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How much does the PSAT affect college applications?
I’m a high school sophomore who’s very excited (but also confused) about college!! #college #college-advice #high-school #PSAT
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Estelle’s Answer
I agree with Richard. The PSAT is important in scholarship applications and if you score really high (National Merit Scholar). Otherwise, the SAT and ACT are the most important.
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Meridyth’s Answer
Hi Nora,
Thank you for your question. It's totally understandable that you are both excited and confused about college and college prep. There is a lot to learn over the next few years and it will start to make sense soon. As the previous answers state, the PSAT is a good practice run for the SAT. When its time to take the SAT, there are plenty of ways to prepare. There are courses available locally and nationally as well as many different study aids like books, flash cards, computer programs, and other resources. The PSAT can help you qualify for certain scholarships and other honors. It is not the end all be all for scholarships. There are many out there that do not require PSAT scores. In short, don't worry about the PSAT's. You have bigger fish to fry with keeping your grades up and eventually taking the SAT. Good luck with all your endeavors!
Thank you for your question. It's totally understandable that you are both excited and confused about college and college prep. There is a lot to learn over the next few years and it will start to make sense soon. As the previous answers state, the PSAT is a good practice run for the SAT. When its time to take the SAT, there are plenty of ways to prepare. There are courses available locally and nationally as well as many different study aids like books, flash cards, computer programs, and other resources. The PSAT can help you qualify for certain scholarships and other honors. It is not the end all be all for scholarships. There are many out there that do not require PSAT scores. In short, don't worry about the PSAT's. You have bigger fish to fry with keeping your grades up and eventually taking the SAT. Good luck with all your endeavors!
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Jordan’s Answer
Well the PSAT is more of a practice SAT. You should ask your counselors and teachers how that will affect perhaps scholarship opportunities and such, but I know the PSAT, at least when I was in high school, was to prepare you for the SAT. It is a great resource to work through to understand what sitting through the SAT will be like.
I will preface by saying to remember that these standardized tests will not define who you will be or what you will do in the future. Take it from me, I DID NOT do well on the SATs and I didn't know what I would do without good scores because that is all I was told. Currently, I am finishing my last year of veterinary school and will soon graduate with my doctorates in veterinary medicine. Its been a long time coming, and let me tell you that my SAT scores did not affect any choice or decision I made to becoming a doctor. The SAT, sure, will help distinguish a path for college, but it does not define what you dream of doing. Prepare, study hard, and breathe! Keep pushing through because you will be great!
If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask!
I will preface by saying to remember that these standardized tests will not define who you will be or what you will do in the future. Take it from me, I DID NOT do well on the SATs and I didn't know what I would do without good scores because that is all I was told. Currently, I am finishing my last year of veterinary school and will soon graduate with my doctorates in veterinary medicine. Its been a long time coming, and let me tell you that my SAT scores did not affect any choice or decision I made to becoming a doctor. The SAT, sure, will help distinguish a path for college, but it does not define what you dream of doing. Prepare, study hard, and breathe! Keep pushing through because you will be great!
If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask!
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Angela D.’s Answer
Great question Nora! I have to echo Meridyth, the PSAT is a pathway to some scholarship opportunities. The PSAT 10 is given in spring of sophomore year. It is used as practice for the SAT/ACT more formal exams and for scholarship opportunities, with the exception of the National Merit Scholarship (NMS). The PSAT/NMSQT is scheduled in the fall for sophomores and juniors and does qualify successful takers for the NMS among other financial aid opportunities. Schools can cover the cost of the test generally or with financial need or there may be a small fee ($17), the test questions are primarily multiple choice, and center around math (algebra, geometry, and some minor trigonometry) and reading/writing. You have 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete the exam, usually at your school, and it is great practice for the SAT and ACT tests. After your test scores are available, there may be a group session or one-on-one meeting with an academic counselor at your school to make sense of what the scores mean, especially for future coursetaking and study. You can use online information from the College Board to interpret results as well. I wish you the best in your endeavors, Dr. B
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Rachael’s Answer
Hi Nora,
The PSAT has no impact on college applications. The PSAT is merely a practice to the SAT. The SAT score can impact the chance you have to be accepted by colleges you apply to. Your SAT score can serve as a guide for the colleges you can apply to depending on the range of scores they accept. Certain colleges do not require you submit your SAT scores, however, if you do submit it can lead to higher scholarships. I know they have changed the scoring system since I took it but as I recall you can take them multiple times. The PSATs are also great at preparing you for what the SAT will be like so you shouldn't be too concerned. Keep in mind your SAT score is only a portion of your college application so don't stress too much!
Best of luck,
Rachael
The PSAT has no impact on college applications. The PSAT is merely a practice to the SAT. The SAT score can impact the chance you have to be accepted by colleges you apply to. Your SAT score can serve as a guide for the colleges you can apply to depending on the range of scores they accept. Certain colleges do not require you submit your SAT scores, however, if you do submit it can lead to higher scholarships. I know they have changed the scoring system since I took it but as I recall you can take them multiple times. The PSATs are also great at preparing you for what the SAT will be like so you shouldn't be too concerned. Keep in mind your SAT score is only a portion of your college application so don't stress too much!
Best of luck,
Rachael
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M’s Answer
Hi Nora! The PSAT does not affect your college application, it is just a practice test. I also think that now SATs are no longer required. Good luck!
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Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Nora, I graduated high school a long time ago, but from what I remember the PSAT was a practice SAT. It gave you a glimpse of how the actual exam would go, though the practice was shorter than the actual SAT, and the score you would receive was just an example how you may score on the real exam. I don't think it would affect your college applications however as the previous comments stated there may be scholarships or different opportunities involved so I would recommend to speak with your guidance counselor as they have the most important and up to date information about these matters. Don't worry you will do well!
Best of luck!
Best of luck!
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Samantha’s Answer
The PSAT is good prep for the SAT, but in itself doesn't go anywhere on your college application!
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Rachel’s Answer
The PSAT is of consequence unless you are a National Merit Scholar. If you are, this achievement is looked upon very favorably by colleges.
Hi Rachel, do you mean that the PSAT is of no consequence?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
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Richard’s Answer
The PSAT is important for some scholarship opportunities. It is only helpful in college admissions if you are a National Merit Scholar or a National Merit Commended Scholar. Other than that, your PSAT does not matter much, and SAT/ACT will be taken much more into consideration.