Flickr user Kennedy Library
Many automatically presume that the ‘P’ in PSAT stands for ‘Practice’. Unfortunately, this misconception about the PSAT being a practice test can prevent you from qualifying for a few valuable benefits.
Take a look at what exactly the PSAT is and why you should take it more seriously than you would a practice test.
Facts About The PSAT
- The purpose of the PSAT is not just to give students a mandatory practice test so they have a better idea of how prepared they are for the actual SAT.
- However, the PSAT can serve as a great look into what the SAT will be like, and give students valuable experience
- The PSAT is a test that is used to qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship.
- Taking the PSAT is the only way students can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.
- Students take the PSAT during their junior year and the scores on the test are used to determine the National Merit Semifinalists.
- The highest PSAT scorer in each state qualifies as a semi-finalist for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
- Many colleges reserve substantial funds specifically to be awarded to National Merit Scholarship finalists. In some cases, these funds cover the full tuition.
- An outstanding score on the PSAT can put you on the radar of several colleges and scholarship boards.
More Than a Practice Test
With so much at stake, it would be a serious mistake to approach the PSAT as just a practice test. Studying hard for this test can, in fact, pave the way for some serious financial rewards.
Check out how your ACT / SAT scores affect your acceptance odds with College Raptor’s free match tool!
