What is the PSAT/NMSQT and why does this test matter?

Key takeaways

• The PSAT/NMSQT is the Preliminary SAT that’s used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
• High scores can lead to recognition such as Commended Student, Semifinalist, or Finalist status.
• Students who score well on the PSAT could win between $500 and $10,000 or more for college.

Most students take the PSAT, or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT), during their junior year of high school. While colleges aren’t looking at your PSAT results, a high score could land you recognition or even a scholarship. Check out how you could potentially qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program and earn money for college.

What is the PSAT/NMSQT?

The PSAT is the Preliminary SAT, administered by the College Board. It’s excellent practice for the SAT, though the PSAT is shorter and slightly easier.

The PSAT is also known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). Over 1.3 million high school students take the test each year in October, and high scorers may be recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program through the co-sponsor, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

What is tested on the PSAT?

The PSAT/NMSQT tests you on material you’ve learned in school in two areas: Math and Reading and Writing. Most of the 98 questions are multiple choice, and the entire test lasts 2 hours and 14 minutes. This table highlights what to expect for each section:

Should you take the PSAT?

Yes! The PSAT has several benefits, such as:

• Practice for the SAT. The PSAT has similar formatting, scoring, and questions to the SAT, so you gain valuable experience for the college admissions exam. You even stand to benefit if you plan on taking the ACT since there is plenty of overlap between the two tests.
• You could qualify for scholarships. High scorers could qualify for recognition and even scholarships for college.
• You receive a detailed score report. Your PSAT Score Report highlights your score, strengths, weaknesses, college and career readiness benchmarks, potential for the scholarship program, question-by-question review, and percentile (a comparison of how well you scored against other test takers). These details can help you create a study plan for your SAT.

Who qualifies for the National Merit Scholarship Program?

If you score well on the PSAT, you could qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which awards various levels of recognition and potentially scholarship money for college. Here’s a breakdown of how students advance to the scholarship:

• Initial recognition: 50,000 high-scorers are selected for the program and receive Letters of Commendation.
• Semifinalists: The NMSC names about 16,000 of the 50,000 recognized students “Semifinalists.” To try to advance to Finalist, Semifinalists need to complete an application, write an essay, receive endorsement from a school official, have high grades, and take the SAT/ACT.
• Finalists: Roughly 15,000 Semifinalists are named “Finalists” and receive a Certificate of Merit.
• Scholarship winners: Just over 7,500 Finalists receive scholarships through the NMSC.

Even if you don’t win the National Merit Scholarship, recognition from the NMSQT can look fantastic on your college applications – and you’re not quite out of the running for monetary awards just yet.

Important note: Freshman and sophomores in high school can take the PSAT, but only scores for juniors taking the exam are eligible for the above benefits.

What PSAT scholarships are available?

There are four scholarships you could qualify for by taking the PSAT, though students can only win one of the four.

• National Merit Scholarship: 2,500 Finalists receive a one-time payment of $2,500 to be used towards their college expenses.
• Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships: Around 150 corporations offer scholarships to Finalists who are children of employees, live within certain communities, or have specific major or career plans. They can range from $1,000 to $10,000, and some are renewable.
• Corporate-sponsored Special Scholarships: Non-Finalists could receive between $1,000 and $10,000 from sponsors if they’re children of the employees or live within a specific community. Some awards are renewable.
• College-sponsored Merit Scholarships: Finalists can let the NMSC know their first-choice college. If that college is a sponsor of the National Merit Scholarship Program, the student could receive a $500 to $2,000 renewable scholarship to attend that school.

How to prepare for the PSAT

Studying is the best way to prepare for the PSAT and potentially increase your chances of being named a Finalist.

• Review tested material. The PSAT tests on skills you should already have or are currently learning in school. Go over your class notes and homework, identifying which parts you had trouble with that aligns with the PSAT. You’ll want to devote more study time to those weaker areas.
• Take PSAT practice tests. The best way to get familiar with the PSAT is to take practice tests as if you were sitting for the real deal. Adhere to time restrictions, take breaks on schedule, and remove distractions before you sit down. After your practice session, review your answers to identify your strengths and weaknesses, adjusting your study focus as necessary.
• Create a study schedule. Cramming doesn’t work with the PSAT (or SAT or ACT). You need to start early with a regular schedule. For example, you may want to answer at least one PSAT question a day, devote a few hours each week to studying weaker areas, and take a practice test once every two weeks to measure your improvement.
• Set goals. A SMART goal helps you create benchmarks that are realistic and achievable. You don’t have to aim immediately for your final desired score, either. Hitting your initial, lower goals can give you momentum to keep aiming higher.
• Work with a tutor or study group. Tutors and study groups cover the material you’re going to be tested on during the PSAT. They hold you accountable for PSAT prep and help you perform better in your weaker areas.

While there are some resources available specifically for the PSAT, it might be a better option to prepare with materials designed for the SAT. Since the SAT is more difficult, you may find the PSAT much easier. You’ll also gain more SAT prep under your belt, which can prove beneficial later.

PSAT/NMSQT FAQ

Find answers to commonly asked questions about the PSAT/NMSQT below.

Who can take the PSAT?

Any student in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade can take the PSAT. However, only 11th grade students will be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program. If you’re graduating high school early, you may be able to qualify for the program earlier.

Where can I find PSAT practice tests?

You can find PSAT practice tests on the College Board website and through other education sources, some of which require payment. You can also use SAT practice tests to prepare for both the PSAT and SAT – you can also find these online or at your local bookstore.

How is the PSAT scored?

The PSAT/NMSQT is scored between 320 and 1,520. Each section is worth 160 to 760 points. The student’s section scores are added together to arrive at the total score.

Does the PSAT 10 or PSAT 8/9 qualify for the National Merit Scholarship?

No, high scores on the PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 don’t enter you into the National Merit Scholarship Program. However, scoring in the top 10% on the PSAT 10 could qualify you for the National Recognition Program from the College Board.

Improve your chances of a NMSQT award

If you want to improve your chances of winning a scholarship or recognition from the PSAT, studying is a must. Get familiar with the exam through practice tests, daily questions, and regular review. Plus, preparing for the PSAT could equate to a much higher SAT score.

Before you get down to studying, you need to set goals. What PSAT score should you aim for? Taking a look at your dream college’s average accepted SAT/ACT scores can help you set your benchmarks. Find out more about what your schools are looking for in a student on College Match.