Yo, so I recently took the PSAT/NMSQT, and I'm waiting on my scores. I've been curious about what the score really means. How is it looked at by colleges, and what difference can a good score make? I'm also interested in how it's used for scholarship eligibility. Any insights?
Hello!
Firstly, congratulations on taking the PSAT/NMSQT! The PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and it is usually taken by sophomores and juniors as a practice step for the SAT. Realistically, the main purpose of the PSAT/NMSQT is to prepare you for the SAT by familiarizing you with the test format and the sort of questions you're likely to encounter. As such, colleges generally do not see or consider your PSAT/NMSQT scores in their admissions processes.
However, PSAT/NMSQT scores are crucial for another reason: scholarships. More specifically, they play a key role in the National Merit Scholarship Program. When you take the PSAT/NMSQT in 11th grade, you're automatically considered for the program, which annually provides scholarships to around 7,500 of the highest-scoring students in the nation. Recipients of this award are determined based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores.
While getting a high score on the PSAT/NMSQT won't directly influence your chances of acceptance to a college, it can help you prepare for the SAT, which many colleges do consider. It's also a great opportunity to potentially earn some scholarship money and accolades that can beef up your college application. So, while waiting for your scores, remember that whether they are lower or higher than you hoped, they can provide valuable insight into areas you might need to improve for the SAT or ACT. Good luck!
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