Take Time to Research the PSAT

It is getting close to PSAT time, and even though I do not currently prepare students or have my own resources for this test, I have personal experience with the benefits of this test that it warrants my attention this week.  I will share the benefits that my family has experienced because of good performance on this test in the future, but for now, I just want to offer some words of encouragement and highlight some of the benefits of the test for students that are taking it soon.

Normally, the PSAT is offered in the Fall and is geared mainly towards 10th and 11th graders.  A misconception that myself and others had at one time was that this was just a practice for the SAT.  It is so much more than that for students that put in some work and are able to do well on this test.

While offering my personal experiences in the future, also I will one day provide a summary of this test.  I am sorry that I almost let this one slip up on me, and I will prepare for next year’s offering better.  But, that is no reason not to get some details published now for those that could be impacted by this year’s test.

There are 2 key awards in which this test is a prerequisite: the College Board National Recognition Program (CBNRP) and the National Merit Scholarship Program.  There is no way that I can give you all the details in this post, so think of this as more of an awareness post and a call-to-action to now go do some research to determine qualifications, benefits, etc. for yourself.

In short, encourage students to do their best on this test because it can be a game-changer for scholarships depending on where they choose to attend college.  Not all colleges honor these awards initiated by PSAT performance the same.  Some see these as not much more than a nice-to-have on your resume, while other schools award very generous scholarships for these honors.

I have provided a small checklist and timeline below to walk through some details on this test. Note that a student can qualify for the CBNRP from a PSAT score earned in 10th grade.  See program details because this also can be earned from AP credits from 9th and 10th grades. It will take a little time to understand what is required, but believe me, it is well worth looking into!

• Check for qualifications for the College Board National Recognition Program (10th and 11th graders; *There are ways to qualify for this via AP credits.)

• Check for qualifications for National Merit Scholarship Program (11th graders)

• Check dates for PSAT and make sure students are signed up!

• Review PSAT practice test material

• Research colleges students are interested in and determine scholarship opportunities for qualifying in these two programs

• Take the PSAT and qualify!! (Qualification scores are usually based on performance per state. Past scores are available on various websites.)

  

  **Updated August 2024 - More schools have dropped the automatic merit scholarships associated with CBNRP honors, but receiving this honor is still beneficial for resume purposes and general test performance.