Should 9th Graders Consider Taking the PSAT?

Hey everyone, I'm currently in 9th grade and some folks are recommending I take the PSAT, just to get a feel of it. Now, I'm wondering if it's a good idea or am I being overly ambitious? What say you?

Absolutely, taking the PSAT in 9th grade can be a great move. Even though the scores from this test won't be used to qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Program, taking the PSAT earlier can help familiarize you with the testing environment, reduce test anxiety in the future, and help you gauge your strengths and weaknesses so you know what to focus on as you prepare for later tests.

Taking the PSAT in 9th grade is considered taking it "for practice." You'll get firsthand experience of what the SAT is like (since PSAT is pretty much the same as the SAT but a tad bit shorter), and you'll also have the opportunity to identify sections or types of questions that you struggle with. This gives you ample time to work on those areas before the tests actually count.

After the test, you'll get a score report that breaks down your performance on each section of the test. You can use this score report to guide your study plan for the next year or two. This way, by the time you take the SAT/ACT for college admissions, you'll have a stronger foundation and familiarity with the material, which can result in a higher score.

One note to consider, though, is that the subjects tested in the 9th grade PSAT might not align directly with the subjects you've covered in school by 9th grade, especially in Math. So, don't get too discouraged if you see topics that are unfamiliar. Remember, the PSAT for 9th graders is primarily about gaining experience and identifying areas for improvement, rather than achieving a perfect score.

Overall, while it's not essential, it's definitely not overly ambitious to consider taking the PSAT in 9th grade. It's a smart, proactive approach to your future college admissions process.