What is the PSAT?

The PSAT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a multiple-choice standardized test offered by the College Board. It serves two key purposes:

• A practice run for the SAT or ACT

   

• Qualification for National Merit Scholarships (for 11th-grade test takers only)

   

It is not used for college admissions but helps identify academic strengths and areas for improvement.

Types of PSAT Exams

There are three PSAT versions, tailored for different grade levels:

• PSAT 8/9 – For 8th and 9th graders; establishes a baseline for college readiness

   

• PSAT 10 – For 10th graders; identical in content to PSAT/NMSQT but not scholarship-eligible

   

• PSAT/NMSQT – For 10th and 11th graders; used for National Merit qualification

   

What’s New in the Digital PSAT?

As of Fall 2023, the PSAT is completely digital with several important changes:

Key Digital Changes:

• Adaptive Testing: Question sets adjust in difficulty based on student responses.

   

• Shorter Test: Reduced by 30 minutes compared to previous paper version.

   

• Combined Verbal Section: Reading and Writing now merged into a single section.

   

• Full Calculator Use: Allowed for all math questions.

   

• Faster Results: Scores released within days.

   

PSAT Sections Breakdown

1. Reading & Writing

• Includes shorter passages, each with just one related question.

   

• Tests vocabulary in context, grammar, reasoning, and data interpretation.

   

2. Math

• Covers algebra, problem solving, geometry, and basic trigonometry.

   

• Emphasizes real-world application and logic-based problem-solving.

   

• All questions are calculator-allowed.

   

How Is the PSAT Scored?

• Score Range: 160–760 per section, totaling a max of 1520.

   

• Selection Index (for National Merit): Sum of the three test scores × 2.

   

• No Penalty for Guessing: Always answer every question.

   

Score Benchmarks (Grade-Based):

What Is a Good PSAT Score?

• Average Scores:

   

  • 835 for 8th graders

     

  • 892 for 9th graders

     

  • 959 for 10th graders (PSAT 10)

     

  • 1044 for 11th graders (PSAT/NMSQT)

     

• National Merit Qualification: Varies by state and year, but usually in the 1400+ range.

   

Why Take the PSAT?

• Identify Strengths & Weaknesses for SAT prep

   

• Practice Timed Testing

   

• Experience Digital Adaptive Testing

   

• Access Scholarships via the National Merit program

   

Even though it’s a low-stakes test for most, high scorers in 11th grade can qualify for:

• National Merit $2,500 Scholarships

   

• Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships (up to $10,000/year)

   

• College-Sponsored Merit Awards

   

How to Register for the PSAT

You cannot register for the PSAT online. Registration is handled by your high school. Speak with your school counselor well in advance, especially as test dates vary by school.

How to Prepare for the PSAT

Top Prep Strategies:

• Use Official Resources: Start with College Board tools.

   

• Practice Under Timed Conditions: Simulate the real test environment.

   

• Review Mistakes: Focus on patterns in wrong answers.

   

• Work on Pacing: The digital format gives more time per question, but managing time is still critical.

   

• Take a Diagnostic Test: This helps tailor your prep plan.

   

💡 Mentomind’s expert-guided SAT programs also cover PSAT prep. They’re designed to build test-taking confidence and boost your score.

Final Thoughts

The PSAT is more than a practice test—it’s a stepping stone toward scholarship opportunities and college readiness. With the new digital format, test-takers must adapt their strategies but can also benefit from faster results and smarter preparation.

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