<p>Okay, I'm going to to take the PSAT in roughly one month, last year as a freshman without any algebra 1 experience I made a 176 , this year hopefully I should be able to do a little better, and I was reading the NMSQT site qualifications, and it said I must also take the SAT to be eligible, will any colleges give me scholarships for ONLY a high PSAT score? </p>
<p>P.S I am asking because I'm scared of bombing the essay on the SAT</p>
<p>I have not heard of any, and doubt if there will be any. You will get many colleges soliciting you, however, if you get a high PSAT score and they may offer some special app deals such as no fee apps, or a quick read, and chances at merit awards. I have never known a college that even asked for a PSAT score, nor is it weighed into the consideration for admissions or scholarship except through the NMSQT.</p>
<p>Furman and Centre offer scholarships to juniors based at least partially on the PSAT (rank, GPA, involvement). They both require counselor nomination I believe. Google Centre Fellows (10K a year) and Furman Scholars (5K a year). Both are great LAC's ranked very highly by USNews.</p>
<p>Just to make you feel a bit better ... many colleges don't put much weight on the SAT essay. They want to see it, but it doesn't matter as much as the Math & Verbal sections. </p>
<p>Don't worry about "bombing" the essay, BTW. Google tips for the essay format, and follow the suggestions. I am willing to bet you'll end up with a respectable score. That's all you need to get semi-finalist to finalist status for national merit, all else being fine.</p>