The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test ( PSAT/NMSQT ® ) is structured similarly to the SAT ® , has the same sections and timing, and measures the same Reading and Writing and Math skills students learn in the classroom—the knowledge and skills your child needs to succeed in college and career. See what’s on the PSAT/NMSQT test.
Beginning in fall 2023, the PSAT/NMSQT is going digital. The SAT will follow in spring 2024. Find out what to expect.
Taking the PSAT/NMSQT is more than just good practice for the SAT, and the scores are more than just a number. With your child’s results, they can:
The best way your child can prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT is to pay attention in their high school classes and study the course material. Students who do well in school are likely to do well on the PSAT/NMSQT.
To become familiar with the test and its format, students can sign into the Bluebook ™ testing app and head to the Practice and Prepare section. They can explore the tools and features of the app and try a few sample questions in the test preview or take a full-length practice test. Then, they can review their results at mypractice.collegeboard.org. Once they know what knowledge and skills they need to work on, they can use Official digital SAT Prep on Khan Academy . It's a free, interactive study tool that provides personalized practice resources that focuses on exactly what your child needs to stay on track for college and career.
PSAT/NMSQT scores are available in November. In addition to getting direct access to their scores in the BigFuture School mobile app, your child will get a pdf score report from their school (if they don’t, they can ask their school counselor for it). And they can log intoinsights about their scores and explore Big Future . their personal College Board account at studentscores.collegeboard.org to get additional
Scores range from 320 to 1520 and are on the same score scale as the SAT. This means that a score of 1100 on the PSAT/NMSQT is equivalent to a score of 1100 on the SAT. The only difference is that SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, because the difficulty level of the questions is higher than on the PSAT/NMSQT.
Students also receive a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index score, which National Merit Scholarship Corporation uses as an initial screen of students to the National Merit Scholarship Program. The Selection Index score is calculated from the Reading and Writing and Math section scores and ranges from 48 to 228.
We don't send PSAT/NMSQT scores to colleges. We only send your child’s PSAT/NMSQT score to:
If you want to log in yourself to see your child's score report, use the email and password your child used when they set up their College Board online account.
Once your child gets their score report, they should sit down with you and go over it. That way, you both know what to focus on to be ready for college.
Most students take the PSAT/NMSQT once—in 11th grade. Some schools also offer it to students in 10th grade. They can take it only once per school year. Some scholarship programs only look at the junior year PSAT/NMSQT score.
Yes, but only certain students (typically students in 11th grade) are eligible to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program, as described in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide. The PSAT/NMSQT is designed to be grade appropriate for 10th and 11th graders.
Some schools offer the PSAT 8/9, which tests the same skills as the PSAT/NMSQT, but in ways that are appropriate for earlier grade levels. Check with your child's school counselor to see if your school offers the PSAT 8/9.
No, the PSAT/NMSQT does not have an essay.
