PSAT

Today, students all over the country flocked to testing centers to take the PSAT, otherwise known as the Preliminary Standardized Aptitude Test. Who knew there could be so much pressure in such a small test? One would assume that the 'P' would be associated with Pre- or Practice. While teachers and counselors insist that this is what the test is about, there is a weight hanging over our heads: the PSAT is the only test that can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship. This is stressful because:

1. The National Merit Scholarship is a dream scholarship http://www.nationalmerit.org/nmsp.php


2. You can only take the test once to get a shot at the scholarship. If you screw up or don't like your score, that's just too bad.

To be brief, a high enough score on the PSAT will get you a full-ride scholarship to certain colleges throughout the the United States (through the National Merit Scholarship). It is the savior of high-school students; this year, college prices increased an average of 5-8%. The average tuition for one year of a public, in-state school (with books and fees) is $17,336.

http://www.finaid.org/calculators/costprojector.phtml

One little test that costs $20 dollars to take could end up saving you over $60,000. It sounds like a good deal to me.

Yet I can't help but wonder: why is there so much pressure on the Preliminary SAT? If this test is to prepare you for taking the SAT, shouldn't you be preparing yourself for something more important? It would be more logical for the National Merit Scholarships to be tied to the SAT. For one thing, you would be able to take the smaller test, get a score, and see how you can improve. By the time you take the SAT, you will know your weak areas and possibly improve your score.

Also, this test is not as well known. TV shows have stereotypical Danny-the-jock carrying around "How to Survive the SAT's," while Sarah sits in a coffee shop fervently taking practice SAT tests. I have not once heard the PSAT mentioned- it remains off the tube and in the real world. This, however, does not bother me, because the less people that take it, the more of a shot you have at recieving the financial aid (most self-centered people feel the same way). Though one could argue that with it being less publicized, people who really need aid will miss an opportunity.

I do not know why the scholarship is set up the way it is- it has been linked to the PSAT ever since its founding in 1955. But I do know this- it gave us our first view a scholarship within our grasp. Perhaps this is where the pressure stems. Whatever the reasons, our answer bubbles are now being carted off to be scored.

All we have to do is wait until December to view our scores.