Hey friends, just a bit curious here – I know our main focus is usually the SAT or ACT, but do colleges ever look at PSAT scores when we apply, or is the test strictly for National Merit Scholarship purposes?
Hello there! Great question - I'm glad to see you're thinking ahead about the purposes of the different standardized tests. The PSAT is primarily a practice test for the SAT, and while it is indeed used for determining National Merit Scholarships, colleges do not consider PSAT scores as part of the admissions process—they focus on only your SAT or ACT scores.
That said, a strong performance on the PSAT can certainly help you gauge your preparedness for the SAT and identify areas where you might need to improve. Moreover, becoming a National Merit Semifinalist or Finalist can be a notable distinction on your college application, so in that indirect way, your PSAT performance can have an impact.
In summary, your PSAT scores won't be submitted as part of your college application package, but high marks still have their benefits. That being said, if you don't do as well as you would like, don't worry—just focus on doing well on your SAT or ACT, as those are the scores that carry true weight in college admissions.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.