The Princeton Review: what you need to know about the National Merit Scholarship qualifying test: A.K.A. the PSAT
Each year, over 3.5 million high school students take the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, also known as the PSAT. This test helps you prepare for the SAT while determining your eligibility for a National Merit Scholarship.
The PSAT offers you the chance to improve your test–taking skills with no negative consequences; your results will have no bearing on college admissions or your high school transcript. And if you do well, you could earn more than bragging rights—you could win money for college.
Not Just Another Test: Understanding the PSAT
Most students take the PSAT at their high school in the fall of their sophomore or junior year. Inquire with a teacher or guidance counselor as to when the test will be offered and how to sign up.
Many students do not prepare for the PSAT. However, if you choose to do some PSAT prep, you will gain a significant advantage over your peers.
Show Me the (Potential) Money
Winning a National Merit Scholarship is no easy task. Each year, approximately 50,000 students (out of 1.4 million juniors) qualify for recognition based on their high PSAT scores. Around 34,000 of these students receive Letters of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. While these letters don't include a scholarship check, they look good to admissions offices and can be listed on your college application.
The remaining 16,000 students or so—those whose scores put them in the top 99th percentile in their state—become National Merit Semifinalists. Of these, around half win scholarships after submitting their high school records, as well as recommendations from teachers and a personal essay. Some students win a $2500 scholarship from the National Merit Corporation, while others may win larger awards from colleges hoping to attract top scorers.
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