s your child planning on going to college? If you answered yes, then just about  the best thing you could ever do is enroll them in an SAT/ACT/CLT prep class.  And that’s because these tests are not just essential for college entrance, they  are instrumental in determining who gets the scholarship offers. To get the  best score you possibly can is crucially important since most colleges have  abandoned the test optional policy; 85% of colleges award places and money  based solely on your result. The higher the score—the more money you get! A  college’s prestige and national rankings are based on test scores, so it’s as  important for your student to go to a great school, as it is for the college to  attract the best students.  

The cost of these all-important prep classes varies from a couple of hundred  dollars to a jaw-dropping five-digit price tag. But as they say, buyers beware if  you believe that the more you pay the better the course. It’s simply not true.  So, to help you, here’s ten questions to ask when you are researching a test  prep class or program:  

1. What is the reputation of the company? 

Paid Reviews: Have you investigated their background and read independent  reviews about their claims as well as the overall satisfaction from past  participants? Has the company won awards or been featured favorably in the  media? Hint: The best ones win industry awards, are featured in the media  and have hundreds if not thousands of verifiable, authentic (and even  dazzling) reviews. 

College Prep Genius has been featured on Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, TXA21,  WE, CW33, ION, Smart Woman, UShopTV and the Homeschool Channel and has won 30 unsolicited awards. 

2. Who writes the diagnostic test? Is it the same test for the beginning as  well as the end? 

Deceptive Diagnostic Test: Similarly, many companies create a hard (made up) diagnostic test for students to take as a baseline score in the beginning of  the program/course/book. It is usually very difficult, and students tend to  score low. After they have completed the program, students take another test,  usually much easier (made-up) and different than the first one. They often  score much better and feel proud and confident that they have improved, but  results cannot be compared to an actual test. The fake test design is skewed  in the company’s favor. 

College Prep Genius has students take the College Board test #1 before  starting our program and the same one again after they have completed  the program, quizzes, and homework which gives a fair assessment of any  improvement. 

3. Can you rely on the experience of the teachers? 

Unscrupulous Practices: Don’t just believe the hype. Be willing to ask what  college the teachers attended and what test score they received. Hint: Some  dishonest companies have been caught boasting that their teachers come  from top colleges when in fact, on occasion this has been untrue.  

College Prep Genius’ instructors are professional and have personally  experienced high-test scores themselves or their children who went  through the class. 

4. What materials will be used for the students to practice with?

Wrong Info: Many test prep companies use practice tests that are unreliable  and irrelevant to the real test; they don’t follow the actual patterns found on  the real tests. Rarely do these tests help students learn the logic and recurring  patterns that can only be found on actual tests. So, if you are going to the  trouble of getting test-prep help, make sure the company you choose uses  reliable materials. You can’t study for these tests but you must study the tests  themselves and how the questions are written and answered. Since you only  get around a minute per question, students spend 2-3 minutes working out  problems the long way, which will burn up the clock. Once you understand the  recurring patterns found on every test, you can learn to answer questions in  30 seconds or less. 

College Prep Genius’ homework practice questions are from the test  makers themselves, which are free. 

5. What is the format of what is taught in the class? I.e., Are they teaching  more math concepts and lists upon lists of vocabulary words? 

One thing that surprises most people is that the SAT and similar tests do not  actually test your high school knowledge. You will be required to answer  questions that are based on the familiar concepts of high school lessons, but  are really testing your critical thinking, logic and ability to get through as many  of the large number of questions as you can in a short amount of time. Many  programs emphasize re-learning high school content by memorizing thousands of vocabulary words and focusing on more math concepts. If this  were helpful, then everyone with a GPA of 4.0 would automatically scoop all  the best scholarships. Test-taking is different skill set not taught in most  schools and homes. Hint: While you cannot study content for these tests, you  can prepare yourself by learning the recurring patterns in the tests  themselves, and how you can answer questions in 30 seconds or less.  

College Prep Genius teaches the hidden patterns on the test so students  can discern the wrong answers first and eliminate them so as not to 

overthink or second-guess themselves. It takes time to learn test-taking  techniques and practice correctly, solidifying the information to apply  appropriately. Accuracy before speed! These tests are based on logic,  reasoning, and critical thinking. 

6. What exactly does their guarantee entail? 

Nitty-gritty: I could sum this one up easily: Check the fine print! The operators  of many of the expensive courses offer a money-back guarantee if a student’s  score doesn’t improve beyond a certain range. While this sounds like a great  deal in principle, it may not be easy to make a claim. To qualify, your student  will most likely have to attend every single class and turn in every single bit of  homework. This is usually unrealistic and where they’ll sting you because  there is usually so much work that most students simply cannot complete it  because of their already busy schedules; if they do comply, they are usually  offered to take the same class again which ironically didn’t help the first time.  

This goes along with the initial fake diagnostic test and then the different test  taken once the course is finished. Companies can point to these as an  “improvement” but the fact the student did not score well at the actual test  was probably due to a lack of studying. Also, some high schools that contract  with these schools are given special versions of the course and often don’t  offer a guarantee. Hint: Know how your investment is protected.  

College Prep Genius has taught tens of thousands of students how to ace standardized tests. Students have raised their SATs between 300-700  points, ACT between 4-11 points and the CLT between 11-26 points! 

7. Why do some students receive free classes from companies while most  parents pay big bucks for the class? 

Unreliable Testimonials: Here’s a ploy you really need to be aware of: Some  companies pay a fee to receive sophomore PSAT scores from certain zip  codes. They then find the students who have scored high, naturally, and then  offer them free classes. If the student scores high, National Merit range, as a 

junior, the company gets the credit, making them not a true testimonial. I  would feel more confident about their program if they offered the lowest scoring students a chance to improve at no cost. So, rather than proving that  the test-prep was of great benefit to the student, the overall statistics of the  prep course are artificially inflated. . Hint: You might want to be curious about  how the company awards free tuition.  

College Prep Genius‘s testimonials have all been given to us by legitimate,  volunteering families. We have also never paid for any of them. We have  thousands of written ones and numerous life-changing videos.  

8. Do schools/organizations receive any kickbacks for promoting their company? 

Distorted Reputation: There are expensive test prep companies that will give  money, sometimes under the table (e.g., for sports/PTA) to schools for every  student they recommend for their program. While this is the way affiliate  programs often work, in my case, schools won’t let my effective and  affordable program in because of the no-profit margin for them. There should  be options. 

College Prep Genius has always been an effective and affordable program  so almost everyone could afford it. We are not out to gouge anyone but  love seeing students, of all economic backgrounds, reach test success! 

9. Does the program work on the CLT? 

Forgotten CLT Prep: The test taking the testing world by storm is absent in  most test prep companies or taught incorrectly. This alternative to the  SAT/ACT and has been around since 2015. The test is raising the standard of  testing following western traditions and incorporating classic work from  various time periods. During the 2020 test cancellations, colleges were  accepting the CLT in lieu of the SAT/ACT since it was already proctored 

remotely. Their enrollment increased by 5000% weekly. We have a specific  CLT program created with an actual test given to us by them. 

