Reasons High School Students Should Take the PSAT

Most high school students know that they should expect to take either the Standard Aptitude Test (SAT) or the ACT prior to graduation, since many colleges require one or the other for admission. Few, however, realize that the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) may be just as important. For the most part, the PSAT is taken by high school juniors in October each year, though freshmen and sophomores often participate as well. There are a total of five short sections (two for reading, two for math, one for writing), taking in general a total of 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete. Although it is not a requirement for college acceptance, there are some very compelling reasons why students should consider taking the PSAT.

Reason #1- Great practice for the SAT
The College Board provides each student with a customized study plan based on their PSAT performance, allowing each student to focus on those areas which need the most help. Studies have shown that students who take the exam more than once often score higher on subsequent tests, so students should consider taking the PSAT as early as freshman year. Those who have the opportunity to take the exam several times may also find they are more confident and relaxed when moving on to the SAT or ACT.

Reason #2- Helps connect to colleges
Students who take the PSAT can opt-in to the College Board’s free Student Search Service. This service allows colleges to identify students based on several factors including intended major, grade point average and state residency. Many colleges participate in the Student Search Service, giving students the opportunity to connect with colleges that they may be unfamiliar with or had not previously considered. Students typically receive brochures and other marketing materials, as well as information on campus tours and other upcoming events from the colleges.

Reason #3- Gain access to scholarships!
Perhaps the best thing about the PSAT is the opportunity to earn free money for college. Students who take the test during their junior year may be selected to participate in one of the scholarship or recognition programs directly linked to the exam.

Although students are not required to take the PSAT, the exam does help many prepare for the more rigorous SAT. It is a good measurement of how well a student may score on the SAT and can help them target areas for improvement prior to taking the exam. Students who wish to prepare for the PSAT can find several free practice tests and reading assessments online. 

Pros and Cons of Taking a Gap Year

A gap year is exactly as it sounds – postponing university or college for a year and spending that time doing something else. Some students simply live at home and work during the year, but others use the time for all kinds of adventures at home and abroad such as teaching, volunteer work, outdoor adventures or eco travel. But, is taking a gap year the right choice for you? Here are some advantages and disadvantages to help you decide what is best for you in terms of postponing university and taking a year off.

Advantages
Taking a year off may give you a chance to mature before entering university; in secondary school, you probably leaned a fair bit about how to be a good student, but on the other hand, you likely learned very little about life experience. It gives you an opportunity to regroup--secondary school can be a very stressful time for students, and between preparing for university academically and searching for the right post-secondary institution, many students feel pretty beaten up by the time they graduate. Changing course and doing something besides school for a while can be a much-needed break mentally.    
It can also give you a chance to figure out what you want. If you are not sure yet what university is exactly right for you or whether you’re intent in going at all, a year off can help you think about and sort things out. Taking a year off can also help if you have money Issues. It’s no secret how expensive funding a university education can be and depending on what you do during your year off, you might be able to save money.

Disadvantages
For many students, the biggest disadvantage is losing momentum. It takes you away from the classroom experience, so you might be a bit rusty when you return. You will also have to remember that you will be a year behind your friends and a gap year will put you further back on what can be a long educational process. Some gap year experiences also don’t require money, like working for a year, or are inexpensive like teaching abroad for a year, but others can be quite pricey and can be an added expense to an already costly university education.

Taking a gap year is not for everyone, but neither is going directly into university following secondary school. The bottom line is that the decision is ultimately up to you. If you decide to go ahead with it, think long and hard about how you are going to spend your time.