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You may have heard the term PSAT mentioned during high school, especially during the start of the school year. However, some students may not fully understand the purpose of the PSAT. Some even confuse it with a school-sponsored practice SAT. Here’s some advice on taking the PSAT if you’re eligible:
What Is The PSAT?
The PSAT is the Preliminary SAT. Perfect for practicing for the SAT you’ll take in your senior year of high school, the testing format, timing, and questions mirror the SAT’s. However, it does not have an essay portion.
The test is normally given in October and students can sign up through their high school. There is a $12 fee for taking the PSAT and some schools have separate administrative fees. Students should ask their counselors for the details as well as the date and location of the test. Results are usually returned to your high school in December.
Who is Eligible to Take the PSAT?
Many high schools actually have a designated day for juniors to take a practice SAT. This is designed to help the students understand what to expect with the questions. They also learn how to time their pacing throughout the sections of math and critical reading. English classes will then go over the results, explaining answers, and answering any student questions. However, this practice SAT is different from the official PSAT.
The PSAT isn’t restricted to juniors, though it is designed with juniors in mind. Sophom*ores and freshmen may also sign up to take the PSAT and it’s highly recommended.
What Are The Benefits of Taking the PSAT?
While the most obvious benefit of taking the PSAT is the practice it provides for the SAT or later PSATs, there is, in fact, another plus. Junior year PSAT scores are used to apply for the National Merit Corporation, or NMSC, the administrators of the test. Your score will help you qualify for distinctions and scholarships, which are recognized by colleges and universities.
If you are named a Finalist, for example, it is the highest distinction you can receive from the NMSC. However, this title does not automatically come with a scholarship. About one in six Finalist students are named scholars and receive a one time award of $2,500 towards college from the program. Finalists may also receive scholarships that are corporate or college-sponsored depending on their majors, career ambitions, parents’ careers, or First Choice colleges. Corporate or college-sponsored scholarships range in amount and can usually be renewed every year.
However, it’s important to note that while you can take the PSAT in sophom*ore and freshman years of high school, only your junior year score will count towards the NMSC program. If you’d like the highest chance of receiving a scholarship through the administrators, it’s important to take the test earlier for the extra practice it can provide.
If you have the chance, it’s highly recommended that you take the PSAT starting as early as you can. Taking the test as soon as possible can help prepare you for your junior year exam. It gives you your best chance for scholarships, as well as giving you essential practice for the SAT you will take in your senior year.
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