6 Reasons to take the PSAT or Pre-ACT

based on an article by College Data

The PSAT and PreACT serve as valuable preparation tools for the SAT and ACT. Here are some reasons to consider taking these exams during your sophomore or junior year of high school.Although many colleges have recently adopted test-optional or test-flexible admissions policies, high school guidance counselors and admissions experts still recommend that students prepare for and take the SAT or ACT, especially if they plan to apply to highly selective colleges.One way to prepare is by taking the PSAT in your junior year and/or the PreACT as a sophomore. Here’s why this can be beneficial:

1. The PSAT and PreACT introduce you to the SAT and ACT format and questions While the PSAT and PreACT are not identical to the SAT and ACT, they share similar question types, formats, and scoring methods.

Typically, students take the PSAT in October of their junior year, though some opt to take it as sophomores. The PSAT, much like the SAT, features three multiple-choice sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Mathematics, but does not include the SAT’s optional essay, which was discontinued in January 2021.The PreACT is designed for sophomores and mimics the ACT in a shorter format, covering English, Reading, Math, and Science. It doesn’t include the ACT’s optional Writing Test. The PreACT is scored on the same 1-36 scale as the ACT and is administered by schools at various times throughout the academic year.

2. Experience a “dress rehearsal” for the real test day Taking the PSAT or PreACT in a classroom setting with other students, under timed conditions, closely resembles the experience of taking the actual SAT or ACT. This practice run can help reduce anxiety when it’s time to take the real test.
3. Use your PSAT and PreACT results to guide your test preparation Your scores on these preliminary exams can pinpoint your strengths and highlight areas that need improvement before you take the SAT or ACT. In addition to various test prep resources available both online and in-person, the College Board offers free, personalized test prep based on your PSAT scores in partnership with Khan Academy. The ACT also provides free practice tests and, through a collaboration with Kaplan, offers paid prep courses and online tutoring.
4. Colleges won’t see your scores Your PSAT and PreACT scores are not shared with colleges or considered in their admissions decisions.
5. Your PSAT score might qualify you for a National Merit Scholarship By taking the PSAT, you may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which offers national recognition and college scholarships. To be considered, you must also meet high academic standards and fulfill other requirements.

PreACT scores, however, are not used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship.

6. Colleges might reach out to you When you sign up for the PSAT and PreACT, you have the option to share limited personal information with colleges and scholarship providers. If you opt in, be prepared to receive information about various schools and programs that you might not have otherwise considered.

Where and when to take the PSAT and PreACT Since high schools, not individual test centers, administer the PSAT and PreACT, each school sets its own testing schedule. Be sure to check with your school counselor about when your class is scheduled to take these tests and how to sign up.What if your school doesn’t offer the PSAT or PreACT? If your school does not offer these tests or you cannot take them on the scheduled date, you may be able to take them at another local high school. Your high school counselor can provide more information on this.If taking the PSAT or PreACT isn’t an option, remember there are many other ways to prepare for the SAT and ACT. Free online practice tests are available on the ACT and College Board websites, which can give you a sense of your performance and help identify areas for improvement. The PSAT and PreACT are just one of many preparation options.