Seton Counselor Answers: “What About the PSAT?”

January 13, 2021 2,231 Views

Summary

The PSAT is not required to take the SAT but has benefits for the college-bound including the opportunity for a new scholarship from Benedictine College.

The PSAT (pre-SAT) was created to help orient students to the SAT and give them a chance to obtain a $2500 National Merit Scholarship. Nonetheless, the PSAT is not considered a college entrance exam and cannot be used in lieu of the SAT/ACT.

While it can be a benefit for a student to take the PSAT, it is certainly not required for success on the SAT or ACT. Homeschooling students who wish to take the exam must request permission to sit for the exam from a public or private school offering it.

Exciting News!

While my experience has been that recipients of the scholarship are few and far between, a Seton Family recently sent some exciting news from Benedictine College, a Seton College Partner.

We checked, and this is the news: Each year, Benedictine College awards up to ten (10) full-tuition scholarships to National Merit Finalists and National Hispanic Merit Finalists. These scholarships are renewable all four years of attendance. The scholarship adjusts annually in accordance with any increases in tuition that may occur. To be considered for this scholarship you must provide a copy of your National Merit Finalist letter to the Office of Admission.

For more information, please contact
Benedictine’s Director of Undergraduate Admission

Becca Caudle at bcaudle@benedictine.edu.

About Nick Marmalejo

Nick Marmalejo, a history major, graduated from Christendom College in 2001. He holds a Virginia Teacher Certification and lives in the Shenandoah Valley with his wife and three children.