PSATs are usually taken in the fall of students’ Junior year but can be taken in their Sophomore year. PSATs take around three hours to complete, and they test students’ mathematics, reading, and writing skills. The point of the PSATs is to prepare students for the SATs. The SATs are created and issued by the College Board. It is a standardized test which is optional to take. The SATs are also a bit longer than the PSATs and are scored slightly differently. PSAT scores range from 320 to 1520, while SAT scores range from 400 to 1600. Colleges look at these scores and place students in classes and courses that fit.
The PSAT is worth it for students because it prepares them for the questions they’ll see on the SAT. Colleges don’t typically look as much at PSAT scores, but it is still a good idea to take them to prepare for the SATs. Scoring high on the PSATs can land students a National Merit Scholarship. National Merit Scholarships can boost students’ odds with the college application process as well as earn them scholarship money. When students see their PSAT scores, it may inspire them to improve their SAT scores. PSAT scores can also give students a good insight into their scores on the SAT. If students have a weak college application, a good SAT score can strengthen it. “PSATs prepare you for college and help you get into the college you want.” Skylar Hartshorne says.
Overall, all students considering college should take the PSATs and the SATs. The PSATs are a great way to be prepared for the SATs, and it is a benefit to take them because most colleges do require or prefer to see students’ scores on the tests.
