The answer to that question is yes, you absolutely can! Many people don’t realize that if they lose the PSAT due to illness, emergency, or other extenuating circumstances, they still have a chance to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.
The National Merit Scholarship is a highly prestigious $ 2,500 scholarship award given to 2,500 students across the United States each year. The PSAT (also known as NMSQT – National Merit Scholarship Qualification Test) is used as a preliminary decider to determine who qualifies for the test. If a junior in high school takes the PSAT and scores above their state cut-off score, they have a chance to receive the scholarship. Even being a semi-finalist or finalist can open doors in terms of other scholarships and college admissions.
Due to the importance of the test, it is important for parents and students to know what their options are if they miss the test. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) website:
The student or a school official must write to NMSC as soon as possible after the PSAT / NMSQT administration to request information on the procedures to enter the NMSC competencies through alternative tests. The sooner the NMSC receives the written request, the greater the student’s opportunities to meet the alternative entry requirements. To be considered, an application must be postmarked. no later than March 1 after PSAT / NMSQT administration was skipped. NMSC will provide alternate entry materials, including an entry form that requires the signature of a school official.
Generally speaking, the “alternate test” is simply using a test score from an SAT instead of the PSAT.
Both parents and students often overlook the PSAT, a big mistake. Its value is irrefutable, and any high school student who has failed the exam should immediately consult with school counselors and NMSC officials to arrange alternate testing. Remember: the PSAT is possibly as important as the SAT! Treat it as such and prepare thoroughly with people who know everything there is to know about the exam!