College Prep Genius is the official test prep of the CLT. They partnered in  2017. Many of our students have raised their CLT score as much as 26  points! Our homework practice test questions are also exclusively  sanctioned from the CLT and used to reinforce strategies learned in the  classroom. 

10. Does the company promote the junior year as the premier time to start  considering college entrance exams? 

Hysteria ensues: Parents are often told to have their students engage in test  prep in the junior year. Unfortunately, in most cases, these students are  already overwhelmed with school, homework, part-time job, sports, clubs,  volunteering, friends, church, etc. There is less time to improve and self correct mistakes. Test prep companies take advantage of the stress and panic  families are feeling and charge more money because they can get it. 

College Prep Genius highly recommends that students start early, even  middle school. This puts time on their side, and it helps the student  lessen the test anxiety and gain test maturity. It takes time to solidify the  information so it can be applied appropriately. You cannot get time back! 

BOTTOM-LINE: The SAT/ACT/CLT exams are designed for carelessness since  most students will rush to answer questions quickly with so little time to finish  if they don’t know the shortcuts and strategies. This leads to low scores and  more school debt since the higher the score, the more money they get!

No matter which test prep course you enroll in, and no matter how much it  costs, it is like gym membership: If you don’t do the work then it just adds up  to a pile of wasted money! It is however, reassuring to know this: The SAT,  PSAT, CLT and ACT are tests of logic and critical-thinking and are tests that  can be beaten. There is a wrong way to approach the preparation and there is  the correct way. When you do it right, the rewards will follow, and your child  will find it far easier to succeed. There are reputable programs that cut to the  chase and teach the right information to help many students reach test  success, regardless of their economic situation. To excel in sports, an athlete  must practice to win a game. Standardized tests are really just like games. And  when you learn to play the right way—you can win, big time! 

Going to college for free can be like winning the lottery. Imagine throwing away several trash bags  full of college scholarship offers. This can include a full ride, free room and board, graduate school  money, etc. This is what happened to us and I’ll show you some important tips that can help you. Whether you’re a student or a parent with college on your mind, read on to learn how you can  minimize or completely obliterate your possible future college debt. This article will help make your  college years much more affordable in the short and long-term. Maybe something you read here will  help you get you free college. So let’s begin. 

For some families, getting just one scholarship offer can be the difference between going to junior  college or attending the perfect university.  

There’ s no denying that it’s getting harder and harder to afford to go to college and to launch  yourself into the career of your dreams. The price of college tuition has increased by 600% in the last  twenty-five years and our nation is 2.1 trillion dollars in college debt. The burden is being placed more and more on the students themselves as they have to pay for tuition, room and board, books,  fees, transportation and more. In fact, the median college debt is around $100,000 and it takes twenty years to pay off. College debt has become so crippling to many graduates that they are now  often unable to afford a mortgage, get married or have children. 

As a parent of a pre-college child, you have spent the last nine to twelve years dedicating your time,  money and energy to your child’s learning at school. Like most parents, higher education is your goal  and it’s highly likely that you want your son or daughter to go to college.  

Scholarships can still come your way even if you haven’t managed to squirrel away enough money  into a college fund. Guidance counselors may not have all the answers to finding all the right  scholarship opportunities. So, allow me to let you in on some information that may open a few doors  and change your life.  

Top five ALPHA secrets to winning scholarships and  free college 

These little known tips and secrets will help you stay ahead of the pack. It’s surprising but I have found that most public and private school students are either not aware of them or don’t take the time to put these guidelines into practice. 

1. Aim High. It’s simple. Colleges love students with great test scores. Full scholarships are obtained by students who receive certain scores on their PSAT/NMSQT or SAT tests. There are usually several full-ride scholarships available in each department of most colleges. Colleges gladly (help ) pay the way of students with the best scores. Colleges get their national rankings based on test scores so aim high and attract the best colleges and their best offers.
2. Logic Rules. Did you know that PSAT/NMSQT , SAT and the ACT are tests of logic? They do not test exclusive knowledge or curriculum only learned at public or private schools. Many smart kids – from all academic and demographic backgrounds – do poorly on these tests because they don’t understand the test or how to look at the questions logically. Learn the logic and how to answer every question in 30 seconds or less and then pass the tests with flying colors.
3. Practice, practice, practice! Succeeding on these standardized tests can simply be a matter of finding the numerous recurring patterns and learning and practicing the test-taking techniques. You will find the questions themselves very often point to the answers. Students can learn to answer them quickly once they discover the secret methods that many others successful test-takers have.
4. Habit. Just decoding and knowing that there are repeated patterns within the tests is not enough. Now you have to make your progress undeniable. When you practice often enough you’ll create an automatic habit. Schedule twenty minutes a day or an hour or two a week to practice these techniques. If nothing else, it will stop you from having to cram at test time. You can find actual tests from the College Board.
5. Act! Big scholarship money starts to be thrown around in junior year. So, put time on your side. The earlier you take the PSAT/NMSQT tests the better. It gives you plenty of time to work on your weaknesses. Generally, it’s good to start to prepare to take the tests in eighth, ninth and tenth grade. Try not to wait until junior year for your first try. You may not know this but students can start taking the SAT as early as the seventh grade for talent search but there is no age limit.

The SAT and ACT are offered seven times a year and every college takes either one. Colleges usually take the highest scores each section from different tests. 

The SAT is used as an academic leveler. You see, because all schools weigh and calculate their scores  differently, the SAT allows all students to be compared on the same playing field. This is why a 4.0 GPA may score differently from school to school. Your best bet, to take advantage of the many  opportunities for free college, is to aim for your desired test score. 

Remember ALPHA, your most important keys to helping you fund some of or even your entire time  at college! 

Creative and Proven Ways to Pay for College 

No family should have to be strapped with college loans! Your decision to go to college should be  about choosing the best school for you. Here are some unique ways to get college money: 

Pay for college with milk money! 

Imagine getting money back on every dollar you spend and putting it away for college. And I mean  anywhere from 1-35% that you could earn on everyday purchases such as buying groceries, filling up  your tank, eating out, booking travel, shopping online and more.Upromise is a free service with over  12 million members. 

Upromise allows you to: 

• Shop with 600 participating retailers and get up to 35% back. 
• Eat out using a participating credit card and get up to 8% back from more than 8,000 restaurants. Grocery and drug stores have thousands of eligible items and when you scan a Upromise registered card at the checkout, you could get up to 3% back. Make it a family. When your family and friends join, their purchases can also go toward your Upromise account and your child’s education. 

Be low-income! 

Here’s a priceless piece of information. Not making a lot of money can actually work to your  advantage when it comes to paying for college. There are 72 colleges and universities that have  replaced loans with grants and scholarships for low- or lower-income families. In some cases, colleges are counting lower income as less than $140,000. Visit FinAid for comprehensive  information. Many of these are Ivy League institutions, and in order to qualify, some of these only  assess the income earned the year prior to your student applying to college. 

