What is the PSAT
Preliminary SAT — a practice version of the SAT that also qualifies students for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
The PSAT (Preliminary SAT), also known as the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), is a standardized test administered by the College Board to 10th and 11th graders. It serves two primary purposes: practice for the SAT and qualification for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program.
Structure of the PSAT
The PSAT closely mirrors the SAT in format, covering:
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing — Reading comprehension and grammar/writing skills
- Math — Algebra, advanced math, and data analysis
The PSAT is slightly shorter than the SAT and scored on a scale of 320 to 1520 (compared to the SAT's 400–1600 range).
National Merit Scholarship Program
Students who score at or above the Selection Index cutoff — which varies by state — may be recognized as:
- Commended Students — Recognized for outstanding performance, but below the cutoff for semifinalist status
- Semifinalists — Top scorers in their state who advance in the competition
- Finalists — Semifinalists who meet additional academic criteria
- National Merit Scholars — Finalists who receive scholarships, typically worth $2,500
When Is the PSAT Taken?
The PSAT is typically administered in October of 10th and 11th grade. The 11th grade test is the qualifying year for National Merit. Some schools also offer the PSAT 8/9 for younger students as an early benchmark.
Why Take the PSAT?
- Practice for the SAT in a low-stakes environment
- Identify academic strengths and weaknesses before the SAT
- Potential access to the National Merit Scholarship and associated recognition
- Some college scholarship programs use PSAT scores as preliminary criteria
The PSAT is an important stepping stone for students preparing for college admissions and the SAT.