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Preliminary SAT
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What is PSAT?
The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) — officially called the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) — is a standardized exam conducted by the College Board in collaboration with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
It serves two key purposes:
✅ A practice test for the SAT.
✅ A qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship Program (for Grade 11 students in the U.S.).
Types of PSAT Exams
| Test Name | Grade Level | Purpose | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSAT 8/9 | Grades 8–9 | Early readiness check | 240–1440 |
| PSAT 10 | Grade 10 | Practice for SAT | 320–1520 |
| PSAT/NMSQT | Grade 11 | Practice + National Merit eligibility | 320–1520 |
PSAT 2025–2026 Test Windows
| Exam | Testing Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PSAT/NMSQT | October 1–31, 2025 | Qualifies Grade 11 students for National Merit Scholarships |
| PSAT 10 | March 2 – April 30, 2026 | Practice for SAT (no scholarship eligibility) |
| PSAT 8/9 | October 1–31, 2025 & March 2 – April 30, 2026 | For early readiness (schools choose date) |
PSAT Exam Pattern
| Section | Duration | No. of Questions | Skills Tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading & Writing | 64 mins | 54 | Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, reasoning |
| Math | 70 mins | 44 | Algebra, problem-solving, geometry, data analysis |
| Total | 2 hrs 14 mins | 98 | Adaptive by section |
Adaptive Format: Each subject has two modules; performance in the first affects the difficulty of the second.
- The PSAT is fully digital, administered via the Bluebook App.
- Students can test using a laptop, Chromebook, or tablet.
- Tools include a built-in calculator, timer, flagging, and note-taking features.
| Section | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Reading & Writing | 160–760 |
| Math | 160–760 |
| Total | 320–1520 |
Note: Scores are aligned with the SAT’s 400–1600 scale but slightly lower due to easier difficulty.
| Exam | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| PSAT/NMSQT | $18–$20 |
| PSAT 10 | $18–$20 |
| PSAT 8/9 | $14–$18 |
(Schools may add small administration charges.)
- Results are released 4–6 weeks after the test through the College Board account.
- Reports include:
- Total and sectional scores
- Percentile ranking
- Strengths and improvement areas
- Personalized SAT prep links via Khan Academy
National Merit Scholarship (Grade 11 Only)
- Top 1% scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT become National Merit Semifinalists.
- Eligible students may receive scholarships worth $2,500+ USD.
- • U.S. citizens studying abroad are also eligible.
Why Take the PSAT?
Best SAT Practice
Excellent practice for the SAT (same format and question style).
Scholarship Eligibility
Eligibility for National Merit Scholarships (Grade 11).
Skill Gap Detection
Identifies academic strengths and weaknesses.
College Match Support
Connects students to U.S. colleges via College Board’s Student Search Service.
Boosts Test Confidence
Builds confidence for future SAT or ACT exams.
How is the PSAT different from the SAT?
| Feature | PSAT | SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Practice + Scholarships | College Admission |
| Score Range | 320–1520 | 400–1600 |
| Duration | 2 hrs 14 mins | 2 hrs 14 mins |
| Grade Level | 8–11 | 11–12 |
| Scholarships | Yes (Grade 11 only) | No |
| Registration | Through school | Through College Board |
| Mode | Digital | Digital |
Preparation Strategy (2025–2026)
Early Prep
Begin preparation early (Grade 9–10).
Bluebook Prep
Take official Bluebook digital practice tests.
Skill Build
Strengthen algebra, data analysis, and grammar.
Read Smart
Practice reading comprehension and reasoning.
Smart Prep
Link scores to Khan Academy for adaptive SAT prep.
Official Practice Resources
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Bluebook App | Official PSAT/SAT testing app | bluebook.app.collegeboard.org |
| College Board Practice Tests | Free sample PSAT & SAT tests | satsuite.collegeboard.org |
| Khan Academy | Personalized PSAT/SAT prep | khanacademy.org/sat |
Key Deadlines (2025–2026)
| Task | Deadline |
|---|---|
| School order window for Fall 2025 PSAT/NMSQT | April – September 2025 |
| Spring 2026 PSAT 10 & 8/9 order deadline | April – May 2026 |
| Accommodations request | Jan – Mar 2026 |
| Score release | Nov 2025 (Fall) / May 2026 (Spring) |
PSAT
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the PSAT?
A practice version of the SAT, also used to qualify Grade 11 students for the National Merit Scholarship.
Who can take the PSAT?
- Grades 8–9 → PSAT 8/9
- Grade 10 → PSAT 10
- Grade 11 → PSAT/NMSQT
When is the PSAT conducted?
- PSAT/NMSQT: Oct 1–31, 2025
- PSAT 10: Mar 2 – Apr 30, 2026
- PSAT 8/9: Oct 1–31, 2025 & Mar 2 – Apr 30, 2026
How do I register?
Registration is handled through schools — not directly with the College Board.
What is the test format?
Digital, 2 hours 14 minutes long, with Reading & Writing and Math
Is the PSAT adaptive?
The difficulty of the second module depends on performance in the first.
What is the scoring scale?
Total: 320–1520 (R&W: 160–760, Math: 160–760)
What skills are tested?
Reading comprehension, grammar, reasoning, algebra, data analysis, and problem-solving.
What is the National Merit Scholarship?
A U.S. scholarship for top 1% PSAT/NMSQT scorers, offering awards of $2,500+ USD.
What is a good PSAT score?
- Excellent: 1350–1520
- Above Average: 1150–1340
- Average: 950–1140
When are results released?
- Fall (PSAT/NMSQT): Nov–Dec 2025
- Spring (PSAT 10 & 8/9): Apr–May 2026
Can international students take the PSAT?
Yes, through participating schools or authorized U.S. curriculum test centers.
Can I retake the PSAT?
Once per year per level — students can take PSAT 8/9, 10, and NMSQT in different grades.
Are PSAT scores sent to colleges?
No. They’re used for practice and scholarship consideration only.
What tools are available during the test?
On-screen calculator, formula sheet, timer, flagging, and note options.
How can I prepare?
Practice using Bluebook, College Board, and Khan Academy
Why is the PSAT important?
It builds exam readiness, identifies academic strengths, and opens scholarship opportunities.