Math is 760 out the total 1520 points, which means it comprises 50% of the sections on the PSAT, making it an essential subject to review before the test. The PSAT is out 1520 (whereas the SAT is out of 1600). Students who score in the top 1% of test takers become Semifinalists (around 16,000 students total) and a majority of those students go on to become Finalists, which gives them a chance to earn scholarship money from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation or colleges that give scholarships based on NMSQT scores ( Learn More).Įither way, the PSAT makes great practice for the SAT, one of the main two tests that are used to indicate college readiness during the college admission processes. If students score in the top 3-4% but don’t meet the cutoff score, they are considered Commended Students. Different states have different cutoff scores. After the test, students will receive a Selection Index score in their senior year.
The PSAT taken in October of 11th grade is considered especially important because this PSAT is used as the NMSQT, or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. There is also one offered in tenth grade (PSAT 10). The PSAT can be taken as early as eighth or ninth grade (PSAT 8/9). The Preliminary SAT, or PSAT, is a practice exam that can be used as a simulation for the real SAT taken as a junior or senior.
What is the PSAT/NMSQT and why is it important?
