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Meet the PSAT/NMSQT®
Prepare for the SAT® and Qualify for Scholarships
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) measures the educational skills your child has developed. These include:
- Critical reading skills
- Mathematics problem-solving skills
- Writing skills
The PSAT/NMSQT is the best preparation for the SAT. Students take the test as juniors to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's scholarship programs.
Students can also benefit from taking the test as sophomores because they get personalized feedback on the academic skills needed for college. By taking the test before junior year, your child has more time to develop these skills and to begin the college planning process.
Why Your Child Should Take the PSAT/NMSQT
In addition to assessing critical academic skills, the PSAT/NMSQT provides an opportunity for your child to:
- Prepare for the SAT: the test uses similar questions and the same directions.
- Qualify for scholarships (if your child is a junior).
- Compare scores with other college-bound students around the country.
- Forecast SAT scores.
- Get personalized feedback on skill strengths and weaknesses.
- Get free information from colleges and scholarship programs through the Student Search Service®.
- Use My College QuickStart™ to plan ahead for college and a career.
Preparation
The PSAT/NMSQT evaluates the academic skills your child has developed over time in school. Therefore, taking challenging academic courses and reading widely are the best ways for your child to get ready.
Still, your child can take these steps now, to plan ahead: Test dates for 2011 are Wednesday, October 12 and Saturday, October 15.
- Visit the high school counselor to find out about registering; learn the correct date, time and location of the school's test administration; and pick up a copy of the PSAT/NMSQT Official Student Guide.
- Read the PSAT/NMSQT Official Student Guide and take the full-length practice test inside. Students should review the Guide to be sure they understand all the test directions and are familiar with the types of questions asked. They can also get complete answer explanations online for all the questions on the practice test.
- Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT online and access test dates, more practice questions and useful tips.
Test Date
Your child has the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. Depending on the school, the 2011 test is given on either Wednesday, October 12 or Saturday, October 15. To register for the test, your child should speak to the school counselor.
Score Report Plus
Scores are reported to schools in December. At that time, your child receives Score Report Plus, which includes not only itemized feedback on test questions but also information about skill strengths and weaknesses.
My College QuickStart
Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT receive free access My College QuickStart, a personalized college planning tool that complements the Score Report Plus. Your child can use the code provided on the score report, to access:
- My Online Score Report — an enhanced score report that allows students to review each test question, their answers and the correct answers with answer explanations
- My SAT Study Plan — a customized SAT study plan based on students' PSAT/NMSQT test performance, highlighting skills for review and practice
- My Personality — a detailed personality test that helps students learn about themselves and discover majors and careers that fit their strengths and interests
- My Major & Career Matches — extensive information about majors and careers, including insights about what to expect and what courses to take now
- My College Matches — a starter list of colleges based on students' home state and indicated choice of major
Students can access My College QuickStart until they graduate from high school.
Read more about your child's score report.
