SkyHigh

Do I need to study really hard for PSAT as I do for SAT? How important is PSAT? Do colleges look at your psat score? I need help on this because I'm really ignorant about PSAT.

Kidof09

As far as I know, the PSAT is good for two things; Your own knowledge of where you stand, and the possibilty of qualifying for the National Merits Award. (Or something like that) For the Award, you must score, I think, at least 2300 to stand a chance to become a semi-finalist. They receive a couple thousand of dollars for being the Finalists.

In other words, nothing really to stress about unless you're dying for the money. What really matters are your actual SATs.

FauxNom

If you think you can score over 200, it might be worth trying. The cutoff for National Merit Semifinalist depends on your state. Search the financial aid forum for more details. My son is saving us $20,000 per year at USC because he became a finalist. There are many colleges that are equally generous with merit aid based on National Merit.

Otherwise, though, colleges don't seem to care about your SAT score.

fireflyscout

What year will you be? If you are a junior, then your PSAT score will be considered for National Merit - some colleges value NM, some don't.

SkyHigh

Thanks. I have another question: Am I also preparing for PSAT in the meantime I'm studying for SAT?