jaypo

New Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2016
Messages
2
Is it required to take the PSAT & PLAN to apply to USAFA? If yes, are these tests available in other countries?
 
The PSAT is not required. Only the SAT or ACT.
 
My kids never took either test.

There are advantages to taking them (Nat Merit Scholarship, etc), but for our family's purposes, it wasn't worth the time.
 
PSAT is offered internationally.

DS rode bus 5 hours to take it in Campinas, Brazil. American School there arranged a home stay for him with a wonderful family. Was NMSQT Finalist. Was definitely worth the time. Taking it internationally will show that you are putting forward some effort.

If nothing else, the PSAT is a free looksee for the SAT. Do poorly and you'll identify weaknesses. Do well, you'll have Merit Scholar in the back pocket, which is good for full tuition at many universities, including for out-of-staters at publics. Don't take it, like Fencer's DS's, and no one will hold it against you.

Best of luck!
 
We homeschooled our kids and were not offered the opportunity to take such a test locally, as the tests were part of a normal school day here. SAT, obviously, was different.

cb is correct: no one will hold it against you, but it does have definite advantages.
 
We homeschooled our kids and were not offered the opportunity to take such a test locally, as the tests were part of a normal school day here. SAT, obviously, was different.

Not to belabor the point--our older DS was an exchange student in Brazil. We simply contacted the closest school offering the PSAT (five hours away) and they were happy to have him.

DS #2 was unable to take the PSAT at his public high school and took it instead at a private Lutheran School on a different day. Also a finalist.

The Homeschoolers up the street from us took the PSAT it at our sons' public high school. One was a Merit Scholar Finalist.

In all cases, it was during the school day. Of course, some guidance counselors may choose to deny a seat to a kid. Tough to do, especially if you live in the public school district administering the test. All parents pay the same taxes.

My whole point is, just because you are homeschooled, in another country or are out of town the day your school is offering the PSAT. You can and should still take it if you can find an alternate test location.
 
My DS never received an AFROTC scholarship, but he won a National Merit scholarship based on his PSAT score. It is definitely worth taking. He went through AFROTC at a large state school.
 
Back
Top