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Why the 2017 PSAT Matters
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TEST SUCCESS
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Every fall, high schoolers across the U.S. are administered a standardized test that could earn qualified students note-worthy recognition and financial rewards for college.
The test is the PSAT, the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMQT), which is administered by the College Board and co-sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The NMSC was founded to identify, honor, and reward high-performing American students for their achievements.
Since 1971, high schoolers take the PSAT not only to practice for the SAT but also to earn eligibility and qualification for the National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP), an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college scholarships.
Students and parents may brush off the PSAT as just another standardized test, but unlike end-of-course exams (EOCs) and state required tests, the PSAT has very serious implications—possibly a free ride to college.
How so, you ask?
It starts by qualifying with a high enough PSAT score to compete in the NMSP. Around 3.5 million students will take the PSAT and approximately 1.6 million of them will meet requirements to enter the program.
The target score tends to fluctuate yearly depending on a number of variables used by the College Board. Last year, juniors who scored a 1440 or higher (out of 1500) were named semifinalists. The 2017 score should be close to this level.
Flash forward a year later and in September 2018, about one-third (16,000 seniors) will be named National Merit Scholar Semifinalists. These students represent the top 1% and are eligible to apply to become National Merit Scholar Finalists.
Around 34,000 students who are not recognized as semifinalists but who qualify at a second-tier level are named Commended Students (about two-thirds of the program candidates) and receive letters of commendation. Commended students aren’t eligible to further compete for National Merit Scholarships, but may be candidates for additional scholarships.
And, the final prize—being named a National Merit Scholar Finalist—will be awarded to roughly 15,000 seniors in February 2019.
Earning this status brings acclaim and accolades as National Merit Scholar Finalists are awarded generous college scholarships and in some cases free tuition
Free tuition?
Every state varies, but in Florida, National Merit Scholar Finalists who graduate from a state of Florida high school and enter a state of Florida public university (such as the University of Florida, Florida State University, Univerity of Central Florida, University of South Florida and New College) can earn the Benacquisto scholarship, which covers the cost of four year’s of state college tuition, which in 2017 dollars equated to more than $80,000. Other out-of-state public universities such as Ole Miss and the University of Alabama also provide generous scholarships.
No matter the state, the rewards are generous for National Merit Scholar Finalists. In addition, about 7,500 finalists are eligible to win additional scholarships with NMSP. These include National Merit scholarships, corporate-sponsored scholarships, and college-sponsored scholarships.
How to qualify
Is that all there is to it? Score high enough and get a free ride?
Well, not exactly. In order to move on to finalist standing, students must submit an application with a very competitive overall high school GPA, an essay, and a confirming SAT score to ensure the high PSAT score was not just a fluke—1400/1520 or above now.
When is the 2017 PSAT?
The 2017 PSAT will be administered on Wednesday, October 11. The test, which is composed of four sections: two math sections, critical reading, and writing skills takes more than two hours to complete. Results are provided to students on December 11, 2017.
When should you prep for PSAT?
The PSAT is not a test to take lightly. For serious students, preparation should start in 9th grade to allow enough time to hone critical reading, writing, and math skills.
For more information, download the 2017 Student Guide for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Want to get your student prepped for PSAT? The Test Success Prep Programs are geared to the PSAT and have helped numerous students receive National Merit Program recognition. Learn more about our prep programs.
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