Why Should you Take the PSAT?
By Lauren Morris and Sarah Engel
By Lauren Morris and Sarah Engel
Many people take the PSAT/NMSQT, however not everyone knows its benefits. The PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test and National Merit Qualifying Test (Edu). The PSAT is a test combined of four different sections; Reading, Grammar, Math without a Calculator, and Math with a Calculator. These sections vary in time frame.
The Reading section consists of 47 questions that need to be completed in 60 minutes. The Grammar section consists of 44 questions that need to be completed in 35 minutes. The math section, separated into two sections, No Calculator and Calculator, has 47 total questions. The section with No Calculator is given a time frame of 25 minutes and the section with a Calculator is given a time frame of 45 minutes.
Taking the PSAT is beneficial for sophomores to take because junior year, you can take the PSAT and have the chance to apply for a scholarship. By taking the PSAT, sophomores can prepare themselves and figure out a benchmark based on their score. Then they can become familiar with the test, and obtain an even better score junior year.
For juniors, you have the chance to obtain a scholarship which could benefit you as you begin applying to college. The PSAT can also be used as a practice for the SAT which should be taken junior year. The SAT is used for multiple things. One of the most important is college acceptance. College admission looks at your grade point average, as well as your SAT score, if you chose or need to provide it for them.
The PSAT is not a test we all look forward to, but there are lasting benefits that could help your future if you plan to pursue higher education.
Educational On-Line Inc. “THE PSAT/NMSQT.” COLLEGE COMPASS -- PSAT, 1997, www.edonline.com/collegecompass/psat.htm.
Kaplan. “What Is the PSAT? - About the PSAT Test.” Kaplan Test Prep, www.kaptest.com/psat/what-is-the-psat.