With the PSAT right around the corner for sophomores and juniors, a question is prominent on campus: should I be studying for the test? The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, is a 2-hour and 45-minute College Board test for math, reading, and writing skills. This test is not nearly as important as the SAT, it still has some significant benefits worth paying attention to, including the opportunity for juniors to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship, the test serving as SAT preparation, and as a low-stakes opportunity to assess your academic strengths and weaknesses. 

The first and most recognized benefit of studying for and taking the PSAT is the opportunity for juniors to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. National Merit is a scholarship awarded to those who have scored in the top 1 percentile (a score of around 1420-1520) of test takers nationwide in which finalists receive $2,500. Qualifying and being selected as a finalist has more benefits than easing the financial burden of college; it can also help winners stand out in competitive college admissions. Although sophomores aren’t eligible for the scholarship this year, taking the PSAT seriously as a practice run can give them an edge when they retake it next year.

Aside from scholarships, the PSAT offers another significant advantage: SAT preparation. The PSAT is formatted to closely mirror the SAT, making it a perfect warm-up for the real thing. By taking this exam seriously, you can familiarize yourself with the types of questions, pacing, and overall structure, which gives you a head start on the SAT. 

Additionally, the PSAT gives you a low-stakes opportunity to assess your academic strengths and weaknesses. After receiving your scores, you receive a report breaking down your performance in the different tested areas. These scores help you see where to improve, how to guide your future study plans, and how to allocate time when preparing for the SAT. 

For some, the PSAT may not seem like a massive deal in the grand scheme of things, but its benefits include qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship, receiving some SAT preparation, and seeing your academic standing make it more than just another test. Whether or not you should study for the PSAT depends entirely on your goals. If you’re aiming for National Merit, it is definitely something worth investing time and preparation into. On the other hand, if the PSAT is simply a benchmark to gauge where you stand, some light preparation might suffice.