<p>Okay. So I'm going to be a sophomore this fall, and we're going to be taking our PSATs in October. Being the chipper nerd that I am, I went and bought a Kaplan prep. book, and it reads that sophomores do not qualify for the competitive aspect of the test. So, I'm puzzled.</p>
<p>Let's say that I get a really good score. Well this score be kept in mind and used next year when I'm a junior? Or do I have to take the test again as a junior? </p>
<p>Thanks, if you can answer my question.</p>
<p>No, you have to take the test as a junior. There's nothing puzzling about it. You pretty much take it as a sophomore for practice. But to qualify for the National Merit aspect you have to meet your state cutoff as a JUNIOR. Its not subjective at all, so no matter how good you did sophomore year if you dont meet the cutoff in eleventh grade then you dont qualify for the scholarship.</p>
<p>Thank you for answering my question, GreenDayFan. </p>
<p>Well, I guess that means I have to march up to the counselor's office again and cajole her into letting me take the test again next year. See, my school has lost hope in sending kids to prestigious universities. Two kids got into Vanderbilt, and that's the best we have. </p>
<p>Guess I have to rise above the status of "insipid" underdog, once again.</p>
<p>no juniors only sorry. i knew a sophomore who got a perfect but had to retake b/c they wouldnt let her in</p>
<p>That's correct- taking it as a sophomore is only for practice. You must be a junior to qualify to NM status. That's just the way it is.</p>
<p>That's odd that your school has only sophomore take the test. If they just have one class take it, it should be the juniors. If your school doesn't understand this, I would definitely talk to counseling, principal, school board, whoever it takes to make them do the thing that makes sense.</p>
<p>Some schools base IB decisions upon PSAT, other type of qualification stuff. But officially it's just for practice.</p>