What is the PSAT?

Hello everyone! In this week’s blog post, I’ll be talking about the PSAT, going over the format of the test, and answering the common question: should I take the PSAT, and when? Read on to learn more!

The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, is a test offered by the College Board for students of all grades. There are many forms of the PSAT (PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, PSAT/NMSQT, etc.) and they are each targeted towards a particular age/grade level of students. Many people think of the PSAT as a practice SAT, and in many ways, that’s completely true!

It’s essentially a standardized test, offered to students, that have a multitude of benefits, from opening up scholarships to acting as practice for the SAT. I’ll be going through a breakdown of each of the separate PSAT’s, and who they’re intended for.

PSAT 8/9

This test is intended towards students in 8th and 9th grade, but students in lower grades can take it as well. It’s supposed to act as an indicator of success in college and high school, as well as asses a student’s understanding in reading, math, and English. This test is optional, and students are not required to take it for college admissions.

After all, students take the test when they’re way ahead of the game. Most middle and high school strongly encourage students to take it, but it isn’t a general requirement. Note: Check with your specific school – some schools may have set it as a requirement for all students!

PSAT 10

This test is intended towards 10th grade students, who want to get a head start on practicing for the SAT. It also opens up possibilities for high school-level scholarships, and acts as practice for the PSAT/NMSQT.

Most schools require 10th graders to take this test, so you may find that you have to take it during your sophomore year. It certainly doesn’t affect college admissions, and is used by the school to mostly gauge your potential performance on the PSAT/NMSQT.

PSAT/NMSQT

This is certainly the biggest test out of all the PSAT’s. The PSAT/NMSQT, or Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, is used to test 11th grader’s potential for the National Merit Scholarship (NMS). The NMS is a scholarship that provides students with a certain sum of money intended for use towards their undergraduate degree. Your eligibility to earn the scholarship will depend on your performance on the PSAT/NMSQT.

There is a certain “selection index” that’s calculated based off your score, and this is compared against the thousands of high schoolers in your state. If you scored within the top 1% of high school students in your state (99th percentile), then you’re eligible for competing for the National Merit Scholarship. The PSAT/NMSQT doesn’t affect college admissions, and you’re not required to report your scores to colleges unless you earn the National Merit Scholarship.

I hope you all found this post useful! Please feel free to contact me with any questions!

Until next time, bye!