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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 skills your student has developed over the course of his education. These include:
- Critical reading skills
- Math problem-solving skills
- Writing skills
The PSAT/NMSQT is the best preparation for the SAT. Students take the test in eleventh grade to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's scholarship programs. Students can also benefit from taking the test in the tenth grade and sooner because they'll get personalized feedback on the academic skills needed for college. By taking the test before eleventh grade, students have more time to develop these skills and to begin the college planning process.
Why Students Take the PSAT/NMSQT
In addition to assessing critical academic skills, the PSAT/NMSQT provides an opportunity to:
- Prepare for the SAT Reasoning Test™: the test uses similar questions and the same directions.
- Qualify for scholarships (if your student is in eleventh grade).
- 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
Your student has developed the skills measured by the PSAT/NMSQT over many years, both in and out of school. This test does not require him to recall specific facts from classes. Taking challenging academic courses and reading widely during the school years is the best way for your student to get ready.
Still, your student can take these steps now, to plan ahead: Test dates for 2009 are Wednesday, October 14 and Saturday, October 17.
Visit his 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 that will be asked. They can also get complete answer explanations online for all the questions on the practice test.
Visit the PSAT/NMSQT Preparation Center online to access test dates, more practice questions, and useful tips.
When the Test is Given
Your student has the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. Depending on the school, the 2009 test is given on either Wednesday, October 14 or Saturday, October 17. To register for the test, your student should speak to his school counselor.
Score Report Plus
Scores are reported to schools in December. At that time, your student will receive Score Report Plus, which includes not only itemized feedback on test questions, but advice on improving his skills as well. For each section of the test (critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills), your student receives personalized skills feedback based on his performance.
My College QuickStart™
My College QuickStart is an easy-to-use, online, personalized college and career planning kit available free of charge to all students who take the PSAT/NMSQT. This useful tool incorporates student responses that were provided when they took the test, and it presents their data back to them in four main parts: My Online Score Report, My SAT Study Plan, My College Matches, and My Major & Career Matches. My College QuickStart is available using the access code printed on the student's paper score report, and the tool can be utilized throughout high school. Log-in or take a tour of My College QuickStart at www.collegeboard.comquickstart.
Read more about your student's score report.
