<p>Hello. I took my PSAT this year and got a score of 225.
I'm guessing 225 is an okay score,
but one problem that I have is that I am a foreigner.</p>
<p>I know I won't qualify for National Merit Scholarship
because technically, I don't live in the US,</p>
<p>but do you know whether this score will get me anything
more than a pat on the back from my teachers?</p>
<p>The PSAT exam is a waste of time for students who are not eligible for the NMSF and affiliated competitions. If you aren’t a US citizen, legal permanent resident, or in one of the other special categories that qualify, then you are correct, all this gets you is a nice pat on the back from your teachers, the possibility of a lot of junk email from colleges and universities, and an estimate that your SAT score should be about 2250.</p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p>:) Waste of time… I think it did help SAT prep though.</p>
<p>Do you think colleges will still consider this score on my application?
I think I should include it in there.</p>
<p>Well ETS/CollegeBoard would like you to think that prep for the PSAT helps get ready for the SAT. Which is how they convince so many people to take it who aren’t viable candidates for the NMF, etc.</p>
<p>Colleges and universities buy lists of potential students from ETS/CollegeBoard based on PSAT scores. That is the only way they use it. There is no reason to put it in an application, and no place to include the scores along with your eventual ACT/SAT/TOEFL/etc. scores.</p>
<p>Hmm… So it is of no use? I’ve heard that the PSAT score is included in college applications, but I guess not?</p>
<p>(So,) I did some googling and I guess colleges don’t really consider what you got on your PSAT, although it can be on your transcript. </p>
<p>I guess they will not care what I got on the PSAT if I’m not an NM finalist or something?</p>
<p>You are correct. That said, it may be worthwhile to check some of the colleges and universities that do offer big money for NMFs and find out if any of that money is also available for international students who have equivalent PSAT/ACT/SAT scores. Check the Parent Forum and Financial Aid Forum for threads on the topic of NM Scholarships.</p>