How important is it to study for the PSAT?

I've heard that people usually don't study much for the PSAT since it's just a practice test. But does studying for the PSAT help with the actual SAT, or should we just take it to see where we stand?

Studying for the PSAT can be beneficial for a few reasons. Although the PSAT itself is a practice test, it does serve as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program. If you score in the top percentile of students taking the test, you may qualify for this prestigious scholarship, which can be a significant financial asset when applying to colleges.

Additionally, studying for the PSAT can be helpful in preparing for the actual SAT, as the two tests are very similar in terms of content and format. With the PSAT and SAT now being fully digital and having the same structure, studying for the PSAT will give you valuable insight into the timing, question types, and strategies that will be useful when you take the SAT. Taking the PSAT seriously can also help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus your study efforts more effectively when you start preparing for the SAT.

While you don't need to invest as much time and effort into PSAT preparation as you would for the SAT, it's still a good idea to familiarize yourself with the test format and do some practice questions or a full-length practice test, which you can find on The Bluebook™ app, for example. This will help you build a foundation for your SAT preparation and make the most of your PSAT experience.