Episode Details

Over the years, College App 101 podcasts have provided many tips on taking the Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT. Elite performance on the PSAT during junior year can result in arguably the most prestigious academic honor for high school students: National Merit status. In the present episode, Dr. Riley interviews Dharshan, a National Merit finalist from the high school class of 2026, giving special emphasis to the role of a classical, great books, liberal arts education in preparing testers for the PSAT. Episode topics include PSAT preparation tips, applying for scholarships and college with National Merit status, the role of parents in PSAT preparation, and more.