About PSAT/NMSQT
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying
Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a program cosponsored by the College Board and National
Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). It's a standardized test that provides
firsthand practice for the SAT®. It also gives you a chance to enter NMSC
scholarship programs and gain access to college and career planning tools.
The PSAT/NMSQT
measures:
- Critical reading skills
- Math problem-solving skills
- Writing skills
You have developed these skills over many years, both in and
out of school. This test doesn't require you to recall specific facts from your
classes.
The most common
reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT are to:
- Receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on skills
necessary for college study. You can then focus your preparation on those areas
that could most benefit from additional study or practice.
- See how your performance on an admissions test might compare
with that of others applying to college.
- Enter the competition for scholarships from NMSC (grade 11).
- Help prepare for the SAT. You can become familiar with the
kinds of questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT.
- Receive information from colleges when you check
"yes" to Student Search Service.
SAT Reasoning Test
The SAT is the nation's most widely used admissions test among
colleges and universities. It tests students' knowledge of subjects that are
necessary for college success: reading, writing, and mathematics. The SAT
assesses the critical thinking skills students need for academic success in
college—skills that students learned in high school.
The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It
tells students how well they use the skills and knowledge they have attained in
and outside of the classroom—including how they think, solve problems, and
communicate. The SAT is an important resource for colleges. It's also one of
the best predictors of how well students will do in college.
Each
section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800, with two writing subscores
for multiple-choice questions and the essay. It is administered seven times a
year in the U.S. and U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, and six times a
year overseas.
Subject Tests are hour-long, content-based tests that allow you to showcase achievement in specific subject areas where you excel. These are the only national admission tests where you choose the tests that best showcase your achievements and interests.
SAT Subject Tests allow you to differentiate yourself in the college admission process or send a strong message regarding your readiness to study specific majors or programs in college. In conjunction with your other admission credentials (your high school record, SAT scores, teacher recommendations, etc.), they provide a more complete picture of your academic background and interests.
Some colleges also use Subject Tests to place students into the appropriate courses. Based on your performance on the test(s), you could potentially fulfill basic requirements or receive credit for introductory-level courses.
There are 20 SAT Subject Tests in five general subject areas: English, history, languages, mathematics and science. Try the free practice questions or download the Getting Ready for the SAT Subject Tests practice booklet.