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. 

How to Take a Test… and Succeed!

High school students frequently find that the hardest part of preparing for college is taking tests. If the thought of taking your ACT or SAT has left you awake at nights, or worst yet, waking up in a cold sweat, try this simple guide to bring you peace of mind and ace that test.

Be Prepared

Your preparation for testing begins long before test day. Hopefully, you’ve been studying consistently and diligently to be prepared. The week before a big test, make the commitment to get lots of sleep, to limit your studying to no more than 8 hours a day (and that includes class time!), and to eat well. The day of the test, be sure to wake up in plenty of time for a good breakfast, have your materials (pencils, calculators, etc) ready, and show up to the exam center early so you have time to rest and relax before the test starts.

Starting The Test

Listen closely and/or read closely the instructions you’re given, and be conscious of where to find the clock, if you’re timing your test. If the test is science or math oriented, you might want to jot down formulas or definitions that you’re worried you’ll forget during the test. Start with a positive attitude, and quickly review the questions, highlighting the ones that you know you’ll be able to do quickly. Then, simply start with the easiest, highest value questions and work your way toward the toughest questions as your brain warms up.

During the Test

Not all questions on a test are equal; some might be worth more than others in your final grading. Be sure to budget your time closely, so you aren’t wasting time pondering low value questions that might have you stumped. Give yourself at least 10 minutes towards the end of the test to review your answers, and set a time limit on any big questions, so you know to move on even if you don’t have a complete answer. Unless you’ll incur a penalty for wrong answers, try to answer every question. During your 10 minute review period, don’t second guess yourself unless you’re completely positive the new answer is more accurate. Finally, mentally note the top 2 questions you’re most uncertain about, for review afterwards.

After the Test

Whew! Start by congratulating yourself on completing your test. Take a few minutes to search out the answers to the top 2 questions that you were unsure about, and reassure yourself that you were right (or memorize the answers if you were wrong). If you’re unsure about how you did, you may want to avoid talking to others about the test experience, as it might make you even more anxious. Finally, relax… you’ve done the best you can and you’ll receive your grades soon enough. Focus on the next step of your college application process, and think positive!

What is the PSAT/NMSQT?

In 1955, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation was formed as an independent non-profit organization. It receives no government funds and operates from donations that are tax deductible to the donor. The NMSC has annual competitions by way of the National Achievement Scholarship Program and the National Merit Scholarship Program.

What the NMSC Provides

Since its inception, the NMSC has sought to find and honor the best academically talented high school students in the nation and to find support for their continued education. They also assist other organizations that wish to support and sponsor the further education of outstanding high school students.

One of the ways that the NMSC seeks to guide and help students academically is through the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The test isn't a requirement, but it does a great deal to prepare students for taking the SAT by allowing them to practice and become more confident before they take the test that is so important for college acceptance and scholarship eligibility.

The test not only prepares students for taking the SAT, it provides an opportunity for them to enter the two NMSC sponsored scholarship programs. Also, students have access to tools for career planning to help them with the decision of choosing a college major.

Prepare Your Student with the PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT/NMSQT prepares students by testing and helping to evaluate problem areas, which include writing and reading skills, and math problem solving skills. While specific facts learned in class are not a part of the test, the content does concentrate on concepts and acquired knowledge that is expected from a student planning on attending college.

Many parents will agree that the PSAT/NMSQT is one of the best ways for students to identify their weaknesses so they can address them and prepare better for taking the SAT. It also indicates where every student stands alongside others applying for college. A simple check mark on the test for "Student Search Service" brings in information on many of the colleges that may be of interest as possible destinations.

Of course, the primary goal of the test is to give students an opportunity to make better test scores on the SAT, receive more college offers, and have more opportunities for college scholarships.

The PSAT/NMSQT is another way to better prepare your student for the challenges of college.