There are also colleges that cap their loans, and for some for the figure is as low as $5000 total for  four years. Students with low GPAs are also eligible for scholarship money. Take a look at the organization called Colleges That Change Lives for more information for finding the right college for  you. 

Credit for Prior Learning 

Entering college with credit for subjects previously studied can not only save you money but also  allow students to skip what they know, graduate early or even take on another degree. AP, Dual  Credit and CLEP/Dante are some of the ways that students can cut down the cost of college. Check out a program called “Freshman Year for Free”. It is a free program that allows students to do  their first year at home. Students just pay for any tests associated with the classes. More information  can be found at Modern States. 

Working for your education 

Students can receive a completely free education by working at the college throughout their school  years. At this type of school, none of the students pay because everyone works. Some of these schools  are: 

• Ecclesia College, Arkansas 
• Berea College, Kentucky 
• College of the Ozarks, Missouri 
• Blackburn College, Illinois 

Free College due to College Endowments 

There is a good number of colleges that offer free education through college grants or endowments  provided by the college themselves. Each college will have their own selection criteria. Students who have military aspirations and the right SAT score can inquire with the Naval Academy,  the Air Force Academy, and so on. 

Other colleges that fall into this category are: 

• Webb Institute, New York 
• Curtis Institute of Music, Pennsylvania 
• Barclay College, Kansas 

Higher education can be a life-changing experience and students who get high test scores are  usually the ones who get incredible scholarships. For us, learning the test secrets was more than worth it. But as you can see from everything I wrote about today, a high test score is just the  beginning! I hope I have helped you learn how to navigate the complex arrangements around college  funding so you can find it easier to follow your heart when it comes to studying for your dream life.

Besides, we earned free college and so can you.

1. MONEY-MONEY-MONEY! If you have a couple hundred thousand dollars saved up, per child, for college, you can stop now. Or if you do, you may want to give it to your student after graduation if they have earned a scholarship. Why are test scores tied directly to money? Rankings! Colleges receive their national rankings based on test scores, so the highest the score—the more money you get! Perks can include full-ride, free tuition, room and board, study-aboard stipends, grad school money, etc.
2. TIMING IS THE KILLER OF OPPORTUNITIES! No one would expect a piano student to be playing Beethoven after two weeks of lessons or an athlete to play in a championship after a few practices. To excel in music or sports, students usually need many months, even years to perfect their talent. It takes twenty deliberate and focused hours to learn the “fundamentals” of most skills and then students need time to self-correct any mistakes they are making; continual practicing is then needed to develop and  excel in their talent. Test-taking skills are no different. To score high, learning the shortcuts and strategies are not instant and can’t be expected to be perfected in a short of amount of time; it’s a skill set not taught in most schools or homes.
3. YOU CAN’T GET TIME BACK! Students do not get more time later but do tend to have a maxed out schedule the older they get. They take on more classes, extra homework, sports, clubs, church, part-time job, friends, social media…Adding test prep to an already busy schedule adds tremendous pressure on learning a  new skill or having to give-up other activities to study on how to take the test.
4. ENDLESS CIRCLE-ENDLESS DEBT! Well-meaning counselors and parents have been giving students wrong advice  for years, such as, “wait until the end of the junior year to prepare for college entrance tests”. When they follow this recommendation, students often discover that their scores are very low, and realize that they have very little time to improve. One option is to spend the summer learning the test and practicing before the senior year. Most choose to use the time to work or just have fun. This results  in barely getting into a college and not necessarily their dream school. With a low score, they are forced to take out loans since they may not qualify for scholarships. The average student spends twenty years paying off college loans and the median debt is 100K.
5. BEING SMART IS IRRELEVANT! Tests like the SAT, ACT, PSAT, CLT…are not about IQ but are logic based and not content-based exams. Many valedictorians bomb these tests because smart students approach them like a school test. The questions are purposely misleading, and the wrong answers are tricky and easily picked. Learning the recurring patterns is the key to success because you can’t study for the test but must study the test itself.
6. FORGET THE GOOD GPA! Students should strive to maintain a good GPA, but it is not the key to entrance and scholarship money. Colleges know a 4.0 at one school is not the same at another since they all weigh and calculate their scores differently. The only fair way a college can compare all students equally is a test like the SAT because it levels the playing field. It is the great equalizer and is the only numerical element that all applicants have in common. 85% of colleges admit and give money based on test scores alone.
7. IT’S A BEATABLE TEST! Some students are good test-takers naturally and learning a few more strategies can put them over the top. Other students tend to be the rule-followers and overthink the questions or second-guess their answers. All students can learn to train their brain to think logically and apply skills to ace tests like the SAT. Students are only given about a minute per question, so they tend to work out the problems the long way and burn up the clock. The good news is that every question can be answered in 30 seconds or less.
8. WHY COLLEGE PREP GENIUS? With a plethora of test prep companies, where do you begin to find one that is effective and affordable. Programs can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, so what is the difference? Most companies re- teach high school content and busy work that wastes time and money and frustrates many families. They also use their own fake  questions that don’t follow the rules and patterns found on the real test. Even Khan Academy, with its free test prep, is not the answer. Their program instructs the students to work problems the long way and it omits teaching shortcuts and strategies. College Prep Genius shows students how to logically and quickly approach each   question with a critical eye and how to not fall for the trick   answers. All homework comes from actual College Board  questions, so students can practice correctly
9. DON’T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT! You can know today if your student needs to start test prep right now by finding out exactly his or her starting point. Have your student do the following 2  steps:
   1. Take the College Board test #1 at collegeprepgenius.com/SAT1 (download, print and score)
   2. Set up a profile at Appily (This site allows you to input your baseline score; it will create/shows a graph on how many students were accepted or denied with the same criterion as your student at each chosen college.)This helps to educate your student to either work on raising his or her stats or look at other colleges.

You can eliminate the “not knowing” or “wish I knew” once you find out your student’s starting point. This can help you create a game plan for test success. Gain peace of mind by being informed long before it is crunch time and scholarship money is on the line.

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College Prep Genius is ranked in the Top Ten Best SAT In-Person SAT Programs from “The Best Schools”. (This site receives a million views per month.) https://thebestschools.org/resources/best-in-person-sat-test-prep-services/

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“One of the BEST options for SAT test preparation” –—Cathy Duffy

“VERY pleased with this program…. I used it with my son.” –—Heidi St. John

“[If you are] going to college, [we] strongly recommend that you investigate College Prep Genius.”—The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

“We tell everyone about your program.” —Mike Smith, President of HSLDA More testimonials at collegeprepgenius.com/testimonials

Jean Burk is the author of College Prep Genius and is a Fox news contributor who has been featured on many TV networks, radio shows and magazines. Both her children were homeschooled and earned incredible scholarships: free college, free grad school and free law school because of their standardized test scores.

