The PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test but is generally referred to as the PSAT. As you may have guessed, it's essentially a "practice" test for the SAT. While an SAT score will go on your final transcripts, the PSAT score is not usually seen by colleges and universities. As such, it serves as a low stress opportunity to take an SAT-style test before taking the full SAT.But that isn't to say you shouldn't the PSAT lightly. It's important because it indicates how you're going to do on more meaningful tests later on. Knowing your scores on the different sections of the PSAT will show you your academic strengths and weakness, so you can use your studying time improving weak areas.In addition, the PSAT is also the NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). This is a nationwide scholarship program and is quite prestigious. Doing well on the PSAT can mean that you might qualify to be a National Merit Scholar. This is an honor that you're definitely going to want to put on your college application. (To qualify as a National Merit Scholar you must be in 11th grade).
When Should I Take The PSAT? Depending upon your school's policies you may have the opportunity to take the PSAT during your sophomore and/or junior year. If possible, try and take the PSAT once during sophomore year to get familiar with standardized testing and again during junior year to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. If your school doesn't offer the option to take the PSAT during your sophomore year, don't worry. After all, the main point of the PSAT is to introduce you to the types of questions you will see on the SAT. The test is usually given in October. Remember, take the PSAT BEFORE taking the SAT or ACT.
How Many Times Can I Take The Test? The PSAT can by taken multiple times. However, you should not take it more than (at most) twice.
What Does The Test Cover? There are 5 sections to the PSAT. These include two critical reading sections, two math sections and and one writing section.
Critical Reading This includes a 25 minute sentence completion section and a 25 minute critical reading section.
Math The math section will test you on algebra, geometry, statistics, probability and more. There will be a 25 minute multiple choice section and a 25 minute "grid-in" section (i.e. not multiple choice.) You can use a calculator for the math section.
Writing Skills This section is 30 minutes long and questions will be from 3 sections: identifying sentence errors, improving sentences, and improving paragraphs.
Preparing For The PSAT The first time you take the PSAT will probably be the first time you take a major standardized test, but you shouldn't view the exam with too much apprehension. The best way to approach the test is to take it seriously, but to remember that the test itself is a tool for doing well on the SAT/ACT - a more important and critical test you'll take later. In fact, a lot of the advice and strategies suggested for the SAT apply here as well, since the two tests are so similar.
Know Your Goals
To help prepare for the SAT.
If it's the first time you're taking it, then you're getting yourself used to taking an important timed standardized test.
To better understand your strengths and weaknesses.
To enter into the National Merit Scholarship Program.
To receive information from colleges.
Focus on the following goals when taking the PSAT:
Be Familiar With The Test The structure of the PSAT differs slightly from the structure of the SAT, but the two tests are still very similar. The PSAT tests critical reading, math problem-solving (in Algebra, Geometry, Statistics and Probability), and writing skills. In the Critical Reading section there are 13 sentence completion questions and 35 critical reading questions. The Math section has 28 multiple choice questions and 10 Grid-ins. The Writing Skills section contains 14 identifying sentence errors, 20 improving sentences, and 5 improving paragraph questions.
PSAT Scoring When you take the PSAT you'll be mailed a "Score Report Plus" which gives you more information about your test results. Your score on each section of the test can range from 20 - 80, with 80 being the high score. The maximum score you can get on the PSAT is 240. Multiplying your score by 10 will give you a general idea of where your SAT score might be. Of course, there are many ways to improve your chances before you take the SAT. The report also includes an "Improve Your Skills" section, which gives you personal feedback on which sections of the test you can improve on and how to improve. You can review the test itself and your answers to see where you made your mistakes. Also, your score may be used by the National Merit Scholarship programs to qualify you for a scholarship.