PSAT – What is it and why is it important?

Most people have at least heard of the PSAT, but many don’t know exactly what it is. Is it just SAT practice? Do colleges look at PSAT scores? Why does the PSAT matter, if it matters at all? How is the PSAT related to the SAT? The purpose of this article is to shed some light on what the PSAT is, how it differs from the SAT, and why it is important to take it as seriously as the SAT.

The PSAT and SAT are similar tests published by the College Board that are designed to assess a student’s critical thinking ability. Many think of the PSAT as a “baby” SAT, which is actually a pretty accurate description. The main differences are:

1. Length. The SAT consists of ten sections and lasts almost four hours (3 hrs 45 mins); The PSAT has five sections and lasts just over two hours (2hrs 10mins).
2. Delighted. Both tests test the same subject areas: writing, critical reading, and math, but the PSAT writing section does not include an essay portion and the PSAT math section does not cover Algebra 2 concepts.
3. Punctuation. The maximum score attainable on the SAT is 2400, and each subject area is worth 800 points. The maximum score on the PSAT is 240, and each subject area is worth 80 points.
4. test dates. The SAT is offered seven times a year; the PSAT is offered once a year, usually in the third week of October. However, there may be more than one exam date within that week.
5. Meaning. Both exams are important stepping stones on the path to college admission. Most people are already very familiar with the direct role the SAT plays in the college application process, but fewer clearly understand the importance of the PSAT. Many push the PSAT to the side, thinking, “it’s just a practice SAT” or “it doesn’t really count for college.” enormous mistake:

The National Merit Scholarship
The PSAT is also known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). As the name suggests, students who do well on the PSAT can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. Awarded to 2,500 students in the United States each year, the National Merit Scholarship is a great honor that can also expand a student’s educational opportunities. Even just being named a National Merit Scholar Finalist or Semifinalist can be advantageous to a student. Many schools actively reach out to these students through special programs and scholarships, not only because it is an indicator of a student’s academic progress, but also because those schools will benefit in the rankings if students choose to attend.

“But a lot of people get perfect scores on the PSAT, so how can my son/daughter compete even if they qualify?” you might ask A strong PSAT score is just a qualifying requirement – ​​the proverbial step in the door. A true National Merit Scholar has to have a full body of accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and other qualities to propel themselves the rest of the way.

PSAT Barometer
Although only juniors can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship, students can also take the PSAT as sophomores. Taking it as a sophomore (or even sooner, if Mom insists) offers two advantages:

1. Since the SAT and PSAT are so similar, it is reasonable to say that a student’s performance on the PSAT indicates how well he or she will do on the SAT. Taking the PSAT early will help students and parents identify weaknesses, gauge how much preparation is needed, and decide when to start preparing for the SAT. And since both tests are written by the same people, if a student finds that he or she just doesn’t answer College Board questions well, there’s still plenty of time to start researching the ACT.
2. It is important to note that students only have one chance to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. Unlike the SAT, if a student performs poorly on the PSAT, that’s it. There is no second chance. It’s a good idea for students to take the test as sophomores to see how close their scores are to the cutoff and, again, decide on a plan of action to prepare for the test.

Two tests, one stone
The SAT and PSAT are extremely important tests in slightly different ways. Fortunately for students and parents, the two are very similar. A student who is prepared for the PSAT will also be prepared for the SAT. Prepare early; practice consistently; and defeat both Goliaths of standardized tests with ease. Even if a student plans to take the ACT, test preparation has many principles that apply to any test, at any age, at any time.

It’s easy to miss the PSAT in the whirlwind of information surrounding the college admissions process, so be sure to keep an eye out for this small but extremely important test and take it before it’s gone and gone in the storm.