To learn how to ace test like the SAT, PSAT, ACT and CLT. (SAT from 300-700 points, ACT 5-11 points, top 1% on the CLT and received incredible scholarships, visit www.collegeprepgenius.com. College Prep Genius has been featured on NBC, Fox, WE, CBS, ABC, ION, Forbes Living TV, UShop TV, TXA21, CW33, Choice Media TV & The Homeschool Channel. To find out more information, contact Jean Burk at 81-SAT-2-PREP, info@collegeprepgenius.com

*College Prep Genius is the official test prep for HSLDA, Veritas Press, the CLT, CHAOA, True North Academy, Classical Conversations, ect.

It’s natural to listen to your friends and take their advice (or at least consider it). That’s part of what makes a good friendship. When it comes to college matters and how to get the best schol- arship information, you’re likely to pay attention to what your child’s school counselor says, as well as your friends. What if I told you that this could be a big mistake? One that could cost you

$100,000.

But let’s not lay all the blame in their laps. By the end of this article, you’ll know what to do and where to get the help and make it ever so much easier to get your well-deserved slice of the schol- arship pie. Let’s get down to it then. So …

Just ask yourself this: Do you think it’s at all possible that people with good intentions are simply regurgitating the same college and SAT information out there, and believe it to be true, just because everybody else does?

There’s a lot at stake here. If you take the advice that’s being followed just because everyone else believes it, you could be saying good-bye to an amount worth your retirement, savings or equity in your family home. What’s worse, is that these well–meaning friends, family and counselors could even sentence your college-bound child to a loan-restricted life with as much as twenty years of college debt.

This misinformation can saddle families financially and burden the next generation with years of loans, long after graduation. Unless these well-meaning people are willing to pay for your child’s education if they are wrong, then it’s probably best for you to read the rest of this article!

So, today I want to present you with 16 of the biggest myths out there. They are 16 quotes you are likely to hear when you talk with friends, teachers or counselors about taking SAT or similar tests. Or you just might believe it to be true and not know how you learned it. Doesn’t matter what it is. It only matters that you quash that belief and replace it with something far more pow- erful… You could even call that hope, or optimism, based on a solid foundation of fact!

Let’s get started…

Big Lie #1: It is too early to put test prep on your radar.

FACT: The longer one waits, the less time there is to improve. TTest prep should be a part of the daily school schedule just like other subjects. The results can end in incredible scholarship money and less stress on the students when they are older. Standardized tests are beatable once a student learns the recurring patterns on the test. It’s a different skill set not taught in most schools and homes. No professional athlete or concert pianist would wait until right before a game or performance to learn their skill and then hope that they do well.

ACTION: If you are worried about college debt, make test prep a priority because it can yield amazing scholarship offers for your student. Younger students, even 6th and 7th graders can learn how to beat a standardized test by putting time on their side and working on their weaknesses before it counts for money in the high school years. YOU CAN’T GET TIME BACK.

Big Lie #2: “There are free test prep programs online so why pay for one.”

FACT: All test prep companies are not created equal. Whether they are free are very expensive, most programs teach the wrong information such as more math and vocabulary. Basically, they are re-teaching high school all over again. Tests like the SAT and ACT are logic and critical thinking tests. Yes, to stay relevant, the College Board partnered with Khan Academy to offer free test prep for all students but Khan had already been teaching it for years so this was nothing new. Although it is a great resource for subject matter, don’t expect that they will teach students shortcuts, strategies or test–taking techniques. Besides, not all their questions are from official SATs which is the only correct way to practice. Kaplan also partnered with the ACT to offer low- cost prep. The class mainly goes over the ins and outs of the ACT and is riffed full off ads for their expensive program. It also points students back to their overworked counselors for help in raising test scores.

ACTION: If a program is not teaching the kids how to answer every question in 30 seconds or less, then you are probably wasting time and often money and only frustrating the students. Find a program that has analyzed the test and recurring patterns with years of reliable testimonials.

Big Lie #3: “The PSAT is a practice SAT and is no big deal so don’t worry about it..”

FACT: The P is for “preliminary” – not practice. It is also created by the College Board and is a scholarship contest. Score high and you (or your child!) can earn the most amazing benefits; such as full-ride, full tuition, room and board, study-abroad stipends, honors dorms, etc. This test is a money magnet.This test counts in the junior year. However, not everyone knows you can take it in earlier grades to get familiar with it and work on your weaknesses. The good news is that both the SAT and the PSAT are pretty much structured in the same way with the same nature of questions. So …

ACTION: If you’re studying for one, you’re studying for both. Make sure you actually do proper test-preparation. It could yield results way in excess of your expectations. Find the predicted PSAT cut-off score for your state at www.collegeprepgenius.com/PredictedPSATscores Schools looking for high PSAT scorers: www.collegeprepgenius.com/NationalMeritSchools

Big Lie #4: “We only take the ACT where I live so there is no need to take an SAT prep class.”

FACT: Every college takes either the SATor ACT and will convert the score if they prefer one over the other. When the SAT is not promoted, then neither is the PSAT which is the big scholarship program that can yield benefits as noted in #3. Both tests have have gone through changes in 2024 and 2025 but there is still some crossover of information. www.collegeprepgenius.com/SATACTconversionchart

ACTION: Have your younger students start preparing for the PSAT 8/9 in 8th and 9th grade. Take the PSAT 10 in the sophomore year and in the junior year is when the PSAT/NMSQT counts for the big scholarship money. As they practice for the PSAT, it will prepare them for the SAT.

Big Lie #5: “Don’t worry about any SAT/ACT test prep until the spring of the junior year because then you will have all the math you need.”

FACT: The SAT/ACT/CLT are not curriculum-based or IQ tests. Th ey are tests of logic and critical thinking. It may surprise you to learn that 7th graders often score higher than seniors on the SAT. Every college takes either SAT or ACT scores. Don’t let this worry you. The tests are not testing how smart you are in math, but testing your critical thinking skills on a math problem. Most guidance counselors are overwhelmed with a full plate. Their job is mainly tis not to help your student get into college rather to get your out of high school.

ACTION: Don’t wait until the end of the junior year. There is no age limit. By preparing early, students can get their desired score earlier in the year and make the senior year test-optional.

Big Lie #6: “[Your child] will be just fine. They are a good student with a good GPA, honors and AP courses.”

FACT: Smart students, even valedictorians bomb the SAT all the time. Why? Because the ques- tions are designed to purposely mislead test-takers and the wrong answers are tricky and are very appealing. To make it even more challenging, you are only given about one minute for each of the test’s challenging questions.

ACTION: Don’t rely on IQ or what is learned at school to ace standardized tests. Most students approach these tests like normal school tests and not only run out of time but also are confused why these scores don’t reflect their GPAs. Students can learn to beat these tests by learning the recurring logically patterns and practicing correctlt.

Big Lie #7: “High school students will have plenty of time for test prep.”

