The Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT/NMSQT® (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), is a preparatory version of the SAT exam. The PSAT is a great tool for students considering college. The PSAT/NMSQT measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing skills. You can only take the PSAT once per year, and many students take the test as practice in 9th or 10th grade. Juniors are automatically registered for the exam. AHHS recommends that students take the PSAT/NMSQT in order to receive feedback about strengths and weaknesses, qualify for National Recognition Programs (10th/11th grade), enter the competition for National Merit Scholar scholarships (11th graders only), and help prepare for the SAT. If you earn a high score on the PSAT in 11th grade, you could qualify to receive a National Merit Scholarship—$180 million dollars in merit scholarships are awarded to students each year! The PSAT is 2 hours and 45 minutes long. Unlike the SAT, the highest score possible on the PSAT is 1520.

What is on the test?

* Section 1- Reading (60 min)

* Section 2- Writing/Language (35 min)

* Section 3- Math (no calculator) (25 min)

* Section 4- Math (with calculator) (45 min)

** No penalty for incorrect answers

NOTE:

11th graders = National Merit eligible

10th/11th graders= National Recognition Program eligible

Online score reports do more than show you which skills you should work on. They also connect you to:

• Free, personalized SAT study on the Khan Academy®platform based on your test results
• AP courses through AP Potential™ feedback
• Roadtrip Nation, where you can create your own career roadmap
• College Search and Major and Career Search on BigFuture
• SAT registration

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and college scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.6 million entrants each year, and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.