* College Readiness: It provides students with a preview of the SAT format, content, and timing, allowing them to identify areas for improvement before taking the actual SAT. The scores give students an idea of their college readiness.
* National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test: High PSAT scores are used to determine eligibility for National Merit Scholarships, a prestigious scholarship program recognizing academic achievement. The competition is very rigorous, and only a small percentage of students qualify.
In short, the PSAT is a valuable tool for preparing for college entrance exams and potentially securing significant scholarship opportunities. It's typically taken by high school students in the 10th and 11th grades.