Most individuals have a minimum of heard of the PSAT, however many do not actually know precisely what it’s. Is it only a observe SAT? Do schools have a look at PSAT scores? Why does the PSAT even matter, if in any respect? How is the PSAT associated to the SAT? The aim of this text is to shed some gentle on what the PSAT is, the way it differs from the SAT, and why it is necessary to take it simply as critically because the SAT.
The PSAT and SAT are related exams revealed by the School Board which are designed to check a scholar’s skill to assume critically. Many consider the PSAT as a “child” SAT, which is definitely a reasonably correct description. The primary variations are:
- Size. The SAT consists of ten sections and is nearly 4 hours lengthy (3 hr 45 min); the PSAT has 5 sections and is barely over two hours lengthy (2 hr 10 min).
- Content material. Each exams take a look at the identical topic areas: writing, important studying, and math, however the PSAT writing part doesn’t embody an essay portion, and the PSAT math part doesn’t cowl Algebra 2 ideas.
- Scoring. The utmost achievable rating on the SAT is 2400, and every topic space is value 800 factors. The max rating on the PSAT is 240, with every topic space value 80 factors.
- Take a look at Dates. The SAT is obtainable seven instances a 12 months; the PSAT is obtainable yearly, often within the third week of October. There might, nonetheless, be multiple take a look at date inside that week.
- Significance. Each exams are necessary stepping stones alongside the school admissions path. Most individuals are already very aware of the direct function that the SAT performs within the faculty software course of, however fewer clearly perceive the importance of the PSAT. Many push the PSAT to the facet, pondering, “it is only a observe SAT” or “it would not actually matter for school” — enormous mistake:
The Nationwide Benefit Scholarship
The PSAT is also referred to as the Nationwide Benefit Scholarship Qualification Take a look at (NMSQT). Because the title suggests, college students who carry out nicely on the PSAT might qualify for the Nationwide Benefit Scholarship. Awarded to 2500 college students throughout the US every year, the Nationwide Benefit Scholarship is a superb honor that may additionally broaden a scholar’s academic alternatives. Even simply being named a Nationwide Benefit Scholar Finalist or Semifinalist might be advantageous to a scholar. Many colleges actively attain out to those college students via particular applications and scholarships not solely as a result of it is an indicator of a scholar’s educational prowess, but in addition as a result of these colleges stand to learn in rankings if college students select to attend.
“However a number of individuals get excellent scores on the PSAT, so how can my son/daughter compete even when he/she qualifies?” you may ask. A robust PSAT rating is only a qualification requirement — the proverbial foot within the door. A real Nationwide Benefit Scholar has to have a well-rounded physique of accomplishments, extracurricular actions, and different qualities to propel him or herself the remainder of the best way via.
PSAT Barometry
Regardless that solely juniors can qualify for the Nationwide Benefit Scholarship, college students can take the PSAT as sophomores as nicely. Taking it as a sophomore (and even earlier, if mother insists), affords two benefits:
- For the reason that SAT and PSAT are so related, it is affordable to say {that a} scholar’s efficiency on the PSAT signifies how nicely they are going to do on the SAT. Taking the PSAT early will assist college students and oldsters pinpoint weaknesses, gauge how a lot preparation is required, and determine when to start out getting ready for the SAT. And since each checks are written by the identical individuals, if a scholar finds that she or he simply would not reply nicely to the School Board’s questions, then there’s nonetheless loads of time to start wanting into the ACT as a substitute.
- It is necessary to needless to say college students solely have one likelihood to qualify for the Nationwide Benefit Scholarship. In contrast to the SAT, if a scholar performs poorly on the PSAT — that is it. There isn’t a second likelihood. It is a good suggestion for college students to take the take a look at as sophomores to see how shut their scores are to the cutoff and, once more, determine on a take a look at prep plan of motion.
Two Exams, One Stone
The SAT and PSAT are each extraordinarily necessary checks in barely other ways. Fortuitously for college students and oldsters, the 2 are very related. A scholar who is ready for the PSAT may even be ready for the SAT. Put together early; observe constantly; and slay each Goliaths of standardized testing with ease. Even when a scholar plans to take the ACT, take a look at preparation has many ideas that apply to any take a look at, at any age, at any time.
It is simple to miss the PSAT within the hurricane of knowledge surrounding the school admissions course of, so make sure to maintain an eye fixed out for this small however extraordinarily necessary take a look at and nail it down earlier than it blows by and disappears into the storm.