TEST PREPARATION: Something You Just Gotta Do
Many colleges require one or more standardized tests for admissions, including the SAT or ACT, and Subject Tests. Other colleges require none.

You need to carefully check the application information for each school on your college list to determine what the respective test requirements are.

adMISSION POSSIBLE® TIP! If you check “yes” to the Student Search Service question on the PSAT test answer sheet, some colleges will receive your PSAT scores. The College Board provides colleges with student names and their respective PSAT scores in categories such as (1) students with high scores, (2) students from certain geographic areas, (3) particular ethnic groups, etc. If you check “no,” colleges will not receive your PSAT scores unless you give the scores out yourself.

COLLEGE BOARD TESTS

PSAT

DEFINITION of PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test):
The PSAT is is a multiple-choice standardized test, offered every October by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The test is comprised of three sections: Critical Reading (two 25 minute tests), Math (two 25 minute tests) and Writing Skills (one 30 minute test), which means that the test takes 2 hours and ten minutes. Each of the sections is scored on a scale from 20 to 80 points, and the sum of the three section scores ranges from 60 to 240. High scores on the PSAT may qualify some juniors in high school for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and some colleges.

adMISSION POSSIBLE® TIP! Neither low nor high PSAT scores affect one’s college admissions chances. PSAT scores are not a part of admissions criteria.

THE BOTTOM LINE
There are no negative consequences for taking the PSAT, and a couple of positive ones if you do. By taking the PSAT, you gain some understanding about what the SAT Reasoning Test is all about and how you might score on it. Also, taking the PSAT as a junior might qualify you as a National Merit or other scholarship designate. An hour less than the SAT, think of the PSAT as a practice test for the SAT. You have nothing to lose by taking it.

SOPHOMORE TIMELINE FOR TAKING THE PSAT
The more familiar you are with the SAT I, the better you will probably do on the test. Since taking the PSAT provides you with an opportunity to gain familiarity with the SAT, as a sophomore consider taking the PSAT as a practice test for the SAT.