While the PSAT is a practice run for the SAT, a high score can qualify a student for academic scholarships.
The Preliminary SAT Reasoning Test (PSAT) prepares a high school student for the the SAT Reasoning Test.
Although the student's colleges of choices will not see her PSAT scores, the scores can qualify the student for a number of academic scholarships.
The student's PSAT results are generally an accurate predictor of the student's future performance on the SAT exam. With the knowledge of his strengths and weaknesses, the student can study to improve the SAT score.
About the PSAT and the SAT
The SAT Reasoning Test is one of the standardized tests required for a student's entrance into a higher educational institution. Most four-year universities require the student to submit the results of the SAT. Although a student can submit ACT scores, more universities accept the SAT.
The SAT tests a student on his reading, writing and mathematical skills on a high school level. The SAT II tests the student on his aptitude in a specific subject, such as Spanish or Literature. While the SAT is required for a student to enter college, the SAT II tests are usually optional.
Some higher ranking institutions may require SAT II scores in certain subjects.
The PSAT is a preparation for the SAT. Although the PSAT is easier, it reflects the type of questions asked on the SAT.
When Students Take the PSAT
Students typically take the PSAT during their sophomore or junior year in high school.
Unlike the SAT, most high schools administer the PSAT exam during school hours. If the student's high school does not offer the PSAT exam, a student can visit the College Board's website to find out sign up for the PSAT at another institution.
The test dates for the PSAT are typically in the fall semester. The College Board's website posts the exam dates for the following academic year. The school will also announce the test date and provide the student with materials detailing the PSAT.
The PSAT
The PSAT includes five sections: two critical reading sections, two math sections and one writing skills section. The test requires two hours and ten minutes.
In the critical reading section, the student will answer questions about a passage and complete sentences using the correct word.
The mathematics section, which tests the student's general mathematics, algebra and geometry skills, includes both multiple choice questions and write-in responses (also known as grid-ins). Students are permitted to use a calculator during the exam. The College Board's website includes a list of accepted types of calculators.
The writing section includes three parts. The student must identify errors in a sentence, improve a sentence to be more grammatically correct and improve the structure of a paragraph.
Qualifying Scholarships
Although PSAT results cannot earn a student a spot at any university, a student's scores may qualify her for a number of scholarships.
The PSAT is also known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). All of the students' scores are submitted to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which is a cosponsor of the PSAT.
PSAT tests also may qualify a student for scholarships from The National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP), the National Scholarship Service and The Telluride Association.
Implications for the SAT
Experts state that the PSAT may indicate a student's future SAT score. They generalize that a student's SAT scores increase by approximately 100 points for every year of high school.
Of course, this rough estimate excludes many factors. A student may attend SAT prep courses, study out of an SAT book or implement any other study methods. In this case, a student's SAT score may increase greatly.
Regardless, the student can view her PSAT results and pinpoint her problem areas. Once she can identify her weaknesses, she can study for the SAT, which she will take her junior and senior year of high school.
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