I'm really not sure about this whole PSAT thing. I get that's like a 'practice SAT' - cute name, btw. But why should I bother with it? How does it help (or hurt?) college applications? Is it true it can qualify you for scholarships? Thanks for any insight!
The Preliminary SAT, or PSAT, is indeed a form of a practice test for the SAT. It gives you an idea of what to expect on the SAT and helps you identify areas you might need to work on. It's commonly taken in the sophomore and junior years of high school. There are two versions of the PSAT - the PSAT/NMSQT for juniors, and the PSAT 10 for sophomores.
Critical to know is that your PSAT score doesn't directly factor into college admissions as schools do not see or consider these scores. However, the knowledge and experience gained from taking the PSAT can indirectly impact your college application if they lead to improved SAT scores.
When it comes to scholarships, the PSAT/NMSQT taken in the junior year can qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program. High scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT may be recognized as Commended Students or Semifinalists, which can lead to monetary scholarships and can be a boost to college applications.
Remember, even though it's a practice test, the PSAT can provide a lot of benefits, from getting a feel for the real exam to possibly opening up scholarship opportunities.
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