Do Colleges Look at PSAT Scores?
If your child is entering the college admissions process, you might be wondering: “Do colleges look at PSAT scores?” Learn about the significance of the PSAT/NMSQT for your student.
Each fall, over 1.5 million students take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) as part of their efforts to secure scholarship funding and enhance their college admission prospects.
During the school year, rising and current high school students will want to start considering their standardized testing goals. You may even have questions about whether it’s worth investing considerable time into the PSAT. After all, do colleges look at PSAT scores when your child applies?
We understand that many students and parents have questions about the PSAT, including its requirements and significance. Fortunately, the College Counseling team at St. Agnes Academy has extensive experience in guiding students and their families in their preparations for the PSAT and the broader college admissions process.
Let’s examine the crucial role the PSAT/NMSQT plays in students’ college admissions journeys and explore effective strategies for helping them achieve strong scores on this important exam.
What Is the PSAT?
The Preliminary SAT, or PSAT, is a standardized test administered by the College Board. It serves as a practice test for the SAT, so students can get a sense for how best to prepare for their future SAT or ACT exams.
The PSAT is divided into three sections – reading, writing, and mathematics – and is a valuable tool for evaluating a student’s SAT or ACT readiness. The PSAT comes in three forms that are offered at different points in a student’s academic journey:
- PSAT 8/9: Targeted at younger students, this test helps freshmen and eighth graders get an early start on their SAT preparation.
- PSAT 10: This practice test is taken by sophomores and used as a tool to help them prepare for the official PSAT/NMSQT exam they will take during junior year.
- PSAT/NMSQT: Primarily taken by juniors, this is the “real” version of the test that determines eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
The Role of PSAT Scores in College Admissions
Contrary to popular belief, PSAT scores are typically not included as part of a student’s college application.
This does not mean the PSAT is not important or valuable, however. In addition to helping students prepare for the SAT proper, the PSAT can have other implications for a student’s future success in the college admissions process. Here are a few benefits of taking and scoring well on the PSAT:
This does not mean the PSAT is not important or valuable, however. In addition to helping students prepare for the SAT proper, the PSAT can have other implications for a student’s future success in the college admissions process. Here are a few benefits of taking and scoring well on the PSAT:
1. Merit Scholarships
Perhaps the most critical consideration for students weighing the significance of the PSAT/NMSQT is the role this test plays in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
High scorers may be eligible for scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost of college, including corporate-sponsored scholarships, National Merit-sponsored $2,500 scholarships, and college-sponsored scholarships that can range up to the full cost of attendance in some cases.
Being a National Merit Scholar is also a highly prestigious designation that makes students more attractive to college admissions departments.
2. Test Preparation
The PSAT is a valuable tool for test prep because it gives students a clearer idea of how they might expect to perform on the SAT, ACT, or other standardized entrance exams. It also helps students get familiar with the format, structure, and timing of the standardized exams that will later play a role in their college admissions process.
Since students can take the PSAT several times leading up to the official National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test, they can spend time cultivating effective study and test-taking habits that will serve them on their future exams.
3. Benchmarking
PSAT scores provide a benchmark for students to assess their academic standing. Understanding their PSAT total scores can help students set manageable goals for their future SAT scores.
The PSAT can also help students identify the areas in which they need to improve, making it easier for them to tailor their test preparation efforts to specific areas of study.
Preparing for the PSAT
At St. Agnes, we encourage our students to take the PSAT seriously, as it is an important stepping stone toward college admissions success. Here are some tips from our College Counseling team to help students maximize their performance on the PSAT:
1. Start Early
One of the great things about the PSAT is that students can begin taking it as early as 8th grade. This gives test-takers ample time to familiarize themselves with the test and its format so they can build and improve their test scores from year to year.
2. Take Practice Tests
Students are urged to take advantage of the numerous practice test opportunities offered by the College Board. Don’t wait until the last minute to take your PSAT without ever having taken a practice exam. The more familiar you are with the test, the better prepared you will be when your performance matters most.
3. Assess Your Child’s Strengths
Students can use the practice test to determine strengths and areas for improvement. Your child can also use their practice test experiences to determine their strengths as a test-taker.
Your child might discover that they work best when they answer questions in a particular order, for example. You can help your child figure out what works best for them during practice sessions and then tailor their study and test-taking habits accordingly to improve overall scores.
4. Stay Calm and Confident
Test anxiety can negatively impact performance. Students will want to stay calm, get plenty of rest before test day, and approach the PSAT with confidence. Remember to carefully read all communications from the test provider to ensure you arrive for the test with all required materials and without any prohibited items, like cell phones and smartwatches.
Utilize Test Preparation at St. Agnes Academy
At St. Agnes, we offer a variety of student support resources to help our students prepare for standardized tests like the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. We have had the distinct honor of producing several National Merit Scholars, finalists, semi-finalists, and commended students, and we are committed to helping our future students succeed in the same fashion.
Our college counseling team has a collective 80 years of experience in higher education academic advising, college admissions, and college admissions counseling. We are well-qualified to help students and their parents prepare for the standardized testing and college admissions processes.
From test prep courses to personalized tutoring, we are committed to helping our students achieve their academic goals while laying a firm foundation for future college success.
“Do Colleges Look at PSAT Scores?” and More Questions Answered
While colleges do not require PSAT scores as part of their admissions considerations, the PSAT remains an important test for high school students. Not only does it help prepare students for the SAT and other standardized tests, but it also offers students a valuable opportunity to earn scholarship money and set themselves apart in a highly competitive college application pool.
At St. Agnes, we believe in the importance of early preparation. We encourage all students to take advantage of the many PSAT practice opportunities provided by the College Board.
Preparation and practice can mean the difference between an average score and a qualifying score, so do not wait until the last minute to start thinking about the PSAT/NMSQT. Reach out today to learn more about our test prep and college counseling resources.
If you have additional questions besides “Do colleges look at PSAT scores?” we can help you out as well. Let us help your child succeed in high school and beyond.
