Why the PSAT is hogwash (well, kind of)

No three letters strike more dread into the hearts of high school students than S-A-T.

Yet, as if the SAT wasn't enough, students are also subjected to its younger sibling: the PSAT.

Officially known as the Preliminary SAT, or the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), this exam is touted as a significant milestone on the road to college admissions. But is it really all it's cracked up to be? Spoiler alert: Not exactly

So, does it really matter? Well that depends....

The PSAT: A Practice Test in Disguise

For the majority of students, the PSAT is essentially a glorified practice test. It's designed to prepare you for the SAT by mimicking its structure and content—but slightly abridged. The PSAT doesn't count towards your college applications, as colleges don't see your scores. So whether you score a 950 or a 1250, it won't directly impact your chances of admission.

Moreover, the PSAT offers a simulated testing environment, helping students get a feel for the SAT's pacing and pressure without the high stakes. While practice is valuable, let's be honest: you can achieve the same preparation by taking practice tests at home or in a test prep class.

National Merit Scholarship: The Exception, Not the Rule

Now, here's where the PSAT gains some weight: the National Merit Scholarship competition. If you're among the top 1% of scorers in your state, you might qualify as a National Merit Semifinalist and potentially become a Finalist or even a Scholar. This can open doors to scholarships and accolades that look impressive on college applications.

But achieving this level of recognition is incredibly challenging. In highly competitive states like California and Massachusetts, you'd need near-perfect scores - think missing no more than one or two questions. For most students, this is an unrealistic benchmark.

Even if you become a Semifinalist, the timeline doesn't sync well with college applications. Semifinalists are notified in September of their senior year, but Finalist status isn't confirmed until February, long after most college applications are due. So, you won't be able to officially tout that Finalist honor when it matters most.

The Benefits

Yes, some universities offer substantial scholarships to National Merit Finalists. Schools like the University of Alabama and Texas A&M roll out the red carpet with tuition waivers, stipends, and other perks. These offers typically from institutions that are actively seeking to attract high-achieving students. Top-tier universities rarely offer such incentives.

A Flawed Measurement Tool

The PSAT also suffers from the same criticisms levied at the SAT. It claims to measure college readiness but often doesn't align with high school curricula. Furthermore, the emphasis on a single test score can be a poor reflection of a student's true abilities and potential.

SOOOO.....

For the vast majority of students, the PSAT is much ado about nothing. It's a practice test that doesn't directly influence college admissions. While it offers a shot at scholarships for a select few, the odds are slim, and the benefits are often overstated.

So, should you take the PSAT? Sure - there's no harm in it, especially since it's often administered for free by your school. But should you stress over it or consider it a pivotal moment in your academic career? Probably not.

Focus on what truly matters: your coursework, passions, and preparing for tests that colleges actually consider. Don't let the PSAT distract you from the bigger picture. After all, in the grand scheme of your educational journey, it's kind of hogwash.

Best of luck,
Melina Kazanas

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