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College Board PSAT/NMSQT

The Preliminary SAT, or PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), is a practice version of the SAT. Students can take the PSAT once each year, typically in 10th and 11th grade. A high score in 11th grade can qualify students for National Merit Scholarships, with about $180 million awarded annually. The PSAT lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes and measures reading, writing, and math skills.

Reasons students should take the PSAT

College Board PSAT/NMSQT National Merit Scholarship Corporation logo

  • Why You Should Take the PSAT – The Princeton Review
  • 4 Great Reasons to Take the PSAT – College Raptor
  • 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. Those who did not 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.

  5. Practice and preparation for the SAT

Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report

Video Screenshot of Youtube video

Resources

Additional Resources