In Maryland, I do think the PSAT is usually required for juniors. But now many public systems are virtual/ online for the fall semester, so it is unclear that the public schools would open up just for the PSAT in October.
Some private schools are on a hybrid schedule to allow some students one day a week. So kids on a hybrid schedule could opt out, not go in on the day of the PSAT and avoid having to take a test while socially distanced and masked/ follow local COVID protocols.
Some Maryland colleges are going test optional for 2021, but it is unclear whether that would be the case for 2022.
Regarding possibly seeking to be Commended or a Semi-Finalist- if some rural areas offer the PSAT on October 14, but the most populated school systems remain closed, then that would lead to a much smaller pool from which to determine NMSF for Maryland?