The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) used to be thought of only as a warmup to the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). While this is still one of the uses of the PSAT, the exam has grown to be important in its own right.
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The PSAT offers a glimpse of a student's strengths and weaknesses as she prepares for college. She can then work on those areas in which she scored low or where improvement is desired.
Plan for College
Deciding where to go to college is difficult, and the PSAT can help you see where you might fit in best. If the PSAT predicts you will get a 900 on the SAT, then you might not want to apply to a school where the average is 1,400 for incoming freshmen. On the other hand, if you do extremely well on the PSAT, then you might want to start setting your sights a little higher when it comes time to look at where to spend your college years.
Qualify for Scholarships
The full name of the PSAT is actually the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). This means that it is the PSAT that qualifies you for National Merit Scholarships. Even if you do not earn a National Merit Scholarship, it looks good to employers if you are able to put "National Merit Finalist" on your resume.
Prepare for the SAT
When taking a major test such as the SAT, it is most important to know the subject matter. Nearly as important, however, is familiarity with the test, the kinds of questions you will be asked and the types of instructions you will be given. Taking the PSAT will help with these challenges and prevent you from being surprised when you take the SAT.
Help with Choosing a College
You can receive free information about colleges when you check "yes" on the box next to Student Search Service. This is a useful service that can help you choose the right college for you.
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