FACT: The average junior is involved or participates in many (if not most!) of these activities:

Juniors are already maxed out on their schedule and cannot add one more thing on their plate. Asking them to give up one or more activities to prep may be more difficult than you think.

ACTION: Start early. Don’t leave it until the last minute. Make it a part of your child’s essential education. Early practice will make taking the tests second nature. Test-taking is a learned skill like piano or golf. Higher scores = more money!

Big Lie #8: “They can always use the summer before the senior year to learn how to take the SAT/ ACT.”

FACT: Most students will—and deservedly so—use the summer to relax, recharge, spend more time with friends, work more, volunteer more, go on mission trips, go to summer camps and spend more time on social media. Besides, when faced with chilling out on holidays, which activ- ities would you be willing to give up to study for the SAT?

ACTION: Preparation is different to cramming. And so, it bears repeating: Think of the long haul and start test-prep as early as you can. Everyone needs to recharge their batteries. Try to avoid having to cram SAT preparation at a time when you really need a break. You cannot study for these test but you must study the tests.

Big Lie #9: “They can do some test-prep work when school starts.”

FACT: One quick look at the previous table and you can work out that there’s already a full schedule when the school cycle starts all over again. Add that to the significant pressure to get a decent score on the September ACT or August/ October SAT and it’s plain to see there’s little time left  to add yet another thing.

ACTION: Without a proper test-prep program, chances are you will approach the test like a normal school test. But since school tests are based on curriculum, and SAT. CLT and ACT are based on logic and critical thinking, plain studying techniques will not deliver you the desired score in time for the application process (in November or December). You guessed it: A reliable test-prep program is key!

Big Lie #10: “I don’t want to pressure my child; they will have plenty of time to raise their score to get into the college of their choice.”

FACT: There is no instant success. But more than that, you can’t “shortcut the shortcut“. Students will need to solidify the information to apply it appropriately by practicing the  correct way, and over time.

Every college has a minimum score just to get in. This doesn’t even count scholarship money.

The pressure is when it comes down to the wire and students have very little time to prep.

ACTION: It will take time to learn the logic behind each question type and how to find the correct answers quickly. First comes introduction, then proficiency and ultimately mastery as they learn to internalize the strategies to ace the SAT and ACT. The results are worth it and could mean you have no college debt and benefit from room and board, stipends, honors dorms and much more. Taking these tests should not be a one shot deal.

Big Lie #11: “The GPA is the number one factor for college entrance and scholarship money so working on your grades is the most important thing to spend your time  on.”

FACT: This really could be one of the biggest lies you’ll ever hear. You see, in order for the col- lege system to have any sense of fairness, it has to assess all students on the same level. It’s the old “apples to apples” scenario. A GPA of 4.0 at one school (public, private or homeschool) is not the same at another due to human bias and subjectivity and even differences in how schools calcu- late their scores. This is why the SAT/ACT/CLT tests even exist: To create that level playing field. Since colleges are ranked nationally based on test scores of their students, the higher your score – the more money you are likely to get! It’s a simple equation. A low score means less or no money

and probably in a low ranked institution. Do you really want to be saddled with what the average student has: Twenty years of college loans and a median college debt of $100,000?

ACTION: You can learn the skills of the SAT, CLT and ACT tests and do well! These are beatable tests! You can use the system to differentiate yourself as a good critical thinker, which is a sign of college readiness. Rank well, earn well, go to a good college and aim for zero debt!

Big Lie # 12: The SATs and ACTs are becoming obsolete.

FACT: Most colleges have returned back to testing five years after the 2020 lock downs. Test- optional benefited the college since it ushered in more applications which resulted in more rejections thus creating a sense that the schools were more selective. Ironically, students who turn in a test score have a 250% of being accepted and receiving money over one who does not.

ACTION: Regardless of the school, students should always prepare for standardized tests. Even junior colleges require a test like the TSI or Accuplacer which is made by the SAT test-makers. Tests are a part of life, not just for college entrance, but many companies use standardized tests for their employees. Learning test strategies can work on AP, ASVAB, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, etc.

Big Lie # 13: The College Board says not to prep so there is no need to take an SAT class.

FACT: If the College Board proclaimed that in order to do well on their test a student should prepare for it, then that could be misconstrued that only families who have money to pay for one can do well on the test and this could be seen as discrimination. The truth is many valedictorians and top 10% of schools tend to bomb these tests. These tests are designed for

carelessness so students need to approach the questions carefully with a critical eye.

ACTION: If a student wants to do well on a history test, he or she studies history. If he or she wants to excel on a geography test, he or she studies geography. Therefore, if a student wants to ace a test like the SAT, CLT or ACT then he or she should study the logic behind the questions and answers. FYI: The College Board trademarked the words “SAT Reasoning Test”™– reasoning means to come to a conclusion by using your logic and thinking skills.

Big Lie # 14: I have a gifted athlete or musician that will receive scholarships based on his or her talent and ability.

FACT: Regardless of how a student receives a scholarship, he or she will still have to meet the minimum test score in order to be admitted. Many students have worked their entire life perfecting their area of expertise and often are unable to take advantage of the scholarship money due to the fact that their test scores were too low. If a student were to get hurt, they    are in danger of losing their scholarship. Colleges give the academic money first, then the athletic money.

ACTION: Along with practicing in their sport, music or dance, add test prep so that all that time and hard work won’t be wasted when it comes to college admission and scholarships. FYI: There are only six sports that give full-rides based on athletic performance.

Big Lie # 15: The College Prep Genius course seems too expensive.

FACT: At $395 for the first student (virtual class) and $295 for a sibling, this award-winning program is the best deal for the best prep program on the market. There are programs that are    in the upper hundreds, thousands and even five figures that do not deliver the caliber of   program that College Prep Genius has to offer. It has been featured on Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, TXA21, CW33, WE, ION, Choice Media TV, Forbes Living, Ushop TV and The Homeschool Channel.

ACTION: Read independent reviews all over the Internet. The class has taught test success all over the US as well as in Puerto Rico, China, Hong Kong, India and Thailand.

Jim Bohannon (successor to Larry King) told 245 million listeners that College Prep Genius is “the Sam Walton of test prep” since they refuse to charge hundreds, even thousands of dollars for their award-winning program. Listen here (http://youtu.be/b8nXJ_bc1qg).

You pay now or pay later expedientialy!

Maven of Memory, LLC © All Rights Reserved 2025

Big Lie #16: “Certain students, like homeschoolers, are now exempt from taking tests like the SAT.”

FACT: Every student, regardless of where they are educated, needs to take the SAT, CLTor ACT for entrance and scholarship money. Colleges often validate the transcript with the student’s test score so these homeschooled students need to take it for credibility.

ACTION: Incorporate daily test prep into the homeschool schedule. It can be used as an elective on the transcript. Non-homeschoolers should add in practicing into their daily life too.

If one is “not into test prep,” know that numerous families who want their children to do well and receive college admittance and scholarships will prepare properly; those are the studens who are running in the same field as your students.

