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PSAT: Unlock Your Potential
Posted by Emily Smith on 10/7/2021 9:00:00 AM
Top four reasons you should rest and do your best on the upcoming Preliminary SAT at every grade level
Many students and families wonder why they are taking the PSAT and how the test will benefit students. The truth is, participating in the PSAT unlocks opportunities for non-college-bound and college-bound students alike - beginning in 8th grade. Completing the PSAT helps families and school counselors identify student strengths, such as science or math, and recommend programs such as STEM or STAT. Read on for the top 4 reasons students should rest and do their best on the upcoming PSAT test at every grade level.
Why CTE and Non-College Bound Students Should Take the PSATs
- Receive College/ Majors/Career Search using BigFuture: The online score report connects you to College/ Majors/ Career Search on BigFuture, another free service from College Board for PSAT test takers. BigFuture helps not only students, but also parents to create a detailed plan relating to finding and paying for college as well as exploring careers. It guides you through school to next steps, advises you on what to do when, and also helps you track your progress. It even provides an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Calculator.
- Help students schedule the right courses!
- Score reports will pinpoint exactly what students need to work on to graduate from high school and be ready for careers and college.
- Connect scores to Khan Academy (Khan Academy offers FREE practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace to work on strengthening student skills.)
Top Reasons for Taking the PSAT 8/9 in 8th/9th Grade
- Establishes a baseline measurement for college and career readiness.
- Provides data to point out what courses students should do well in such as CGS, AP, IB, and DE potential when scheduling classes.
- Scores are connected directly to Khan Academy to provide students age 13 and over targeted learning plans that students can use to learn more about and practice the skills they need to improve.
- If your child needs testing accommodations, the student doesn't need official approval by the College Board in 8th and 9th grade. Score reports will pinpoint exactly what students need to work on to graduate from high school and be ready for careers and college.
Top 4 Reasons for Taking the PSAT 10 in 10th grade
- The assessment scores identify academic strengths and weaknesses early in high school, when there's plenty of time to improve before career and college opportunities.
- It's a great way to practice for the PSAT/NMSQT in 11th grade, which qualifies them for the National Merit Scholarship Program and a chance to win recognition and money for college.
- When they take the PSAT 10, your child can opt in to Student Search Service and connect to over $300 million in scholarships. Learn more about scholarships.
- Create your career roadmap using Roadtrip Nation: Roadtrip Nation is free for all PSAT test takers. Here you can create your own career roadmap.
Top 4 Reasons for taking PSAT/NMSQT in 11th grade
- NMSQT is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test: US High School students enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program by taking the PSAT/NMSQT® (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). The test must be taken no later than the third year in grades 9 through 12.
- Good indicator of how the student needs to prepare for the SAT
- Students can avail of the College Board’s Student Search Service: A great score on the PSAT can get you noticed by several colleges and scholarship boards. Avail of the College Board’s Student Search Service. It is free!
The PSAT/NMSQT (11th grade) test takers are asked if they want to participate in the College Board’s Student Search Service. If a test taker opts in, the College Board shares limited information about the test taker with colleges and scholarship programs looking for such students. For PSAT/NMSQT test takers, this service provides information about educational and financial aid opportunities from close to 2000 colleges, universities, and scholarship programs
Many colleges and universities use PSAT scores to identify students they think may make a good addition to their student body and who may be deserving of scholarships. Having schools express interest in you and connect with you can certainly boost your confidence. - Receive AP, DE, and IB Potential feedback from the College Board.