Although the PSAT is not required for the college application process, many students take the exam as an introduction to the SAT. The PSAT is intended for juniors, and some schools also invite sophomores to take the exam.

What is the PSAT, and what content does it cover?
How is the PSAT scored?
What is the National Merit Scholarship?
Is it true that scores will automatically increase from the PSAT to the SAT just with maturity?
Should my student study for the PSAT?
When are the PSAT test dates, and how does one register?

What is the PSAT, and what content does it cover? PSAT stands for "Preliminary SAT," and the exam is designed to be taken 1-2 years prior to the SAT. Although the two tests share similar content and question types, there are important differences: the PSAT does not include an essay, the math is not as advanced, and the entire test is a little more than half as long as the SAT. As a result, scores will not necessarily be comparable.

The PSAT is usually given in October of eleventh grade, and scores come back in December. Some schools also offer the PSAT to tenth graders; this test is sometimes informally referred to as the "PPSAT."

How is the PSAT scored? The PSAT multiple-choice sections are graded as follows: take the number of correct answers in a section and subtract a quarter point for every incorrect answer. No points are deducted for skipping a question. This number is called a "raw score." The raw score is converted to a scaled score, which is a value between 20 and 80. Students will receive separate scores in Critical Reading, Math, and Writing, and can add them together for a composite. To estimate an SAT score from a PSAT score, simply add a zero to the end so that the 20-80 PSAT score falls in the 200-800 range.

What is the National Merit Scholarship? Juniors who score exceedingly well on the PSAT may be considered for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. It is difficult to obtain these scholarships. Of the 1.5 million students who take the PSAT, 34,000 are "commended," 16,000 of those who score even higher are named "semi-finalists", and 15,000 of those semi-finalists are eventually named "finalists." Of those finalists, only 8,200 are awarded scholarships.

For further information please visit the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's website.

Is it true that scores will automatically increase from the PSAT to the SAT just with maturity? Although your student will mature, the test-taking strategies specifically useful for the SAT are not always acquired with age or taught in school: they are learned with test preparation. Endurance alone is a major factor in SAT scores. The PSAT is only 2 hours and 10 minutes, but the SAT is 3 hours and 45 minutes long — a huge difference! Without preparation, the intensity of this marathon exam can get the best of even the highest achieving and most focused students.

While the PSAT is somewhat useful as a baseline, the best way to assess your student's SAT potential is to take an actual SAT exam. Call us now for a complimentary analysis in either our New York, Boston, or Philadelphia offices.

Should my student study for the PSAT? Some students would like to aim for National Merit; others simply want to know what to expect on the exam. Whichever the case, students find it helpful to have an introduction to the PSAT. Although PSAT scores are not used in college admissions, this test should not be discounted! Many high schools use PSAT scores to begin generating each student's college list assuming that SAT scores will be comparable. Students may also be disheartened about the SAT if their PSAT scores do not represent their abilities.

At Inspirica, we always want our students to put their best foot forward. Call and talk to one of our educational consultants about creating a testing plan for your child's junior year. It is important to take the PSAT seriously but also to find a way to balance PSAT and SAT prep so that your child can approach these important exams with confidence and without feeling overwhelmed.

When are the PSAT test dates, and how does one register? The PSAT is offered every October and is administered through schools. Many schools automatically register all juniors for the test, and some register sophomores, as well. Contact your student's guidance department for registration information and for an exact test date.