The PSAT (Preliminary SAT), also called the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), is a standardized test that serves as practice for the SAT and determines eligibility for National Merit Scholarship recognition. Most students take the PSAT in 10th or 11th grade.
Test Structure
The PSAT is shorter than the SAT but covers the same content areas: Evidence-Based Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. It uses a different scoring scale (320-1520) than the SAT (400-1600). Junior year scores determine National Merit eligibility.
Benefits
Taking the PSAT helps students prepare for the SAT format, identifies strengths and weaknesses, qualifies high scorers for National Merit recognition, and connects students with college recruitment programs.