The Question No One Asks: If Tests Are “Optional,” Why Do Top Students Still Take Them? Here’s the paradox. We live in the age of “test-optional” admissions—yet nearly 2 million students  still sat for the SAT in 2024. If test scores supposedly no longer matter, why are so many high-achievers still choosing to test? The truth is, standardized tests like the SAT  and PSAT  are no longer just about meeting a requirement—they’re strategic tools. For students aiming for selective

What is the PSAT, and why does it matter? Why are so many straight-A students on waitlists if test scores and grades are enough to get them into college? Academic success is no longer the criter ion;  rather, it is the minimum r equirement . The Preliminary SAT,  or PSAT, is the foundation of the college readiness process and is more than just another standardized test. It prepares you for the SAT, determines your eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship , and gives col

Introduction Every October, parents of ambitious students refresh their inboxes for one reason: the PSAT score release. And every year, I hear the same worried question: “If my child’s score is low, have we already lost ground with selective colleges?” Here’s the truth most families don’t hear: a low PSAT score is not a problem for admissions . Colleges never see it. But the real danger lies elsewhere—when families obsess over a temporary number and miss the bigger picture. I

What Is the PSAT? The Preliminary SAT (PSAT/NMSQT)  is a standardized test administered by the College Board. It measures skills in reading, writing, and math, mirroring the SAT’s format but at a slightly easier level. For juniors, it also doubles as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT)  making it both practice and an opportunity. Why the PSAT 2025 Matters 1. National Merit Qualification Scoring in the top percentiles on the PSAT 2025 can qualify students fo