Whether you know this or not, the truth is that the majority of colleges admit and give money solely based on tests like the SAT. Luckily, these tests are highly predictable in nature and format so they are beatable. You can learn to ace this test once you are taught and understand the recur- ring patterns and rules that apply.

But don’t wait until the last minute. Students who start early tend to have the highest score raise, get the most money and go to the best colleges! If I could give you my biggest tip that will make the biggest difference to you or your child’s future (financial and academic it would be this: Find some way— and a reputable test-prep company is the best way—to learn the very best test-taking strategies. Make test-prep an early priority and potentially save yourself years of frustration, and translate your efforts into potentially huge financial benefit. Maybe, like my two children, you or your child will receive totally free ride offers to the tertiary institution of their choice. Now, can you think of a better start to adult life than that?

Your decision about college should be based on attending your ideal course in the institution; and not on your finances.

If the SAT determines where you get to go to college and who’s going to pay, make your efforts really count!

Blessings, Jean Burk

Owner, College Prep Genius; the most affordable time-tested test-prep program that gives the best results.

Jean Burk is the author of College Prep Genius and is a Fox news contributor who has been featured on many TV networks, radio shows and magazines. Both her children were homeschooled and earned incredible scholarships including free college, free grad school and free law school because of their standardized test scores.

To learn how to ace the New SAT/PSAT as well as read testimonials of students who raised their SAT tests scores from 300-700 points, ACT 5-11 points, CLT 11-26 points and received

incredible scholarships, visit www.collegeprepgenius.com. College Prep Genius has been featured on NBC, Fox, WE, CBS, ABC, ION, Forbes Living TV, UShop TV, TXA21, CW33, Choice Media TV Smart Woman & The Homeschool Channel. To find out more information, contact Jean Burk at 81-SAT-2-PREP, info@collegeprepgenius.com.

Life-changing testimonials at collegeprepgenius.com/testimonials Class overview at collegeprepgenius.com/class-overview

*College Prep Genius is the official test prep for HSLDA, Veritas Press, Christian Academy of America, Classical Conversations, True North ACademy, Meridian Academy and the CLT, etc.

Starting April 2025, students who opt to take the ACT online will experience a shorter test format with more flexibility. One major update? The science section will become optional, giving students the freedom to decide whether or not to include it. The new digital test will debut in June 2025, while revised paper-based tests will roll out in September.

The ACT’s new composite score will focus on English, Math, and Reading, while the Science score will only be reported for students who choose to take that section. Despite the updates, the ACT will remain a linear exam (not section-adaptive like the digital SAT), meaning students take the test in order from start to finish, with no algorithmic adjustments.

Test Structure & Timing

Students can choose to complete the test with or without the Science or Writing sections and in either paper or digital format. Here’s how the core subjects break down:

If taking just English, Math, and Reading:

• English: 35 minutes | 50 questions (~42 seconds per question)

• Math: 50 minutes | 45 questions (~1:07 per question)

• Reading: 40 minutes | 36 questions (~1:07 per question)

• Total Time: 2 hours and 5 minutes (excluding short breaks)

If including Science and/or Writing:

• Science: 40 minutes | 40 questions

• Writing (Essay): 40 minutes | 1 prompt

Students choosing to take these optional sections will stay in the room while others are dismissed, with a short break in between.

2025 ACT Testing Timeline

• April: School-day digital ACTs available (Windows & Chromebook only)

• June: Digital ACT available to the public

• September: Revised paper and digital formats fully implemented

Summary of Updates

• Optional Science Section: Students can choose whether to include it

• Shorter Test Time: The core ACT is reduced by 15 minutes and 44 fewer questions

• Increased Time per Question:

  • English: +17% more time per question

  • Math: +11%

  • Reading: +27%

• Shorter Passages in English and Reading

• Math Questions: Reduced from 5 to 4 answer choices

• No Separate Experimental Section: Unscored experimental questions will now be embedded

• Composite Score: Only English, Math, and Reading are included

• Super Scoring: Continues for English, Math, and Reading

What’s Staying the Same

• ACT will still be scored on a 1–36 scale

• Writing section remains optional

• Students can still choose between paper or digital testing

• Old scores from previous formats remain valid

• Predictive validity for first-year college performance is unchanged

Side-by-Side Comparison

Digital or Paper?

The updated ACT gives students greater flexibility by allowing them to choose how they test. However, since the digital format is brand new, there’s no performance data yet to compare it with traditional paper scores.

Download the ACT Infographic

Final Thoughts

The ACT’s updates follow closely behind the SAT’s transformation, aiming to remain competitive in the standardized testing landscape. While the overall testing time is shorter—particularly when skipping the science section—the difference isn’t drastic.

At College Prep Genius, we’re staying on top of these changes. Once the ACT releases its final version, we’ll provide a full analysis. Until then, be cautious of test-prep companies offering “updated ACT prep” ahead of the official release.

From Martin Luther King Jr. to Henry Ford, Albert Einstein to Bill Gates (who famously dropped out of Harvard), many of the greatest thinkers and leaders in history have spent time in academia. A college degree continues to be a signal of initiative, discipline, and the ability to commit to long-term goals—something future employers recognize.

Is College Right for Every Student?

Not necessarily. If your child is planning to join the military, go into a technical trade, the arts, or take over a family business, college might not be the best fit. But for those interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, politics, or technology, college can offer vital connections, skill development, and credibility that can launch a life-changing career.

In fact, college graduates, on average, earn about $1,000,000 more over their lifetimes than those with just a high school diploma. Beyond earnings, college provides a well-rounded education in subjects like economics, literature, and science that teaches students how to think critically and solve complex problems.

The Real Game-Changer? Test Scores

Whether your child is Ivy-bound or looking at state schools, one factor consistently plays a massive role in admissions and scholarships: standardized test scores. While GPAs and transcripts vary from school to school, the SAT, ACT, and PSAT/NMSQT are designed to level the playing field.

In fact, top universities—yes, even Ivy League schools—offer zero-loan financial aid to students who qualify. If your family earns under $100,000 a year and your student scores well on these tests, elite schools like Harvard, MIT, Duke, Columbia, and Stanford may be completely within reach—without a mountain of student loan debt.

And even for students from higher-income families, merit scholarships based on test scores are still available. These scholarships are awarded regardless of financial need, which means that higher scores can directly translate to tens of thousands of dollars in tuition savings.

5 Secrets to Full-Ride Scholarships

If you’re wondering how to actually unlock these incredible opportunities, here are five powerful secrets:

1. High Test Scores Open Big Doors

Students who excel on the SAT, ACT, or PSAT/NMSQT can earn full-ride scholarships—sometimes in multiple departments at the same school. Colleges actively recruit top scorers, often offering generous financial packages to secure them.

2. Understand the Test Format

Tests like the SAT and PSAT aren’t about memorizing facts—they’re logic-based, not knowledge-based. Even brilliant students can score poorly if they don’t understand how the tests are designed. Learning the structure and mindset needed is half the battle.

