Putting the PSAT into Perspective

Many high schools throughout the country will be hosting the PSAT this month, but what is the PSAT?

PSAT stands for Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, essentially the precursor to the SAT. Like the SAT, the PSAT is a digital, adaptive test that includes a Reading & Writing section and a Math section. Both the SAT and PSAT are 2 hours and 14 minutes long.

There are also some major differences between the PSAT and the SAT. The PSAT is only offered once per year, in October, and is typically hosted by your high school. The SAT, on the other hand, is offered seven times per year at test centers throughout the country. The maximum scaled score on each section of the PSAT is 760; the maximum scaled score on each section of the SAT is 800.

If you are a junior taking the PSAT, your scores could qualify you for National Merit Commendation or National Merit Semifinalist. Many schools will also allow sophomores to take the PSAT, but only scores from junior year can qualify for national merit recognition. Exact score cutoffs are determined by state in the year following the PSAT taken. So, a junior taking the PSAT Fall 2024 will not find out if they have received national merit commendation or semifinalist status until 2025. Commended students are typically within the top 3-4% of testers; semifinalists are typically within the top 1% of testers. Historically, California has been one of the states with the highest cutoffs.

Students who are National Merit Semifinalists can apply to become National Merit Scholars. National Merit Scholar status makes you eligible for different scholarships: some from the National Merit Corporation, some from private corporations, and others from colleges and universities themselves.

While there are some perks for students who score in the top percentiles on the PSAT, for the vast majority of students, the PSAT mainly functions as a practice test. If the PSAT is being offered at your school, go ahead and take it and put in a good faith effort, but don’t put undue stress on this test. Instead, use it as an opportunity to gain more information that will empower you to understand how standardized tests may become part of the bigger picture for college admissions.