructor, Georgia Virtual School, Georgia Angela Williams Pitkonen is currently in her 28th year as an educator, with an M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership. As an Education Consultant, she has facilitated Advanced Placement Summer Institute (APSI) for World History and PBL World History. She has been an Education Ambassador for the College Board for over 8 years. She is also a reader for the AP World History Modern exam, and she participated in the College Board Project Based Learning (PBL) pilot.