<p>Pshaw, freshmen taking it is nothing. At D2’s school, they have the kids take the PSAT starting in 8th grade. Yes, I know, insane. I think the reasoning is to get the kids and parents into a pre-college mindset very early on. It’s a Title I school, so there are a lot of kids who will be first generation college students. The students don’t have to pay to take it until 11th grade, I’m not sure where the funding comes from to pay for the test.</p>
<p>I see no point in freshman taking the PSAT. If the student makes the choice that’s one thing but to make a freshman take it seems silly. My kids take it as sophomores and Juniors, I think that’s enough. After all there are so many standardized tests that are required, why add another one that doesn’t even count?</p>
<p>My D took it yesterday as a sophomore. She completely refused to study and went in kicking and screaming that I am obsessed about colleges and it is absolutely unnecessary for her. In a way, it may be for the best, as it will be a true indicator of her weaknesses since she did not prep at all. Her comment afterwards was that it was very easy, especially reading and writing. For the first time this year, PSAT was mandatory for all juniors in her school (paid for) and optional for sophomores (we had to pay). I found it interesting that her UK international school made it mandatory for ALL juniors, not only Americans, even if they do not plan to apply to US schools and take SAT.</p>
<p>I think it’s a good preparation for SAT and the process of test taking, format of questions, having to focus for several hours straight, etc. I can see starting in 9th grade, but 8th is probably too early.</p>
<p>I can’t imagine asking a 9th or 10th grader to “study” for this.</p>
<p>have the 9th grader take it with like one week of light prep. Its a cheap test which is only 2 hours and mimicks the SAT. There is no harm in taking it and by taking it the Student is now aware of the College board and what SAT’s etc entail. Also it is good to see where your child stands.
Eg if your childs score is terrible in cr, well now is the time to read a lot of books so in two years your child will be a much better reader. etc.</p>