3. Learn the Strategy

Standardized tests follow patterns and use repeatable formats. Once students learn how to recognize these patterns and apply specific test-taking strategies, they can drastically improve their scores—even without learning any new academic content.

4. Create a Prep Plan

Build SAT or ACT prep into your student’s weekly schedule. Just 20 minutes a day or a couple of hours each week using official test materials can lead to massive improvements. Cramming before test day simply doesn’t work. Long-term practice is key.

5. Start Early—Especially with the PSAT

Encourage your student to take the PSAT/NMSQT in 9th and 10th grade for practice and again in 11th grade when it counts for National Merit Scholarships. Then, plan for at least one SAT and ACT in the first semester of senior year. Students often score better on one over the other—and it’s worth exploring both.

Making Test Prep Part of the Curriculum

Especially for homeschoolers, test prep can be built into the high school transcript as an elective. When students begin early and treat prep like a regular class, they not only build confidence—they also build a path to real financial savings. A 200-point SAT increase can equal $10,000 to $20,000 in scholarships. A 400-point jump? That could mean full tuition. A 600-point boost might unlock admission to Harvard—loan-free—and a future as a world-changer.

Final Thoughts

Talk to your student about their goals. If they dream of making an impact—whether as a business leader, engineer, doctor, or policymaker—college is often a crucial stepping stone. And the road to college doesn’t have to be paved with debt.

Start with test prep. Start early. Because the better the score, the bigger the opportunity—and you can’t get time back.

Here’s the good news: colleges actively want homeschoolers. And not only that, but many homeschool students are earning full-ride scholarships and excelling on college campuses across the country.

In this guide, you’ll discover why colleges value homeschoolers, how to fund your education through scholarships, what to expect in the application process, and why preparing early for the SAT can unlock incredible opportunities.

Why Colleges Want Homeschoolers

Thirty-five years ago, homeschoolers had to fight to be taken seriously by admissions officers. GEDs were often the only option to show educational completion—and unfortunately, GEDs were created at about a 6th-grade level, misrepresenting a homeschooler’s true academic achievement.

Today, things have changed. Homeschoolers are recognized as disciplined, independent learners who bring strong study habits and self-governance to college life. They don’t treat college as a “13th grade” and often require far less hand-holding than their peers.

Admissions counselors are under pressure to award scholarships to students who will stick around and graduate. Nearly 50% of students drop out before earning a degree, but homeschoolers consistently show perseverance, appreciation for opportunity, and a strong sense of purpose. In other words, they’re exactly what colleges are looking for.

Homeschoolers are held to the same basic requirements as all applicants:

• A completed application

• A well-organized transcript

• And a college entrance exam (typically the SAT or ACT)

These standardized tests not only validate a student’s academic readiness but can also unlock life-changing scholarships.

Paying for College: Scholarships and Financial Aid

While the cost of higher education can be intimidating, paying for college doesn’t have to mean going into debt. There are countless scholarship opportunities available—including many that reward high standardized test scores.

Start the scholarship search early—as early as 9th grade. One helpful tip: set up a dedicated email address for scholarship and college information to keep everything organized. Write a personal profile about your student that includes achievements, goals, and extracurricular activities. This will make applying to multiple scholarships much easier, especially when essays are required.

Remember:

• Smaller scholarships often have fewer applicants. Don’t ignore them.

• Apply frequently—scholarships are offered year-round.

• Use caution with free scholarship sites; some collect and sell your data. Stick to trusted sources.

Private scholarships only account for about 10% of college funding. The real money comes from the colleges themselves, and much of that is awarded based on test scores. Strong PSAT, SAT, CLT, or ACT results can translate into thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars per year.

Test prep is not just a nice-to-have—it’s an investment. A higher score could mean a $10,000 scholarship… or even a full ride.

Applying to College: What Homeschoolers Need to Know

The application process can be time-consuming, especially when applying to multiple schools. But with a solid plan and good organization, it doesn’t have to be stressful.

Step 1: Understand Admissions Terms

• Early Decision and Early Action offer earlier application windows (and earlier results)

• Rolling Admissions means schools review applications as they come in

• Know what it means to be admitted, waitlisted, deferred, or denied

Step 2: Create an Application Checklist
For each college you’re applying to, list out:

• Required documents

• Essay prompts

• Letters of recommendation

• Standardized test scores

• Deadlines for both admissions and financial aid

Many colleges accept the Common App, but some have their own platforms—be sure to check.

Step 3: Request Letters of Recommendation
Choose people who know your student well—teachers, mentors, employers, or family friends. Provide them with everything they need and remember to send handwritten thank-you notes.

Step 4: Craft a Strong Personal Statement
Your college essay is your student’s chance to shine. It should reflect their personality, goals, and the unique perspective they’ll bring to campus. Some schools provide prompts; others want a more general essay. Always check the guidelines first.

Step 5: Prepare for Interviews
Even if they’re optional, interviews are a great way to stand out. They give students a chance to show confidence, passion, and maturity. Interviews may also influence scholarship decisions.

Bonus Tip:
Apply to schools where your student will stand out. Colleges love diversity. A student from the West Coast applying to a small school in the South? That’s intriguing. Homeschoolers already break the mold—lean into that.

Why the SAT Matters More Than You Think

Many homeschoolers excel in academics, often tackling advanced subjects like Calculus, Physics, or Classic Literature earlier and with greater intensity than their traditionally-schooled peers. But here’s the truth: excellence in education alone isn’t enough when it comes to college admissions.

The SAT still carries major weight.

Too many homeschool families view the SAT as a “necessary evil” to suffer through at the end of high school. That’s a big mistake. The SAT isn’t just a test—it’s an opportunity.

It’s also a logic-based exam, not a fact-based one. Brilliant students can bomb the SAT if they treat it like a regular test. Instead, students need to learn how the SAT thinks—how to recognize its traps and identify its hidden patterns.

SAT Quick Facts:

• The exam is 2 hours and 14 minutes long

• It includes Reading, Writing & Language, and Math

• The Reading section tests how to find answers, not how well you comprehend

• The Math section covers basic concepts, but requires logical thinking—not lengthy calculations

Once students know the structure of the test, they can learn to solve problems quickly and confidently—sometimes skipping up to 75% of a reading passage and still answering correctly, or solving math problems in under 30 seconds.

Start SAT prep early. Make it part of your homeschool curriculum. Label it as an elective and schedule time weekly. With enough practice, students will go into test day prepared and confident—and walk away with scholarship-worthy scores.

Final Thoughts

College isn’t something homeschoolers should fear—it’s something they can conquer. With the right preparation, organization, and mindset, your student can navigate the admissions process, fund their education, and thrive in higher education.

Colleges are looking for students who are capable, committed, and confident. Homeschoolers check every box—and now, they have the tools to prove it.

You can begin right now to help your student put their best foot forward—especially when it comes to the all-important SAT, which can influence both college acceptance and scholarship opportunities.

