Prepare for the SAT® andQualify for Scholarships
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship QualifyingTest (PSAT/NMSQT) measures the educational skills your child has developed.These include:
The PSAT/NMSQT is the best preparation for the SAT. Studentstake the test as juniors to qualify for the National Merit ScholarshipCorporation's scholarship programs.
Students can also benefit from taking the test as sophomoresbecause they get personalized feedback on the academic skills needed forcollege. By taking the test before junior year, your child has more time todevelop these skills and to begin the college planning process.
Why Your Child Should Take thePSAT/NMSQT
In addition to assessing critical academic skills, thePSAT/NMSQT provides an opportunity for your child to:
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Prepare for the SAT: the test usessimilar questions and the same directions.
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Qualify for scholarships (if yourchild is a junior).
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Compare scores with othercollege-bound students around the country.
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Forecast SAT scores.
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Get personalized feedback on skillstrengths and weaknesses.
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Get free information from collegesand scholarship programs through the Student Search Service®.
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Use My College Quick Start™ to planahead for college and a career.
Preparation
The PSAT/NMSQT evaluates the academic skills your child hasdeveloped over time in school. Therefore, taking challenging academic coursesand reading widely are the best ways for your child to get ready.
Still, your child can take thesesteps now, to plan ahead: Testdates for 2011 are Wednesday, October 12 and Saturday, October 15.
Visit the high school counselor tofind out about registering; learn the correct date, time and location of theschool's test administration; and pick up a copy of the PSAT/NMSQT Official Student Guide.
Read the PSAT/NMSQT Official Student Guide and take the full-length practice test inside. Studentsshould review the Guide to be sure they understand all the test directions and are familiarwith the types of questions asked. They can also get complete answerexplanations online for all the questions on the practice test.
Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT onlineand access test dates, more practice questions and useful tips.
Test Date
Your child has the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT inOctober. AAS will finalize its date for testing in September, look for thisinformation on the parent updates.
Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT receive free access MyCollege Quick Start, a personalized college planning tool thatcomplements the Score Report Plus. Your child can use the code provided on thescore report, to access:
My Online Score Report — an enhancedscore report that allows students to review each test question, their answersand the correct answers with answer explanations
My SAT Study Plan — a customized SATstudy plan based on students' PSAT/NMSQT test performance, highlighting skillsfor review and practice
My Personality — a detailedpersonality test that helps students learn about themselves and discover majorsand careers that fit their strengths and interests
My Major & Career Matches —extensive information about majors and careers, including insights about whatto expect and what courses to take now
My College Matches — a starter listof colleges based on students' home state and indicated choice of major