The PSAT is an optional test for sophomores and juniors. Many students opt not to take it. But why should you? What are the benefits?

One of the biggest reasons that students take the PSAT is because it prepares them to take the SAT Senior year. This gives students a better chance at getting an improved score in the SAT. 

“If you’re planning on taking the SAT later, then it’s a very similar format and has very similar types of questions. So you can get a test run at it before you take the real thing” said test prep teacher Philip Kaul.

Aside from prep, the test shows students what they are doing well in. It could be useful for studying up where they need to improve.

“It might tell you that you’re in the 70th percentile for math which means that you’re better than 70 percent of other people who take it,” said Kaul.

Another benefit is the National Merit Qualifying Scholarship. This is endorsed by the college board, meaning it will send out students’ scores to colleges to decide who they want to try and recruit.

“It’s a big scholarship and being a finalist or even a semifinalist or even commended for that is something that a lot of schools will look at as a way to give you scholarship money or to try to recruit you to attend their school.

All of these benefits come with hard work and preparation. One thing students can do to prepare is to go through the packet that comes with the test.

“Some students will just look through the packet or look at other materials online so that they can get used to what the timing structure will look like,” said Kaul.

In addition to the packet, students can sign up to take a class run by Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Kaul. The two teachers alternate in the subject focus of the day.

“Mr. Hamilton and I run a prep class that is four evenings, two of them working with me on math and two working on English and reading with him” Kaul said.

So why would students go to all of this work if they can just take the ACT instead? The ACT differs from the PSAT in many ways, such as the timing and difficulty of the questions.

“The ACT has four sections, [and] the PSAT doesn’t have science and it combines English and reading. The questions are a little harder too,” Kaul said.

There are currently only 45 students signed up to take the PSAT this year, according to School Improvement Specialist Mrs. Monroe. However, there is always next year to sign up.

In general, the PSAT takes work to study and prepare for. However, it reaps lots of benefits which can present opportunities for students in the future.