What if my school doesn't offer the PSAT?

Students with scheduling conflicts at their own schools and students who wouldn't otherwise have access to the tests - such as homeschooled students and international students - can look on the College Board's website (www.collegeboard.org) to find a nearby school offering the PSAT.

Is it legally required to take the PSAT?

The PSAT (whether you're a sophomore or a junior, in fact) is not required, and deciding not to take it will not have any negative effects on your college admissions decisions.

Is it bad to not take the PSAT?

The PSAT is not used directly by colleges and universities when they make their college admissions decisions. Your acceptance or rejection into college is much more dependent on the SAT or ACT , so the short answer is “no,” colleges don't care at all about the PSAT.

Can you get into college without taking the PSAT?

The biggest difference between the two tests, however, has nothing to do with format and everything to do with function: The PSAT is not used in college admissions.

Is it OK if you fail the PSAT?

I totally get why you might be feeling stressed about the PSAT, but here's some good news: there's no passing or failing when it comes to the PSAT — it's just a practice test for the SAT. The scores aren't reported to colleges and won't be part of your college admissions process.

Ask Admissions: What if my school doesn't offer AP or IB classes?

Does the PSAT really matter?

For the vast majority of students, the PSAT is simply a dress rehearsal for the SAT. While it's true there are a tiny percentage (around 3%) of 11^th graders who will take the PSAT and qualify for the National Merit Scholarship, it's important to remember that PSAT scores are not used in the college admissions process.

What is a bad PSAT score?

Below Average Overall PSAT Scores: 950 or Below.

Does PSAT matter in 10th grade?

The PSAT in 10th grade isn't something that will directly affect your college admissions. It's true that the National Merit Scholarship Program looks at scores from your junior year, not sophomore year. So in 10th grade, the PSAT mainly serves as good practice for the SAT.

Does the PSAT matter in 11th grade?

All 11th graders who take the PSAT/NMSQT are eligible for National Merit Scholarships. Of the top 50,000 performers, 34,000 become Commended Scholars, while the remaining 16,000 are distinguished as National Merit Semifinalists.

What happens if you don't take the PSAT in 10th grade?

No. The PSAT in 9th or 10th grade is just for practice, although a high score can qualify you for some great free summer programs at top schools. However, the PSAT in October of your Junior year is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualification Test (NMSQT), and that is kind of a big deal.

Do schools care about PSAT?

What Do My PSAT Scores Mean? In and of themselves, your scores don't mean a whole lot. Colleges will never ask you for your PSAT results, and you'll never have to report them.

Why take the PSAT seriously?

A High PSAT Score Can Lead to a National Merit Scholarship

The National Merit Scholarship Corp. uses PSAT scores to determine which test-takers will become semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

What happens if my school doesn't offer PSAT 8 9?

If you haven't received PSAT registration information by the fall of your child's junior year, you should call your child's school or college counselor. If your child's school does not offer the PSAT to its students, your child can take the test at another local high school.

Is PSAT important for freshman?

Taking the PSAT in 9th grade will help you identify your current scoring level and figure out how you can improve for the future. As a freshman, you can choose between two tests: the PSAT/NMSQT that 11th graders take or the PSAT 8/9, a version of the test specifically geared toward 8th and 9th graders.

Should my child take the PSAT?

Even if you do not ultimately qualify for a scholarship, taking (and prepping for) the PSAT has several benefits. The PSAT is great practice for the SAT. Both require you to use your critical thinking skills to answer multiple–choice questions within a fixed amount of time.

What is a 1000 PSAT score?

A combined score of 1000 is approximately the national average, which represents the 50th percentile (students who score 1000 score right in the middle, with 50% of the people scoring higher and 50% of the students scoring lower).

Is 1300 a good PSAT score for a sophomore?

According to this approach, an average score higher than 1060 indicates a decent PSAT score for a sophomore, above 920 indicates an OK score, and beyond 1180 indicates an excellent score.

Is the PSAT optional?

In general, the PSAT is an optional test that serves mainly as practice for the SAT and for qualification for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Most high schools encourage students to take it for these reasons, but it's not strictly required by the schools themselves.

Is 1200 a good PSAT score?

Excellent PSAT Scores: 1200-1360

11th-grade students who scored between 1200 and 1360 on the PSAT test fall within the top 10% of all test takers.

Is 1100 a good SAT score?

Is An 1100 SAT Score (58th Percentile) Good? A score of 1100 on the SAT puts you at the 58th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 58% all 2 million+ test takers. Earning an 1100 makes you eligible to apply to most colleges and universities as a decent candidate.

Is 1010 a bad PSAT score?

So, if we're aiming for that 75th percentile, your score would need to fall somewhere between 1160-1180. And if you scored anywhere above 1010, this would be an above-average PSAT score!

Is a 900 PSAT score bad?

Generally, a score of around 900-1000 or above (out of 1520) is considered a good start for a freshman, but they can aim higher as they progress through high school.

Is a 780 bad on a PSAT?

A “good” score could be considered as anything around (or above) the 50th percentile, meaning you performed better than or at least as well as half of your peers. Your score of 780 is close, but not quite there yet.

Is a 950 PSAT score bad?

Good PSAT Scores

Scores in the 950-1080 range are considered good, and scores above 1080 are excellent. Top colleges generally consider anything above 1200 to be competitive. If you're aiming for Ivy League schools, your goal should be 1450 or higher.

Does PSAT affect your GPA?

Your PSAT scores won't get you into college or affect your GPA. But if you're a junior, high scores on the PSAT can earn you scholarship dollars, including a National Merit Scholarship.