(NAPSI)—Every year, some 4 million students take the PSAT/NMSQT, a valuable part of preparing students for college success. When the results come in, they get so much more than a score—they get an invitation to productive practice and a connection to distinct benefits and opportunities to support their journey to college.

That’s because the PSAT/NMSQT test reflects what students are learning in the classroom, measures the skills and knowledge necessary for postsecondary success, and is an important step toward college. It’s also great practice for the SAT because both have the same question types and formats. Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT score higher, on average, on the SAT than those who do not.

One reason may be that students and teachers can use the scores to see where they’re thriving and where they need additional support. Since PSAT/NMSQT scores are on the same scale as SAT scores, it’s easy to track student progress.

After taking the PSAT/NMSQT, students can link their College Board account to Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy (satpractice.org) and use their score to get a free, personalized SAT study plan focusing on the areas where they need the most work. These free study tools help students prepare for test day and support classroom learning. The program features thousands of interactive questions with instant feedback; video lessons that walk students through how to solve a problem step by step; eight full-length practice tests; test-taking tips and strategies; and a practice schedule based on the student’s upcoming test date.

What’s more, the PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The College Board’s scholarship and recognition partners, including the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, and United Negro College Fund, provide over $180 million annually to qualified, low-income and minority students based on PSAT/NMSQT scores.

Students’ test scores can also help indicate their potential to succeed in challenging Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Students can review their score report with their counselors and teachers to discuss which AP courses they should consider. This helps schools ensure that no student is overlooked and encourages more students to challenge themselves with college-level coursework. Students who succeed on AP exams can save money on tuition and are more likely to graduate on time.

Learn more at www.psat.org.