The PSAT

According to the CollegeBoard, the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) provides practice for the SAT and a chance to qualify for National Merit scholarships. Similar to the SAT, it measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing skills.

The PSAT is designed to be taken in either the 10th or 11th grade. (Note: National Merit qualification is available only to 11th grade students.)

Format

Five sections (2 hours and 10 minutes):

  • Two 25-minute Critical Reading sections (48 questions)
  • Two 25-minute Math sections (38 questions)
  • One 30-minute Writing section

(See the CollegeBoard's information about what's on the test)

2009 Test Dates

Wednesday, October 14 and Saturday, October 17.

(Go to the CollegeBoard's page on Test Dates)

Resource Links