Why is taking the PSAT a good idea? Here are some reasons from Mr. Allan Gibbs:

  -----Original Message-----
From: Allan Gibbs
Sent: Friday, October 01, 2004 2:11 PM



Regarding the PSAT/NMSQT; the test is beneficial to students in two major
ways. One is that it prepares them - or gives them practice - for either
the ACT or SAT tests that they would ordinarily take late in their junior
year or early in their senior year. Of course we give everyone the ACT
test in April as Day 1 of the PSAE.
Second, the PSAT/NMSQT is used by the College Board to as an initial
screen of approximately 1.3 million entrants each year for further
participation in the National Merit Scholarship Program. (NMSC). Of the
1.3 million entrants some 50,000 with the highest selection index will
qualify for recognition in the NMSC. These scholars are generally
recognized in April following the previous fall test date.
The following September, these high scorers will be notified through their
schools that they have qualified as either a commended Student or
Semifinalist.
In late September more than 2/3, or about 34,000 of the approximately
50,000 high scorers will receive letters of Commendation in recognition of
their outstanding academic promise, but will not continue
in the competition for Merit Scholarship awards. Some of these students,
however, will be candidates for Special Scholarships sponsored by
corporations and businesses.
In early September, about 16,000 will be notified that they have qualified
as Semifinalists. NMSC will provide scholarship application materials to
Semifinalists through their schools. To be considered for a Merit
Scholarship, Semifinalists must advance to Finalist standing.
In February of their senior year some 15,000 Semifinalists will be
notified by mail at their home that they have advanced to Finalist
standing. Respective high schools will also be notified.
Merit Scholars will be selected from among the Finalist.
Beginning in March and going through June,NMSC will notify about 8,000
finalists that they have been selected to receive a Merit Scholarship of
either cash ( $2,500 ), Corporate sponsored Merit Scholarship Award, or
College Sponsored Merit Scholarship Award. The latter two are renewable
for up to four years.
So, although it is a long and extremely competitive process, There are
considerable rewards both financial and personal available to juniors that
take the test.
I hope this clears up our testing at least as far as why someone would
volunteer for the PSAT.