PSAT Requirements: Do All Florida Students Take It?

So I’m a bit confused about state testing requirements—does every high school student in Florida have to take the PSAT, or is it more of an optional thing to qualify for scholarships and stuff? Trying to plan my junior year out.

Hey there! Great question about the PSAT. Nope, it’s not a requirement for all students in Florida to take the PSAT, but it’s certainly offered by many high schools and it's a good opportunity to practice for the SAT. It's most popularly known for being associated with the National Merit Scholarship Program.

To potentially qualify for National Merit distinctions or scholarships, you need to take the PSAT/NMSQT in your junior year. The score you receive can indicate how you might do on the SAT, plus some schools use the PSAT scores for their own scholarship awards as well.

Now, when it comes to planning your junior year, you should consider the benefits of the exam and whether you aim to compete for scholarships through the PSAT. Also, remember the test is only offered once a year in the fall, typically in October, so you'll need to check with your school for the exact date and ensure you're prepared if you choose to take it.

It's totally okay if you decide not to, especially if your college plans involve tests other than the SAT, or if the colleges you're interested in don't require SAT scores for admission. Hope that helps and best of luck with your planning!