The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is part of the College Board’s SAT Suite of Assessments. Primarily taken by 11th grade students. Unlike the SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT is not used for college admissions. Instead this test provides practice for the SAT and helps students gauge their college and career readiness. Additionally, it’s used to qualify students for the National Merit program, which can provide students with different scholarship opportunities for college. 

National Merit Scholarship Program
The top 1% of PSAT test takers (usually about 13,000-16,000 students nationally) are identified as National Merit Semifinalists. Semifinalists may go on to apply for Finalist status and potentially win scholarship money. The top 3-4% of scores are named Commended Scholars. They are not able to move forward in the scholarship competition.

How to Sign Up
Students can sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT exam at Monroe High School. The test is in October, so contact them directly to sign up. Homeschooled students must also provide full name, DOB and contact information (email, phone and address).  Students will receive a confirmation email with more information. 

Preparing for the PSAT Exam
Students can access a full-length practice test on College Board. Visit this page for more information.  Khan Academy also has practice materials.

Timeline:
While there is not a right or wrong way to go about the process of taking college entrance tests, the generally accepted “timeline” for testing is:

• Junior Year: Take the PSAT in October and the SAT/ACT in the spring. This allows you to retake the SAT or ACT in the fall of your senior year if needed
• Senior Year: Re-take the SAT or ACT in the fall if needed.