ABOUT PSAT
High school juniors have a lot on their minds, from activities and academics to friends and the future. But most juniors need to add one more item to their list: the PSAT. What is the PSAT, and why does it matter for juniors at every level?
The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a standardized test administered by the College Board. It prepares you for the SAT and serves as your entrance exam for the prestigious National Merit Scholarships.
Several states mandate the PSAT as a college readiness benchmark. Because colleges don’t use the PSAT in admissions, taking the test can be less stressful for students, a valuable practice opportunity, and a way to identify subjects in which students need extra preparation.
The PSAT is available in three levels:
The PSAT 8/9 is for 8th and 9th graders and lasts 2 hours and 25 minutes. It covers Reading (55 min, 42 questions), Writing & Language (30 min, 40 questions), and Math (60 min, 38 questions). Schools can offer this year’s test during several windows from September to April.
The PSAT 10 is for sophomores and is slightly longer at 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Reading section (55 min, 47 questions), Writing & Language (35 min, 44 questions), and Math sections (70 min, 48 questions) are the same as those in the actual PSAT/NMSQT test. This year’s PSAT 10 can be taken at schools during February, March, or April.
Each year’s PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test for junior students to enter the National Merit Scholarship competition. To win, students must take the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall of Junior year. The PSAT/NMSQT this year will be held on October 12 and 15, 2022, with an alternate test day of October 25.