PSAT/NMSQT Test
What is the PSAT/NMSQT and Why Is It Important for Students?
The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test taken by high school juniors and sophomores to prepare for the SAT and qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Administered by the College Board, the test measures reading, writing, and math skills and provides valuable feedback on college readiness. High scores can lead to national recognition and scholarship opportunities. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about the PSAT/NMSQT—including test structure, score breakdowns, practice tips, sample questions, and registration details.
What Is the PSAT/NMSQT Test?
The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a standardized exam administered by the College Board and co-sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). This test serves two primary purposes: it prepares students for the SAT and acts as a qualifying test for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program.
Taken by high school juniors (and some sophomores), the PSAT/NMSQT offers valuable practice for college entrance exams and can open doors to scholarship opportunities for high-achieving students.
Key Features of the PSAT/NMSQT
1. Test Structure
The PSAT/NMSQT is structured similarly to the SAT but slightly shorter and with a lower difficulty level. It consists of the following sections:
| Section | Time | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 60 minutes | 47 questions |
| Writing & Language | 35 minutes | 44 questions |
| Math (No Calculator) | 25 minutes | 17 questions |
| Math (With Calculator) | 45 minutes | 31 questions |
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes
Total Score: 320 to 1520 (based on Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math)
Why Is the PSAT/NMSQT Important?
A. SAT Preparation
The PSAT mirrors the format and content of the SAT, helping students get familiar with the question types and pacing. It’s an ideal diagnostic tool to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
B. Scholarship Eligibility
For high school juniors, the PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Top scorers may receive recognition, financial awards, and access to special scholarship opportunities from colleges and corporations.
C. College Readiness Indicator
The test helps students assess their readiness for college-level work. Scores provide feedback on skills needed for success in higher education.
When Do Students Take the PSAT/NMSQT?
The PSAT/NMSQT is offered once a year in October. Students typically register through their high schools, which determine the specific test date within the designated testing window set by the College Board.
How to Register
Students cannot register independently through the College Board. Instead, they must go through their high school counselors. Schools typically begin registration in early fall.
How to Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT
Practice Tests: Use official PSAT practice tests from the College Board.
Khan Academy: Offers free, personalized PSAT practice linked to College Board data.
Review Core Subjects: Focus on reading comprehension, grammar, algebra, and problem-solving.
Time Management: Practice under timed conditions to build pacing skills.
Understanding PSAT/NMSQT Scores
The PSAT/NMSQT is scored on a scale of 320 to 1520, combining two main sections:
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW): 160–760
Math (Calculator and No Calculator): 160–760
Each section is scored in 10-point increments, and the two section scores are added together to get the total score.
Score Breakdown
| Section | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 160–760 |
| Math | 160–760 |
| Total Score | 320–1520 |
Additionally, students receive subscores and cross-test scores in specific skill areas like:
Command of Evidence
Words in Context
Expression of Ideas
Heart of Algebra
Problem Solving and Data Analysis
These detailed scores help identify specific academic strengths and weaknesses.
What Is a Good PSAT/NMSQT Score?
Top 1% (Qualify for National Merit): 1450–1520
Above Average: 1150–1350
Average Score: Around 1000–1060
Scores are also reported as percentiles, which show how a student’s performance compares to others. For example, a score in the 90th percentile means the student scored better than 90% of test-takers.
National Merit Scholarship Qualification
Only 11th-grade students are eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program, and qualification depends on your Selection Index. This index is calculated by doubling the sum of your three test scores (Reading, Writing, and Math), each on a 8–38 scale.
Each state sets its own cutoff score for semifinalist status, typically ranging from 209 to 222.
PSAT/NMSQT Sample Questions
Reading Section Sample Question
Passage Excerpt (Fiction):
“She had dreamed of this moment for years—the fresh air of the mountains, the sound of the trees whispering. But now that she was here, it didn’t feel like freedom. It felt like goodbye.”
Question:
What does the narrator most likely mean by the phrase “it felt like goodbye”?
A) She is happy to leave the past behind
B) She feels a sense of loss despite achieving her goal
C) She is excited for the future
D) She regrets not bringing someone with her
Correct Answer: B
Writing & Language Section Sample Question
Passage Excerpt:
The company announced their new product line yesterday, which are designed to appeal to younger consumers.
Question:
Which revision improves the sentence’s grammar?
A) No change
B) which is designed
C) who are designed
D) they are designed
Correct Answer: B
Math (No Calculator) Sample Question
If 3x−7=23x – 7 = 2, what is the value of xx?
A) 1
B) 3
C) 5
D) 7
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Add 7 to both sides: 3x=93x = 9
Divide by 3: x=3x = 3
Math (With Calculator) Sample Question
A store sells pencils in packs of 8 for $1.20. What is the cost per pencil?
A) $0.15
B) $0.12
C) $0.10
D) $0.08
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
$1.20 ÷ 8 = $0.15 per pencil
FAQs About the PSAT/NMSQT Test
The PSAT/NMSQT serves as both a practice SAT and the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program for high school juniors.
Primarily high school juniors take the PSAT/NMSQT, but sophomores (and occasionally freshmen) can also participate for practice purposes. Only juniors are eligible for scholarship consideration.
The test is offered once a year in October. Specific dates are set by the College Board and administered through participating high schools.
Students register through their high school guidance counselor. There is no online self-registration for the PSAT/NMSQT.
The test lasts approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including all four sections: Reading, Writing & Language, Math (No Calculator), and Math (With Calculator).
No. PSAT/NMSQT scores are not sent to colleges and have no impact on college admissions.
To qualify, you must be a junior and achieve a Selection Index score that meets or exceeds your state’s cutoff. Additional steps, such as submitting an application and SAT score, are required to advance.
