Revolutionary Minds: Unlocking the Brilliance in All of Us

TLDR: 

• National Merit Scholarships are based on PSAT/NMSQT results plus an application.
• Top 1% of PSAT scorers from each state are invited to apply for Finalist status.
• Many scholarships, commendations, and recognition opportunities are available along the way—even if students don’t become Finalists or Scholars.
• Preparing early for the PSAT/NMSQT is critical. Revolution Prep Academic Advisors help families navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

What is the National Merit Scholarship?

Hi, I’m Jessica Menkhus, a premium-level tutor here at Revolution Prep with over 17 years of experience teaching kids to thrive academically. In this blog post we’re talking about the Summer Slide and how to avoid learning loss during the months between each school year. It’s not hard, but it does take a small amount of preparation! Whether your child is in kindergarten, prepping for college, or any grade in-between, the right summer strategy can make all the difference to their confidence (and grades) heading into the fall term.

What if everything you thought about tutoring is wrong? 

Most people think of tutoring as something to turn to in a crisis. When grades are slipping, a big test is looming, or school feels overwhelming—that’s when you call a tutor, right? 

Did you know that over 1.2 million students take AP exams each year? As the 2025 AP exam season approaches, significant changes are coming that will impact how students prepare and succeed. With a shift to digital testing and updates to course content, these changes aim to improve accessibility and academic relevance—but they also introduce new challenges. As a parent, understanding these updates can help you support your child during this critical time.

Sophomore year is often called the “transition year” in high school. Your teen isn’t the wide-eyed freshman figuring out where the cafeteria is, but they’re not quite the upperclassman planning prom either. However, this middle year packs a punch, especially when it comes to grades. Your child’s sophomore year grades—particularly those earned at the end of the year—can set the tone for junior year and even their long-term academic trajectory.

Starting high school is an exciting milestone, but it’s also a time when students can unknowingly fall into habits that hinder their academic and personal growth. Freshman and sophomore years lay the foundation for future success, so avoiding these 5 common pitfalls is essential: