PSAT
North Hollywood High School will administer a FREE PSAT/NMSQT exam for all JUNIORS, SOPHOMORES, and FRESHMEN in October 2023!
The PSAT/NMSQT® (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is given to 10th and 11th-grade students. As part of the SAT® Suite of Assessments, it's designed to help prepare students for the SAT. Historically, students who took the PSAT/NMSQT scored higher on the SAT on average than those who didn’t take the test". Hence, why we offer the PSAT/NMSQT and not the PSAT 10 to our sophomores--it increases their chance of qualifying for National Merit Scholarship Prog. and scoring higher on SAT's.
Keep in mind that only 11th graders who take the PSAT/NMSQT in 11th grade may meet requirements to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program, but a 10th grader taking the PSAT/NMSQT will not qualify for National Merit Scholarship Prog. until they take it again in 11th grade.
If students do not do well on any of the PSAT exams it does not hurt their college admission. Scores are not shared with colleges whatsoever. The SAT is the one exam that is used for college admissions at some private colleges.
The Preliminary SAT or "PSAT" exam is a recommended assessment for all freshman, sophomore, and junior students to practice for future standardized testing. While PSAT scores are not used in the admissions cycle, they nonetheless serve a number of useful purposes that can help you gain experience and increase your academic opportunities going forward.
Most importantly, your PSAT results can help you prepare for the SAT test, which many colleges view as an important factor in their admissions process. The PSAT uses the same format and structure as the SAT, so taking it early on can help you understand the standardized testing experience. In addition, you will receive a PSAT score report detailing your results, which is an important tool in guiding your test prep.
In addition, if you are a junior who scored a high enough score on your PSAT exam, you can become eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT), an academic competition for scholarships that operates in a partnership with the PSAT. Each year, roughly 7,600 students receive a $2,500 merit scholarship through NMSQT, and an additional 1,100 receive special scholarships through various sponsoring corporations.
Lastly, the PSAT can assist with college recruitment. When registering for the PSAT, students are able to agree to provide contact information to colleges and universities nationwide. This early resource can enable students to begin exploring their college list and gathering information about their academic future.
Below, you will find a link to free PSAT test prep from Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat/new-sat-tips-planning/new-sat-how-to-prep/a/full-length-psat-nmsqt