Your Guide to PSAT/NMSQT
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is more than good practice for the SAT. The assessment is your first step in setting your personal SAT Target Score, understanding your AP potential, entering the National Merit Scholarship Program, connecting with colleges and scholarships, and exploring careers.
Setting Your SAT Target Score
When you take the PSAT/NMSQT, you will receive details on the exact skills and knowledge you need to focus on. If you took the PSAT 8/9 or PSAT 10, you will be able to measure the progress you made between these tests.
Your PSAT/NMSQT score is a valuable tool in assessing your college and career goals. It will help you establish your personal SAT Target Score when you begin to plan for college and offer insights about careers that need skills like yours.
Unlock Your AP Potential
Did you know that students who take an AP course in high school are better positioned to succeed in college? You might not realize that you have the potential and are ready to take college-level courses.
As part of your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report, you will get a personalized view of your AP potential. It can help you discover your strengths and interests, which will help you in planning for college and careers.
National Merit Scholarship Qualification
If you take the PSAT/NMSQT and meet other program entry requirements specified in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide, you will enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®).
Help Pay for College
Taking the PSAT/NMSQT gives you a chance to access over $300 million in other scholarship opportunities.
Connect with Colleges and Scholarships
When you take the PSAT/NMSQT, you’ll be asked for your mobile phone number so you can download the free BigFuture® School mobile app and have your PSAT/NMSQT scores delivered right to your phone. You’ll get guidance about careers and planning and paying for college. Depending on your school or district, you can opt in to Connections™, which lets you hear from nonprofit colleges, scholarship providers, and government agencies offering education programs that are interested in students like you—without having to share any personal information.
Explore Your Career Options
Your score report will include Career Insights Snapshot, a list of growing careers in your state that need skills like your math, reading and writing skills. If you see a career you like, learn more about what it pays and what it might take to get there. If you aren’t interested in any of the examples, that’s ok. You can discover many more careers in the BigFuture School app or on BigFuture Career Search.