On Wednesday, October 10, students in the 7th and 8th grade will be eligible to take an optional assessment known as the Preliminary SAT. Often shortened to just “PSAT,” it is a standardized test administered nation-wide by the College Board and co-sponsored by The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) every fall.

Targeted primarily towards a 10th and 11th-grade high school student audience, it additionally serves as the qualifying test for The National Merit Scholarship Program, hence explaining the name NMSQT. The prestigious scholarship offers to recognize the nation’s top 11th grade students, with the final prize being a hefty $2,500.

Name-wise, the PSAT is exactly what you think, designed as a slightly easier version of the actual SAT test. The structure, content, and scoring systems are quite similar, giving you an excellent opportunity to prepare and understand the layout and feel. In terms of content, the three main sections, Reading, Writing, and Math, will combine for a score between 320-1520. What you score on the PSAT will directly correspond to your SAT score, if you were to take one. It is important to note that the PSAT is NOT a college entrance exam, nor will it affect your overall grade point average. (GPA)

Colleges and universities around the country have debated the importance of standardized tests and entrance exams, reconsidering the value they contain in the actual application process. While supporters claim that the test is specifically designed to help “level the playing field” across the varying curricula and standards of schools nationwide, critics argue the tests don’t accurately measure a student’s qualifications, as they often put unnecessary strain on families, paying thousands of dollars for test fees and preparations. More and more institutions have joined in on what has been dubbed the “test optional” movement, including the University of Chicago as of June 14, 2018, deeming both the ACT and SAT college entrance exam scores unnecessary for student application. If choosing the test-optional route, prospective students at the University of Chicago would have the choice to submit video introductions and written explanations regarding their qualifications.

Does this mean colleges continue to look for sky-high ACT or SAT scores? The message that continues to be emphasized is that the expansion of available academic opportunities is extremely important. Provided the chance, the PSAT is an extremely helpful study tool to use in order to familiarize yourself with the structure, content, and help you improve your test-taking skills in general. Being able to see where you stand, even as a middle school student allows you to identify your personal strengths and weaknesses to set even better goals for yourself.

Best of luck from all of us here at The Eagle Edition to those taking the PSAT on Wednesday! You can do it!