In an era when many colleges have shifted to test-blind or test-optional admissions policies, you may associate test scores merely with securing merit aid or scholarships. However, their significance extends far beyond financial assistance. In fact, because test scores remain powerful indicators of a student's academic potential, raising your SAT or ACT scores makes you a more viable applicant for admission, thus opening doors to a world of educational opportunities.

Now more than ever, the PSAT plays a crucial role in preparing high schoolers for the SAT. As both tests transition to a digital format this fall and next spring, it's important for students to get an overview of the digital PSAT's nuances to prepare effectively for it as well as future standardized tests.