How it works

The PSAT / NMSQT is a standardized test that determines students’ eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship. Almost all students take the PSAT during the fall of 11th grade, but several students take the PSAT during 10th grade for practice. However, only scores from 11th grade count towards qualifying for the scholarship. The PSAT is also generally considered good practice for the SAT, as scores help students identify strengths and weaknesses in standardized testing. This test is 2 hours and 45 minutes long, with four sections: Evidence-Based Reading, Writing and Language, Math (no calculator), and Math (with calculator).