The PSAT/NMSQT®, also known as the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, is taken by most students during October of their junior year of high school. Like the SAT, it has four sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Math – No Calculator, and Math – Calculator. However, unlike the SAT, the PSAT not only has fewer questions in almost every section, but it also is mainly important for aspiring National Merit scholars. In other words, while the majority of high school students take the SAT, far fewer students take the PSAT because PSAT scores are not required on college applications.
We recommend that you take the PSAT if you want to qualify to become a National Merit Semifinalist and receive a National Merit Scholarship. Even if you don’t become a National Merit Semifinalist, you still have the opportunity to become Commended, and that itself is a huge feat! Taking the PSAT will only help you, so we strongly encourage you to give it a try. And who knows? In the end, you may get a substantial college scholarship!
If you want to learn more about the PSAT/NMSQT®, check out the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s official website.