Why Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT?

1. With a high PSAT score, you could qualify for a National Merit Scholarship and other awards
   
   Juniors taking the PSAT are automatically entered into the National Merit Program, a competition for recognition and undergraduate scholarships conducted by the nonprofit National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Nearly $50 million is awarded to outstanding participants every year. As an individual, you can earn $2,500 for your college education. Beyond that, there are scholarships awarded on PSAT performance for gifted students, as well as ethnicity-based scholarships for Hispanic and African American students.
2. Taking the PSAT can help you score higher on the SAT
   
   Based on a recent College Board report, students who took the PSAT in their sophomore or junior years scored a combined 233 points higher than students who did not take the PSAT at all. It's not surprising: practice makes perfect and the PSAT is a great way to practice for the SAT.
3. You will build your test taking confidence
   
   Taking the PSAT is an important first step in the college admissions process. It's a great way to gauge how well you'll do on the SAT and compare your skill level with students nationwide. After all, they will be your competition in the college admissions process. Taking the PSAT without preparation and doing poorly as a result will hurt your confidence level which can have lingering negative effects when taking the SAT or ACT.

So you see, taking, preparing for, and scoring high on the PSAT can not only lay the groundwork for a great performance on the SAT or ACT; but also earn you money for school. Don't take the PSAT lightly.