After years of using the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), students were given information regarding the announcement of the PSAT no longer being required for Bonita Vista High (BVH) students. However, due to this requirement being lifted, students are beginning to lose the opportunity of benefits the PSAT gives when taken.
One of the potential benefits is the prospect of receiving financial assistance through scoring well on the PSAT, where students can earn additional opportunities to earn scholarships such as the National Merit Scholarship.
According to Best Colleges, there are studies that support potential benefits associated with taking the PSAT. They mention that “students with qualifying PSAT scores can receive merit scholarships offered by businesses and colleges.” Additionally, these scholarships could fund students “based on their location or career plans.” Scholarship money has long been a necessity for students who wish to partake in further studies in universities or Ivy League scholarships due to the large cost of tuition—so seeking any kind of financial assistance is mandatory for countless students.
Although scoring bad on the PSAT may be a big worry for students, the worry is an illusion as most California colleges and universities do not check for high school PSAT scores. The PSAT is a prerequisite to the SAT and gives students opportunities to practice for the SAT. Colleges would rather analyze final test results rather than practice test results—taking the PSAT a non-factor in the college admissions process.
An informational page titled “Who will see my score?” from CollegeBoard states that PSAT scores are not sent to colleges and“are not intended to be part of college admission decisions”. Furthermore, the results are not “sent to colleges unless the student (if 18 or older) or their parent/guardian has granted permission.”
Lastly, students’ experiences with the PSAT differ. Many consider it to be laborious work, whereas others can find it to be helpful in discovering what topics they struggled with. Whether it be math, reading or writing, they have the ability to learn what they need to study further. Preparing for the PSAT has very minimal downsides as students are preparing to pass a practice test—preparing them for the SAT This allows students to progress academically either way.
The Princeton Review, a tutoring service based in San Diego, writes in an article titled “Why You Should Take the PSAT,” that “the PSAT tests break down your score into a variety of sub-scores, such as Words in Context, Command of Evidence, and Passport to Advanced Math.” With this students can see how they ranked in these different categories and can see what to focus on before taking the SAT.
Essentially, the PSAT acts as a checkpoint for students’ understanding. As students take the PSAT, they test their knowledge on various subjects that will not only assist them for the SAT, but also help them understand their weakest skill and subject.
When it comes to optional PSAT testing, students risk losing benefits they could potentially acquire. These range from increased scholarship opportunities to assist with financial difficulties when applying for colleges to improving skills—with PSAT scores not factoring into a college transcript.
