Most students are aware of the importance of taking the SAT and the ACT in high school, but there’s another test you may want to add to that list –- the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

Why? There are several good reasons that students opt to take this test, and some begin as early as the 9^th grade:

• Although the scores will not necessarily count for National Merit Scholarships until the junior year, the PSAT offers students of all ages a chance to familiarize themselves with the testing format and prepare for college entrance exams.
• Students can use the PSAT to identify weaker skill areas and target where they will need to increase their study time for future testing and in preparation for taking the SAT.
• If students opt-in during the PSAT registration process, they may begin to receive information from interested colleges that are seeking potential candidates for admission.
• Most importantly, the PSAT can lead to scholarships and free college money!

Students who take the PSAT as juniors are eligible to compete in the National Merit Scholarship Program; this program provides over 8,300 college scholarships annually. There are three types of scholarships: (1) National Merit $2,500 Scholarship (one-time award), (2) Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships (for children of employees/members, may be renewable or one-time awards) and (3) College-Sponsored Scholarships (for students who designated participating colleges as their top choice schools and have been accepted for admission, may be either renewable or one-time awards).

Students who take the PSAT and score well may also be recognized through the National Hispanic Recognition Program or be selected to participate in the Telluride Association Summer Program. An additional 1,300 students who are not selected as a National Merit Scholarship Finalists will be recognized and awarded scholarships sponsored by businesses and corporations. The awards may be renewable for up to four years or offered as a one-time awards.

So, the question might not really be “Should I take the PSAT?” Perhaps students should be asking, “When do I sign up?” The PSAT is typically given each October at high schools and testing centers throughout the country. Be sure to check with your school guidance counselor to find out where and when you may be able to take the next exam. Taking the PSAT is not only a smart way to prepare for taking other college entrance exams like the SAT or the ACT, but it could also lead to some hefty scholarships for college. To learn more about college standardized tests and test preparation, be sure to visit WiseChoice.com.

Tags: National Merit Scholarship Program, PSAT
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