About PSAT/NMSQT
The Preliminary SAT, (PSAT) also referred to as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT), is a test taken between the 8th and 10th grade, once each year. It is the best qualifying test for the SAT exam; however, the PSAT differ from the SAT.
Who, Where, and When
-
Who: 10th and 11th-graders. But generally, anyone from grade 8+ can take the PSAT
​​
-
Where: At your school (just ask them to order the test)
​​
-
When: usually every year in October. check college board, and your school to exactly when is your test.
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
-
Reading section
-
47 questions
-
60 minutes
-
skills you need are reading and understanding vocabulary in context
-
-
Writing​ section
-
44 question​
-
35 minutes
-
you need to know grammar and usage
-
Math
-
calculator section (optional)
-
45 minutes
-
- non-calculator section
-
25 minutes
-
-
47 questions in total
-
you need to know the following topics:
-
heart of algebra
-
Problem-solving & data analysis
-
passport to advanced math
-
additional topics (geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus)
-
PSAT compared to SAT
The PSAT and SAT tests are almost identical: the PSAT is 15 minutes shorter, does not include an essay, has an optional section and has a slightly different scoring scale. By prepping for the SAT, you are prepping for both tests!
Scoring PSAT/NMSQT
Each section is scored on a scale of 160–760, making the highest score 1520. Check the video below from college board for more information.
