I'm a freshman and some of my peers are planning on taking the PSAT this year. Is there an actual benefit to taking it so early, or is it just adding to our already busy high school life? Do colleges even care about an early PSAT score?
Taking the PSAT as a freshman isn't necessary, but it can serve as a helpful diagnostic tool to gauge where you stand with the test material. This early experience can reduce future test anxiety and give you a longer trajectory for preparation. While colleges won't see your freshman PSAT score, National Merit Scholarships use the PSAT from your junior year, so early exposure could be advantageous.
It's true that high school is already a busy time, so if you feel it would be too much, it might be best to wait. Remember, it's also important to balance your academic and personal life; there's no harm in skipping the PSAT now and taking it in your sophomore or junior year instead.
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