6.14 : Why should I take the PSAT this October?

What is the PSAT/NMSQT?The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test often taken by seventh through eleventh graders who are planning to apply to college in the United States.The test has two faces, as indicated by its full title: PSAT/NMSQT."PSAT" stands for "Preliminary SAT." As the run-up test to the SAT, it is great practice. It gives students a rough idea of how they might score on the SAT. Bear in mind that the PSAT is slightly different in format from the SAT."NMSQT" stands for "National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test." It is the first step toward National Merit, Corporate-sponsored Merit and College-sponsored Merit Scholarships.To win a National Merit Scholarship, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, but students of any nationality can take the test to get a sense of how they will do on the SAT.You can definitely take the test outside the United States.When should I take it?Unlike the SAT, which is offered several times each year, the PSAT/NMSQT is offered ONLY in October. (However, the new PSAT 8, 9 and 10 formats may be offered at other times during the school year. It's important to keep checking with the College Board!) Be sure to take the PSAT/NMSQT in the proper year to qualify for scholarship aid! For students in the U.S. high school system, that's eleventh grade. If you are in a different school system, check the website of the College Entrance Examination Board to be sure of the correct NMSQT year for you.Seventh and eighth graders take the PSAT to see whether they might qualify for certain programs for talented and gifted children, who are identified through their PSAT scores! Yes, eighth grade is the last year in which you can take the PSAT--or another, similar test--to try out for some of these programs!Ninth graders take the PSAT to warm up, and see what it's like to take a real test that's over two hours long! Some of you may need the PSAT score to apply to boarding school . . .Tenth graders, take note! For most U.S. citizens, this is the last time you can take the PSAT before it becomes the PSAT/NMSQT for you!Eleventh graders, I hope you are studying for the PSAT/NMSQT during the summer months!For more information about the PSAT, click here. There are major changes on the horizon, so be sure to get the latest information from the College Board.Why should I take it?1. It's a reality check! Find out how you compare to other college-bound students! Diagnose your strengths and weaknesses on the PSAT, so that you can train systematically for the SAT.2. A high score on the PSAT/NMSQT will catch the attention of colleges, which are always on the lookout for good students.3. If you're a high-scoring U.S. citizen, you could win scholarship money for college!4. There is no reason NOT to take the PSAT. You are NOT obliged to disclose your PSAT scores.Sign up at a secondary school near you!The PSAT/NMSQT is administered by secondary schools. You must register directly with a school that is offering the test.Do it today, or as soon as school begins!Contact Athena Mentor for information about the standardised tests that are right for you, as part of our comprehensive services. We can help you plan your way through the alphabet soup of required exams--straight through to college.Wishing you a great score on the PSAT/NMSQT,Dr. Marlena CorcoranDirectorAuthor of Year by Year to College, on amazon.com, amazon.de and many national amazon sites