If you are starting to think about college, you might be wondering whether you should take the PSAT, or even what it is. The PSAT, otherwise known as the Preliminary SAT, is a standardized test administered by the College Board that serves as practice for the SAT.
The PSAT is more than just practice; it can help you get ready for college. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- Prepares you for the SAT. The PSAT gives you experience with timed math, reading and writing questions so you know what to expect on the SAT.
- Opens scholarship opportunities. Some colleges require SAT scores, and strong scores can boost your chances for merit scholarships. Practicing with the PSAT helps you get there.
- Qualifies you for big awards. If you take the PSAT in your junior year and score high, you could be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship.
- Shows what to work on. Your score report highlights strengths and areas to improve so you can focus before taking the SAT.
- Helps set goals. The PSAT can guide you in setting a realistic target score for the SAT and tracking your progress.
What is the PSAT’s role in college admissions?
The PSAT does not have a direct role in your college application process, but the whole story is a little more complicated. Most colleges, including Pacific, are test-optional and accept SAT scores only if you wish to provide them. If you have a high SAT score, often there is a better chance you will be accepted into the college you apply to.
While the PSAT does not predict academic success in particular subjects, it is a great way to predict possible SAT scores, as it is the practice test for the SAT. The PSAT is slightly easier than the SAT, though both tests assess the same core skills. The main reasons for the PSAT’s lower difficulty are that it’s intended as a practice test, its scoring rang is lower and includes fewer difficult questions. The PSAT is scored on a scale of 320-1520 and the SAT is scored on a scale of 400-1600. According to College Board, 10% of SAT test takers get a score of 1350 or higher, though this can vary slightly year to year according to College Board.
Taking the PSAT will give you practice for the SAT and help you identify where you should focus when you prepare for the SAT.
“It allows you to see where your strong suits are in case you are certain you want to take the SAT,” said Danny Ramirez, senior assistant director of admission at University of the Pacific.
When you receive your results, you can see what you need to improve on and push yourself to get better at that subject. Some cost-effective options for preparation for the PSAT are free practice tests from College Board, online resources including Khan Academy and tutoring.
Among the different ways to prepare for college, the PSAT ranks low, because it is practice for the SAT and will not be directly reflected on your college application. College admissions counselors focus on things such as GPA, courses taken, extracurricular activities and your personal statement. And it can be risky to overemphasize preparation for the PSAT because it can be expensive and cause stress. Nevertheless, the PSAT is a useful and low-stakes tool to prepare for the SAT and college, and it provides you with a chance of winning a National Merit Scholarship.
“Being considered for a National Merit Scholarship will give you more exposure and a lot more opportunities for different scholarships, which makes college much more accessible.”
Danny Ramirez, Senior Director of Admission
What impact do PSAT scores have on financial aid possibilities?
Getting a high score on the PSAT can impact your financial aid possibilities. For example, if you take the PSAT in your junior year of high school and get a high score, you will be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship program, which offers more perks than just money.
“It opens up a lot of doors,” Ramirez said. “Being able to receive a scholarship like that, or just being a contender for it, allows you to network. And in some cases, College Board will send this information to universities that look for specific scores from the SAT. So, it will give you more exposure and a lot more opportunities for different scholarships, which makes college much more accessible.”
You must take the PSAT in your junior year of high school to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. If you make it to the final high score selection, you will have to submit essays, transcripts and recommendations to be considered for the scholarship. If you are finally selected, you will be eligible for $2,500 from the National Merit Scholarship program as well as several additional scholarships.
Who should take the PSAT?
Ramirez suggests anyone planning to take the SAT should consider taking the PSAT first, as it provides good practice. The PSAT can be especially helpful for first-generation students. “It gives you exposure to the test taking process,” Ramirez said.
When do you take the PSAT?
Generally, it is recommended that students take the PSAT in the fall of their junior year in high school, though it is possible to take the test earlier. To be eligible for the National Merit scholarship, you need to take the qualifying test during your junior year. College Board recommends you take the SAT during the spring of your junior year and again in fall of your senior year if you want to improve your score.
How to take the PSAT
You register through your high school to take the PSAT. Talk to your counselor at the end of your sophomore or beginning of your junior year to see what the registration process is and how to pay the testing fee.
The PSAT is taken on a computer, but you can’t do it at home. You’ll need to go to your school or another approved testing site with a proctor. Check the dates ahead of time so you don’t miss out. Test dates may only be available once or twice, even if the testing window lasts a whole month. Test scores are typically available four to six weeks after you take the test. If you missed the opportunity to take the PSAT during your junior year of high school, you can still take the SAT during your senior year of high school.
Why take the PSAT?
Overall, students take the PSAT to learn what taking the SAT will be like, to see where they are academically and what they need to work on before taking the SAT. It can also be helpful in gaining financial aid for college.
“At the end of the day by taking the PSAT, you have nothing to lose,” Ramirez said. “Most universities are test-optional, whatever SAT score you get, it allows you to see where you need to work, but it’s not going to make or break your acceptance into college. So have fun with it.”
Pacific is a test-optional school and does not require applicants to take the. However, you may choose to submit your scores if you believe they will strengthen your application.
Learn more about applying to University of the Pacific.