Here’s a year-by-year plan to help you and your student stay ahead of the curve:

For Students:

Freshman Year

• Build your brain. Start reading classic literature. These books are rich in vocabulary and critical thinking.

• Add logic. If your school doesn’t offer it, incorporate a logic curriculum at home.

• Take the PSAT 8/9. This is great practice and helps identify strengths and weaknesses early.

• Start practicing. Use official College Board SAT questions and begin learning test-taking strategies—about an hour per week.

• Try a practice SAT. No pressure—just get a feel for it.

Sophomore Year

• Keep reading. The more you read, the stronger your vocabulary and comprehension skills become.

• Continue practicing logic. Logical thinking helps across all subjects, especially test-taking.

• Take the PSAT 10 in October. It’s great practice for the real PSAT/NMSQT next year.

• Practice SAT strategies. Aim for two hours per week using real test materials.

• Take a couple of SATs. Since you’re already preparing for the PSAT, the timing is perfect.

Junior Year (The Most Critical Year)

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. This is the test that counts for National Merit Scholarships—which can mean full rides, honors programs, room and board, stipends, and more.

• Prep hard. Spend several hours a week on test-taking strategies leading up to the PSAT/NMSQT.

• Take the SAT in August and October. This gives you a strong baseline before the PSAT/NMSQT.

• Take more SATs in spring. Keep aiming for a higher score—it can directly increase scholarship money.

Senior Year

• Know your college deadlines. If you’re applying Early Decision, make sure your SAT scores are ready in time.

• Take the SAT in October or November if needed. Retesting is encouraged—colleges usually “superscore” (take the best scores from each section across all tests).

• Schedule a couple more SATs in spring. It’s your last chance while in high school.

• Keep an eye on scholarships. Continue applying, especially for those with spring deadlines.

For Parents:

• Encourage community service. Add it to your student’s transcript every year.

• Monitor GPA. Some schools, especially state universities, only accept students in the top 10%. Every grade matters.

• Start researching colleges early. Begin visiting campuses and attending preview weekends by 9th grade.

• Help with scholarships. Many are available for underclassmen, so start the search early and often.

Final Thoughts

The longer your student waits to prepare for the SAT or ACT, the less time they’ll have to improve—and that means missed opportunities for both college admission and scholarships.

College is just around the corner and can sneak up fast. But with early planning, consistent practice, and a little strategy, your student can confidently walk the path toward their dream school—with less stress and possibly even debt-free.

The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) isn’t just another test—it’s a scholarship competition with the potential to pay for more than just tuition. With the right preparation and timing, your student could earn a full ride that includes room and board, stipends, tech perks, and more. Think of it as your own personal pot of PSAT gold.

Why the PSAT Matters So Much

Many parents and students mistakenly assume the “P” in PSAT stands for “practice.” It doesn’t. It stands for “Preliminary,” and it serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program. That’s a big deal.

Scoring within the top 1% in your state during your junior year could make your student a National Merit Semifinalist—the first step toward receiving tens of thousands (or even hundreds of thousands) in scholarships.

And the benefits don’t stop there. If your student becomes a National Merit Finalist, they may also receive:

• Full tuition

• Room and board

• Study abroad stipends

• Honors dorm placement

• New computer or tech package

• Spending money

• Graduate school funding

Colleges LOVE National Merit Scholars. These students boost a school’s rankings and reputation, so universities will often compete to attract them—and sweeten the deal with generous financial packages.

What If My Student Misses the Test? (Alternative Entry Route)

If your student misses the October PSAT/NMSQT due to illness or unavoidable circumstances, there’s still hope through the Alternate Entry Testing Method. Here’s how it works:

• Take the SAT instead.

• Contact the National Merit Scholarship Corporation by April 1 of junior year.

• Enter a special code on the SAT so it can be converted and evaluated as a PSAT.

The best part? You can take the SAT multiple times, and the highest complete score will be used for entry.

Doing a 5-Year High School Plan? You Can Take the PSAT Twice

Students on a five-year high school plan (a “super senior” year) may take the PSAT/NMSQT twice—in both their third and fourth years.

To qualify, you must:

• Send a written request to NMSC explaining your academic plan.

• Provide documentation including high school start/end dates and student info.

• Take the PSAT again in your fourth year and score at or above your third-year score.

This extended eligibility can give students more time to prepare and more chances to succeed.

How Do You Qualify for National Merit Scholarships?

Here’s what it takes to be in the running:

1. Be a U.S. citizen enrolled in public, private, charter, or homeschool.

2. Take the PSAT/NMSQT in your third year of high school (typically junior year).

3. Score in the top 1% of your state to become a Semifinalist.

4. Submit an application including:

   • Transcript and GPA

   • Best SAT score

   • Essay

   • Resume or list of activities

   • Letters of recommendation

Approximately 50,000 students receive some level of recognition, but only 8,000 go on to become Finalists and Scholars. Even students just below the cutoff can receive Commended status, which still looks excellent on college applications—and may lead to school-specific merit awards.

PSAT Prep: How to Train for the Test

The best way to prepare for the PSAT is to prep for the SAT—because they’re nearly identical. In fact, many say the PSAT is simply a shorter, slightly easier version of the SAT (with no essay and a top score of 1540 instead of 1600).

What makes both tests beatable is this:

• They’re not IQ tests.

• They don’t test school knowledge.

• They rely on recurring patterns and logical reasoning.

Students can learn to spot traps, eliminate wrong answers, and solve math problems in 30 seconds or less. The more familiar they are with the test, the more confident and calm they’ll be on test day.

When to Start Preparing

Start early. Seriously. Students who begin PSAT prep in middle school are often better positioned for success by junior year. Here’s a suggested timeline:

8th–9th Grade: Take the PSAT 8/9

• Doesn’t count toward scholarships, but provides essential practice

• Helps identify early strengths and weaknesses

• Reduces test anxiety

10th Grade: Take the PSAT 10

• Still not eligible for National Merit, but it’s the best warm-up

• Use it to set a goal for the junior year PSAT

11th Grade: Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October

• This is the one that counts.

• Prep consistently in the months leading up to it

• Also take the August and October SATs for practice and potential alternate entry scores

Homeschoolers and the PSAT 8/9

If you’re homeschooling and having trouble finding a school to administer the PSAT 8/9, consider:

• Asking your local high school or private school to allow you to test

• Becoming an official College Board testing site through your homeschool group or co-op

• Learn how here →

💡 Note: The PSAT 8/9 is typically offered between fall and spring. The cost is $14 (some schools may cover it), and accommodations are available for students with disabilities—no College Board approval needed, but materials must be ordered in advance.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need luck to earn a full-ride scholarship—you need strategy, preparation, and timing. The PSAT isn’t just a “practice” test—it’s a real opportunity to change your college future and financial outlook.

Start early. Practice often. And aim high.

Your own pot of PSAT gold could be just around the corner. 🌈💰