Does the PSAT Matter?
Behind the scenes of the less popular standardized examination
Everybody and their grandma knows about the SAT, it’s like the Tom Cruise of standardized tests. The SAT sure likes to strut around, and bask in the glow of its fame, but what about it’s less attractive little brother? The quiet, awkward, Kevin Jonas of standardized tests, the PSAT? It’s more of a behind the scenes kind of test but that does not mean it’s not important. Let’s take a look at the PSAT and give it the attention it deserves.
The Low Down
Whether you are a freshman, a sophomore, or a junior, the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a great way to prepare for the SAT. There are three different types, the PSAT 8/9 that’s typically taken by 8th and 9th graders, the PSAT 10 that’s generally taken by tenth graders, and finally the PSAT/NMSQT that’s usually meant for juniors. The last test is the big chalupa of the three because it allows you to be considered for scholarship money which I will discuss later.
The PSAT is scored in a range from 320 to 1520 and covers all sorts of fun stuff with two sections for math, two for evidence-based reading & one for writing and contains plenty of questions to help you get a feel for what the SAT will be like. The PSAT costs $17 for each student and is administered in October of every year, and the time allotted is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. While the PSAT is already underway this year, you have plenty of time to get ahead of the game and prepare for next year!
Why Should I Take the PSAT?
A big plus of the PSAT is the potential for scholarship money. If you score well, you may qualify to enter into the National Merit Scholarship program and get a hefty bundle of some Abe Lincolners for college (maybe more!) for college. However this only applies to the PSAT/NMSQT, not the PSAT 8/9 or PSAT 10.
Check out this link for more information on the National Merit Scholarship.
There are a couple other programs you can enter into like the National Achievement Scholarship Program and the National Hispanic Recognition Program, but the National Merit Scholarship is the general umbrella program.
A great thing about the PSAT is that the stakes aren’t as high like the SATs, the scores don’t affect your college admission. Even if you aren’t reaching for the stars to get into Yale or Princeton this is a good dry run for the more intense SAT and a way to see your strengths and weaknesses as a student.
Why Should I Not Take the PSAT?
Frankly, the positives outweigh the negatives in this situation, but there are certainly a few things to keep in mind and consider. Namely, the fact that it is only administered once a year, and if you get a score you’re not happy with, then you’ve got to wait a whole year to have another crack at it. Another thing to think about is that while the PSATs are not as demanding as the SATs, this is where you’re starting to get into the big leagues. The kid gloves are coming off now, so take it seriously, but not too seriously that you will get too stressed out and overwhelmed. Prepare, get sleep, eat blueberries (my mom always told me that helped for some reason), and pace yourself come test time.
In fact, cause I like ya, here’s a link to Khan Academy’s free PSAT prep.
The Moral of this Story
When it comes down to it, I’d say the PSAT is worth it. There’s more to gain than to lose, but you should consider your situation and if it is right for you, then you should go for it! Whether you are shooting for Harvard or Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College, a higher education is undoubtedly an important part in forming not just your future career but also forming you as an individual and a scholar.
— Connor Broderick, Content Writing Intern
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