THE PSAT/NMSQT EXAM
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is cosponsored by College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. It is administered to high school juniors and sophomores and the results are delivered to the National Merit Scholarship Program, to help them determine student eligibility.
Students do not register for the PSAT/NMSQT through College Board, they register through their High School. Schools and districts choose whether and when to offer it.
PSAT/NMSQT testing may occur on any school day between October 1st and October 31st. To find out more about the PSAT/NMSQT at your school, contact your Principal or School Counselor.
The National Merit® Scholarship Program, conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (nmsc®), is an annual academic competition for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships. Established in 1955, nmsc is a privately financed not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. The competition is open to all U.S. high school students who meet published participation requirements. Scholarship winners are chosen on the basis of their abilities, skills, and accomplishments—without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.
The goals of the National Merit Scholarship Program are to:
- identify and honor academically talented U.S. high school students and encourage them to pursue rigorous college studies;
- provide professional services for corporations, company foundations, colleges and universities, and other individuals and organizations that wish to sponsor scholarships for outstanding participants in the competition;
- promote a broader and deeper respect for learning in general and for exceptionally talented individuals in particular;
- stimulate increased support for the education of scholastically able students; and
- encourage the pursuit of academic excellence at all levels of education.
PSAT OVERVIEW:
The test consists of three main sections:
- The Reading and Writing section is 64 minutes and has multiple-choice questions that require students to analyze and edit texts.
- The Math section is 70 minutes and consists of both multiple-choice and grid-in questions focused on practical applications of algebra, problem-solving, data analysis and complex math.
PREPARING FOR THE PSAT:
According to the College Board, which administers the PSAT, the test aims to measure academic knowledge and critical and analytical thinking. Therefore, the best basic way to prepare for the PSAT is to take and engage in challenging high school courses. Students readying for the PSAT may also benefit from preparation courses that help them review what they learned in school, with a focus on the specific content of the PSAT. Online prep courses offer busy high school students a flexible PSAT prep option. Study.com's
PSAT Prep: Practice & Study Guide includes short, easy-to-follow video lessons, along with brief quizzes, to help students brush up on PSAT subject areas and familiarize themselves with the test's structure.