What's the PSAT?
- Hermiona Education Team
- Mar 22
- 2 min read
The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) is a standardized test administered by the College Board to both prepare students for the SAT, and to qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program. The exam focuses on testing reading, writing and math skills and can help students identify areas for improvement prior to the “real” SAT, and with lower pressure, as PSAT scores are not sent to colleges and universities.
Who Takes the PSAT?
There are several versions of the PSAT, starting for students in grade 8:
PSAT 8/9: This exam introduces students to the SAT standardized testing format and helps to provide an early marker of college readiness. Middle and high schools may also use the exam diagnostically to assess academic progress. This exam is taken by 8th and 9th graders.
PSAT 10: This exam more closely mirrors the PSAT/NMSQT, and serves as additional preparation and benchmarking. The exam is taken by students in grade 10.
PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test): This exam is most widely taken, of the three PSAT versions. This exam is taken by students in grades 10 and 11, but students must be in grade 11 to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. While the PSAT/NMSQT results are not sent to colleges, students can receive awards and recognitions, and even scholarships, for extremely high scores.
The Purpose of the PSAT
While PSAT scores are not sent to colleges and universities, the test serve two key purposes for students preparing for the next steps in their education:
SAT Preparation: The first and foremost purpose of the PSAT is to prepare students for the SAT. The early exposure to the testing process, and early benchmarking, can help students approach their studying, and ultimately the SAT itself, with more confidence.
Scholarship Opportunities: The PSAT/NMSQT may be an opportunity for prestigious academic recognitions and even scholarships.
The Changing Role of the SAT
While the role of the SAT is up for debate, it’s slowly coming back. Several colleges and universities abandoned the SAT as a requirement for admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic, but many of these universities, including prestigious universities like Harvard, Yale, and MIT, have brought the SAT back into the admissions process.
Even for schools that remain test-optional, the SAT can be key to securing a competitive advantage, especially for students with a lower GPA, and even accessing scholarships and financial aid.
Ultimately, the PSAT is a valuable practice test for students, but even more than that, it’s an essential step toward preparing successfully for the SAT and even college. By studying for the PSAT diligently and using the results to craft a plan for the SAT, students are sure to set themselves up for success.
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