Skip to main content

College Board PSAT/NMSQT

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a digital practice assessment for students in grades 10 and 11 that helps them prepare for the SAT, understand their strengths in reading, writing, and math, explore college and career options, and learn about scholarship or recognition opportunities. Students in grade 9 take a similar test called the PSAT 8/9. The tests are administered digitally and take approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete.

Why Take the PSAT?

College Board PSAT/NMSQT National Merit Scholarship Corporation logo

A Smart Step Toward College and Career Success

The PSAT helps students prepare for the SAT, identify academic strengths, explore college and career options, and learn about scholarship and recognition opportunities. Families can also use PSAT results to help students plan next steps for high school, college, and career readiness.

Key Benefits of Taking the PSAT

Prepare for Future Testing

  • Students become familiar with SAT-style questions, timing, and test format before taking the official SAT.
  • PSAT results help students identify strengths and areas for growth in reading, writing, and math.

Plan for College, Careers, and Courses

  • Students can connect their interests and skills to possible college majors, careers, and future course choices.
  • AP Potential recommendations can help students consider Advanced Placement courses that may be a good fit.

Explore Scholarships and Recognition

  • Students may learn about scholarship programs and academic recognition opportunities connected to PSAT participation.
  • For eligible 11th-grade students, the PSAT/NMSQT serves as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Build Confidence

  • The PSAT gives students useful practice in a lower-stakes setting because scores are not sent to colleges.
  • Families can use score information to support planning for high school, college, and career readiness.
Read More
  • Why You Should Take the PSAT – The Princeton Review
  • AP Potential – AP Potential is designed to help schools increase the number of students who have access to AP and to ensure that no student who has the chance of succeeding in AP is overlooked. AP Potential can be used to identify areas in which a student may want to try more challenging coursework.

After Taking the PSAT

Students who provided an email address on their PSAT answer sheet will receive their scores electronically in mid-December. Students who do not provide an email address will receive a paper report from their school counselor during the third marking period. Once scores arrive, here’s how students can make the most of them:

  1. Log in to the College Board to view scores

    Log in to or create a College Board account online. PSAT/NMSQT scores are released online in mid-December. Students should log in to their College Board account to see scores and test performance details.

    Unlike the SAT, the PSAT has a maximum score of 1520.

  2. Explore Careers

    When students log in to see their scores, they can connect with Roadmap to Careers. They answer questions to find out which careers interest them, what degrees they'll need, and what high school courses to take. They can watch video interviews with people in professions related to their interests.

  3. Begin your college search

    Get started on BigFuture. Students can begin their College Search using BigFuture and Career Finder/Roadtrip Nation to help link strengths to a postsecondary plan.

  4. Register for the SAT or the ACT

    Register for the SAT® or the ACT. Take the next step toward college by registering for one of these tests. Both are now widely accepted by colleges and universities across the country.

    SAT Suite of Assessments

    All students in grade 11 can take the SAT during the school day in the spring at no cost to families.

  5. Practice and preparation for the SAT

Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report

Video Screenshot of Youtube video

Understanding PSATs – For Parents

Screenshot of Understanding PSATs – For Parents video

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the PSAT/NMSQT administered?

The PSAT/NMSQT is administered digitally using the Bluebook testing app.

Can students use a calculator?

Yes. A calculator is permitted throughout the math section, and students can use the built-in Desmos graphing calculator available in the digital testing platform.

How do students access their scores?

Students can access PSAT/NMSQT scores through their College Board account and, if eligible, through BigFuture School.

Resources