If you feel stressed about the future SAT, there is no way to make it less worrying (and get better preparation) than to take a mini-SAT. Yes, that is a real thing! And its official name is PSAT/NMSQT. It is a chance to experience what awaits you on the real SAT and maybe get some exciting bonuses (we’ll tell you about these later). Curious to learn more? Keep reading!
What Is the PSAT/NMSQT?
Wonder about the PSAT meaning? Let’s find out what this abbreviation stands for! So, the PSAT/NMSQT is the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, and it is a big deal for high schoolers. As you might know, the SAT is digital now: there are no longer any paper-and-pen tests.
Here are some basic facts about the new PSAT:
- The PSAT/NMSQT test is a lot like the SAT test.
- It has the same parts and time limits: Reading and Writing section and Math section, the subjects that are important for doing well in college and jobs.
- Usually, you take it in October, but it is your school that decides it. So, the answer to the question “When is the PSAT?” is “It depends on your school.”
Why Take the PSAT?
Now that you know what is PSAT, let’s understand why you need to take it:
- Practice for the SAT. The PSAT/NMSQT gives you a taste of the real exam and helps identify areas to improve.
- Get a peek at your college future. Your PSAT/NMSQT score can help you predict how you might do on the SAT and target colleges that match your academic strengths.
- Qualify for scholarships. If you score high enough, you could win the National Merit Scholarship Program or get other college grants. Many organizations give out significant financial help in combined awards every year.
Source: National Merit Scholarship Corporation
The great news is that you not only have a chance to prepare for the SAT but can secure financial help for your college studies.
Get Unlimited PSAT Practice
Practice PSAT and SAT questions whenever, wherever you want with Acely, our AI-powered test prep tool. Get hints & explanations and performance data to help you reach your test goals.
Who Can Take the PSAT?
It’s typically given to 11th and 10th graders at school and on a school day. However, if you want to start early and get familiar with the test, you can begin a year or two before! There are two types of the test if that’s your case:
- PSAT 8/9. It’s open to all 8th and 9th graders. It’s a chance to start prepping early and gauge your skills.
- PSAT 10. It’s the same as the PSAT/NMSQT, but given in the spring of 10th grade. Practice for the junior year test and explore scholarship opportunities.
Important Things to Know
Before you apply for the test, here are some essential things to keep in mind. You can only register for the PSAT/NMSQT through your school, not directly through the College Board. First, you must find out when is PSAT as there is a difference between the PSAT and SAT registration processes. Each school has its own sign-up procedure, so you have to speak with the school counselor to get more information about the PSAT dates and general requirements.
Some students may need to pay a small fee to take the PSAT NMSQT. Yet, many have these fees covered by their school, either fully or partially. If you or your child qualifies for a fee waiver, it is possible to take the test for free. Again, you’d better receive all the information from a school counselor. You should know that the PSAT/NMSQT scores are not sent to colleges.
How to Prepare for the Test?
The simplest way to get ready for the PSAT/NMSQT is to study hard in high school. Why? If you’re doing well in school, you’ll probably do well on the PSAT/NMSQT too. Yet, what if you start preparing specifically for the PSAT? We recommend breaking the process into a few steps:
Know the PSAT Structure Perfectly
Understanding what to expect from your exam is like having a map and a compass: you will never get lost. You probably know that the PSAT is a lot like the SAT. So you can get ready for the SAT and the new PSAT format simultaneously. The main differences are that the PSAT format has fewer questions, shorter passages in the Reading section, no essay part, and is a bit easier overall.
Set a Score You Aim For
Having a clear goal is a huge advantage. Knowing what you want, you can calculate your time and effort to reach the destination. Setting a goal score for the PSAT or SAT can guide your preparation. For the National Merit Scholarship qualification, aim for a score equal to or higher than your state’s cutoff score, typically around 1400-1480.
Maybe you’re planning to apply to college. Make sure to know what the average PSAT score is. Then, consider the 25th and 75th percentile SAT scores of your target schools’ admitted students. Aim for the highest 75th percentile score as your goal for both exams. Remember that achieving this PSAT scale ensures readiness for the SAT.
Take Practice Tests
How long is the PSAT? The timing is standard, but you’d better know how much time you’ll need. People haven’t come up with a better way to get new knowledge or skills than just practicing. Practice Reading and Writing, explore what is difficult for you, test your problem-solving skills, and set a timer.
If you want to do great on the PSAT, a smart way to get ready is by doing at least one official practice test. You can try Khan Academy: it has only official data, designed with the help of the College Board. You can grab these tests for free from the College Board website as well. Practice tests are like gold when it comes to PSAT prep, but don’t forget to use comprehensive practice tools as well. They give you real questions and the full test experience. So, don’t miss out on this awesome resource!
Get to Know the Areas That Need Improvement
When studying, make sure to figure out why the wrong answers you pick are actually incorrect. This means going through all the practice tests and questions for PSAT prep. Highlight the ones you get wrong and spend time figuring out where you made mistakes in your thinking or calculations. Remember, preparation is your trial run. Make sure you are not confused about tricky parts like multiple-choice answers or evidence-based reading.
Do You Need a Tutor for the PSAT Preparation?
It depends a lot on your goals. Since the PSAT isn’t as crucial as the SAT or ACT, you probably won’t need to spend money on a tutor or additional classes. Keep in mind the PSAT is mainly just practice; it won’t affect your GPA or college admission chances.
However, if your goal is to get on the National Merit Scholarship Program or get a very high SAT score, then hiring a tutor could be a good idea. They can help you with the essential concepts and skills necessary to reach your target score.
By the way, if you have been wondering about the National Merit Scholarship Program, here is what you need to know:
- In 2025, they will grant approximately 7,140 National Merit Scholarships of three types and around 740 Special Scholarships.
- These 7,880 scholarships will collectively be worth over $35 million.
- Each student can only receive one monetary award from NMSC.
Conclusion
Make sure to follow tips and be aware of your goals. It may take effort to prepare and secure yourself financial aid. But remember to balance your work with other activities and not get overwhelmed. All the luck!
