<p>Some kids are naturally very competitive and/ or ambitious. They have internal motivation to work hard. They just need someone to point them in the right direction, but these days, a kid can learn a lot on the Internet re how to prep for standardized tests. I see nothing wrong with parents trying to motivate kids - that’s what coaches do.</p>
<p>Sometimes something just needs to click on its own, even for gifted students (I speak from personal experience as a typical lazy no-effort 99th percentile-er)]</p>
<p>I got a 195 PSAT sophomore year with maybe 3 hours of studying, max. I totally goofed off. Then it really hit me: “Hey, if I do well on this, I can have <em>gasp</em> FREE MONEY! And bragging rights!” </p>
<p>So now I study like crazy. I take practice tests daily. I consistently get 2400 in the Blue Book, so I’d like to share that there is hope…</p>
<p>Pretty sure I got 230+ on the PSAT. I’ll find out soon…</p>
<p>TBQH, I didn’t study, got a 205 and got National Merit Commended. My actual SAT scores are significantly higher (2250). I wouldn’t push your kid into anything–it should be his decision.</p>