SAT, PSAT, ACT….  Alphabet soup. What does it all mean and why should you bother with these tests? A test is already a stress, but you have to actually pay for these tests, spend your free time taking them, and then answer endless questions from your parents about how you think you did. What is the point?

The point could be huge.

First things first. The PSAT. The “P” in PSAT does not stand for “Pre” SAT. It’s actually the Preliminary SAT test. Yes, it will give you a run-through on the test, and let you go through basically the same experience. The basic directions for taking the test and the types of questions will be the same as you will receive when taking the SAT test.

For those who are not real comfortable taking tests I would recommend taking the PSAT for that reason alone. Also the test is graded and when you receive the scores it will illustrate how you are doing in each of the subjects. If you are weak in one area or another you can focus on that subject. The test will be in three subjects, reading, math and writing.

The larger picture is that the PSAT may be the first step towards becoming a National Merit Scholar. This scholarship awards $2,500 to their National Merit Scholars, and, perhaps just as importantly, gives the winner a lot of prestige.  Approximately 1.4 million students take the test each year. Many universities court National Merit Scholars as it adds to their reputation as an honors college.

In addition to determining National Merit Scholars the test is also the gateway for Hispanic students to have a special scholarship called the national Hispanic Recognition Program. There is no financial award for this recognition, but it looks great on scholarship applications.

The test will also be used by the Telluride Association which gives 48 scholarships to sophomores and juniors for six-week summer seminars in the humanities and social sciences. The scholarship covers tuitions, books, room and board, field trips and facilities fees.

The PSAT test is given by your high school, and not administered by the College Board. So you cannot register on line for the test. Go to your school’s Guidance Counselor office for registration. Chino Valley High School will give the test on October 15th, 2008. Both Prescott High School and Bradshaw Mountain High School will give the test on October 18th. The test should be taken by your junior year of high school. The cost is $13. There are fee waivers available for low-income juniors. The College Board has sample tests on-line.

The other benefit for taking the test is the ability to participate in the College Board’s MyRoad program at no cost. It’s a college and career planning resource with a personality profiler, 67 profiles of different academic fields, and up to date articles covering over 450 different careers. If you missed taking the PSAT check with your schools guidance or career center. They might have signed up for school-wide access to the program.

To qualify for the National Merit Scholarship you must take the PSAT while you are a full-time student. Also, you must be planning to go from high school directly into college. In other words no “gap year.” Also, you must be a United States Citizen or be a lawful permanent resident or have applied for permanent residence and not been denied, and intend to become a US citizen.

There are several levels of recognition in the National Merit program. Out of the 1.4 million applicants approximately 50,000 qualify for recognition, and the College Board will send a notification of that achievement to 2 schools of the winners’ choice.

Out of that 50,000 approximately 34,000 will receive Letters of Commendation which are based on their scores. These students do not go on to become National Merit Finalists or Semifinalists, but could become candidates for other scholarships by businesses and corporations who work with the College Board.

Approximately 16,000 students will qualify as Semifinalists. These are chosen on a state-by-state basis so students from each state are represented. These students are invited to fill out an application to advance to become a national Merit Finalist. Approximately 15,000 will become Finalists, and then the final 8,200 award winners are chosen from that pool.

To get to that final level the finalists must write an essay, be active in the community or school, show leadership, and have a school official’s written recommendation. There are three types of awards the winners receive. One is the $2,500 scholarship, another is from corporations for the children of their employees who are chosen as Merit Scholars, and the third is college-sponsored Merit Scholarships. The college-sponsored awards are sometimes renewable for up to 4 years.

There is a lot of paperwork involved to reach the final goal,  but if you are looking towards a college career in an honors program, this is the first step. And even if you are not on that path, taking the PSAT as a practice test and getting in the system is a great way to get started in your college career.

The SAT test and ACT test will be covered in future columns.

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed