As a sophomore wondering about testing, who typically takes the PSAT? Is it just juniors or can underclassmen take it too? How do schools decide who gets to take it?
Hello there! Great question and I'm glad you're looking ahead at your testing options. The PSAT, which stands for Preliminary SAT, is predominantly taken by juniors as it also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). However, sophomores are certainly encouraged to take the PSAT as well — it's a wonderful opportunity to practice for the SAT and get a feel for standardized testing in a less pressurized environment.
As for school decisions, this varies from one institution to another. Some schools automatically register all their sophomores and juniors, while others require students to sign up individually. You should check with your school's guidance office to understand how it works at your particular school. Many schools see the PSAT as not just a stepping stone to the SAT, but also as a useful tool for gauging college readiness, so they are often quite supportive of underclassmen taking the test.
Don't hesitate to reach out to your counselor if you have more questions or need assistance with the registration process!
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