I know you are eligible for National Merit if you take the PSAT, but what about the PLAN? I don’t know of anyone at my school that takes the SAT or PSAT, but obviously I want National Merit. I plan on taking the ACT, not the SAT later.
Unfortunately, I think it’s only the PSAT
This is what it says on their website:
"to participate in the National Merit® Scholarship Program, a student must:
take the PSAT/NMSQT® in the specified year of the high school program and no later than the third year in grades 9 through 12, regardless of grade classification or educational pattern;"
Sorry, the PSAT is the only test you can take. Find out if there is a school near you that offers it and try to sign up for it. Good luck
It must be the PSAT/NMSQT test.
If your high school doesn’t offer the test or if you’re home-schooled, call a local school.
Check the College Board website or call the College Board (609-771-7070) for the names of schools near you that offer the exam. Don’t wait! Some schools offer test spots to guests, but many have limited seating and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
FWIW, my daughter’s rural high school administers the ACT test for all students. The Guidance Counselor knows that a handful may benefit from the PSAT, so she arranges for just a few of those tests every year. So you might contact your GC first to see if a similar arrangement can be made.
Okay, disappointed to hear that as there aren’t any other high schools in my little town, but I will ask my GC if she can order the test if I can get some other students to take it too. Thanks eveyone, all very helpful!
Also, be aware that if you do become a semifinalist for National merit, you must take the SAT and receive a confirming score (~2000).
What? That part I didn’t know… Well, some schools I am applying to base their big merit money on that, so I might as well.