The Parents Guide to PSAT/NMSQT (2024)

Why the PSAT/NMSQT Is Important

Taking the PSAT/NMSQT is more than just good practice for the SAT, and the scores are more than just a number. With your child’s results, they can:

  • See where they are and set a target: You’ll get details on the exact skills and knowledge they need to focus on, while they have plenty of time to improve. If they’ve taken the PSAT 8/9 or PSAT 10, they’ll also see how much progress they’ve made between the tests. They can also use their score from the PSAT/NMSQT, along with some research about their college and career goals, to set their own personal target SAT score. Historically, students who took the PSAT/NMSQT scored better on the SAT, on average, than those who didn’t take the test.
  • Find out about their AP Potential: Students who take an AP® course are better positioned to succeed in college. Your child may not realize that they’re ready to take college level courses and that they have the potential to succeed. Using their personalized view of AP Potential, found in their score report, they’ll get recommendations for courses that may be a good fit for them.
  • Enter the National Merit Scholarship Program: Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT and meet other program entry requirements specified in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guidewill enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) Visit NMSC’s website at www.nationalmerit.org for more information..
  • Help pay for college: Taking the PSAT/NMSQT gives your child the chance to access over $300 million in other scholarship opportunities.
  • Connect to their future: When your child takes the PSAT/NMSQT, they’ll be asked for their mobile phone number so they can download the free BigFuture School™ mobile appand have their PSAT/NMSQT scores delivered right to their phone. They’ll get customized career information and guidance about planning and paying for college. Depending on their school or district, they can use the Connections feature, which lets them here from nonprofit colleges, scholarships and educational organizations interested in them—without having to share any personal information.

Fast Facts

  • The 2023PSAT/NMSQT will be given throughout the month of October. Schools may offer the test to different groups of students during the month.
  • The only way your child can sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT is through their school—not through College Board. Each school's signup process differs, so your child should talk to their school counselorto learn more.
  • Some students pay a small fee to take the PSAT/NMSQT, but many students have test-related fees covered in full or in part by their school. If your child qualifies for a PSAT/NMSQT fee waiver, they test for free. For more information, talk to your child's school counselor.
  • Homeschooled studentscan sign up and take the test at a local school.
  • We never send PSAT/NMSQT scores to colleges.

How to Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT

The best way your child can prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT is to pay attention in their high school classes and study the course material. Students who do well in school are likely to do well on the PSAT/NMSQT.

To become familiar with the test and its format, students can sign into the Bluebooktesting appand head to the Practice and Prepare section. They can explore the tools and features of the app and try a few sample questions in the test preview or take a full-length practice test. Then, they can review their results at mypractice.collegeboard.org. Once they know what knowledge and skills they need to work on, they can use Official digital SAT Prep on Khan Academy. It's a free, interactive study tool that provides personalized practice resources that focuses on exactly what your child needs to stay on track for college and career.

PSAT/NMSQT Scores

PSAT/NMSQT scores are available in November. In addition to getting direct access to their scores in the BigFuture School mobile app, your child will get a pdf score report from their school (if they don’t, they can ask their school counselor for it). And they can log intoinsights about their scores and explore Big Future. their personal College Board account at studentscores.collegeboard.orgto get additional

Scores range from 320 to 1520and are on the same score scale as the SAT. This means that a score of 1100 on the PSAT/NMSQT is equivalent to a score of 1100 on the SAT. The only difference is that SAT scores range from 400 to 1600, because the difficulty level of the questions is higher thanon the PSAT/NMSQT.

Students also receive a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index score, which National Merit Scholarship Corporation uses as an initial screen of students to the National Merit Scholarship Program. The Selection Index score is calculated from the Reading and Writing and Math section scores and ranges from 48 to 228.

Who Sees PSAT/NMSQT Scores

We don't send PSAT/NMSQT scores to colleges. We only send your child’s PSAT/NMSQT score to:

  • Their school (always), school district (often), and state (often)
  • National Merit Scholarship Corporation
  • Select scholarship and recognition programs (your child may opt out of)

If you want to log in yourself to see your child's score report, use the email and password your child used when they set up their College Board online account.

Once your child gets their score report, they should sit down with you and go over it. That way, you both know what to focus on to be ready for college.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Parents Guide to PSAT/NMSQT (2024)

FAQs

Should a 9th grader take the PSAT NMSQT? ›

The PSAT/NMSQT is designed for 10th and 11th graders. Some schools offer the PSAT 8/9, which tests the same skills as the PSAT/NMSQT, but in ways that are appropriate for earlier grade levels. Check with your child's school counselor to see if your school offers the PSAT 8/9.

Is 1200 a good PSAT NMSQT score? ›

A good PSAT score is between 1210 and 1520, which would put you in the top 10% of test takers. The average score earned on the PSAT is about 920, and a “perfect” score on the PSAT would be the maximum score of 1520.

Can a 12th grader take the PSAT NMSQT? ›

Who Can Take the PSAT/NMSQT? The PSAT/NMSQT is usually taken by 10th or 11th graders.

Does the PSAT NMSQT matter in 10th grade? ›

The PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 are identical. 11th graders (and some 10th graders) take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. The PSAT 10 is given to 10th graders in the spring. Only the PSAT/NMSQT qualifies students to enter the National Merit ® Scholarship Competition.

Is the PSAT Nmsqt harder than the PSAT 8 9? ›

The PSAT 8/9 is lowered by 80 points, resulting in a total score of 240 to 1440, or 120 to 720 for each component. It has been reduced to compensate for the fact that it is a significantly simpler test than the PSAT/NMSQT.

Is 840 a good PSAT score? ›

An 840 PSAT score is a decent starting point as a sophomore, especially considering you have time to prepare before taking the test again in your junior year and eventually taking the SAT. To provide some context, a PSAT score of 840 generally converts to around an 880 on the actual SAT.

Do colleges care about PSAT NMSQT? ›

PSAT 10, and PSAT/NMSQT don't directly affect college admissions decisions, these exams can make a big impact on your college prospects. Here's what you need to know.

What is the average PSAT score for a 9th grader? ›

The average PSAT score for 9th graders tends to fluctuate a bit each year, but it's usually around 920-940 out of 1520. Keep in mind that the PSAT is scored on the same scale as the SAT, but with slightly different maximum scores: 760 for the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section and 760 for the Math section.

What is the 99th percentile on the PSAT? ›

A perfect score on the PSAT is a 1520. If you're in 10th grade and you score between 1420 and 1520, you're in the top 1% of all test takers (99th percentile). If you're in 11th grade, anything between a 1490 and 1520 places you in the top 1%.

Is 1000 a bad PSAT score? ›

A combined score of 1000 is approximately the national average, which represents the 50th percentile (students who score 1000 score right in the middle, with 50% of the people scoring higher and 50% of the students scoring lower).

Is 990 a good SAT score? ›

A 990 SAT score may be competitive for some colleges, but it may not be a strong score for more selective schools. It's important to consider the median SAT scores of the colleges you're interested in applying to.

Is 950 a good PSAT score? ›

A 950 score would be around the 37th percentile for juniors, meaning you scored higher than about 37% of test-takers. If you're happy with this performance, that's perfectly fine. However, if you're aiming for a higher score, then consider focusing on improving your skills before taking the SAT.

Can a freshman take the PSAT NMSQT? ›

Since freshmen can take either the PSAT/NMSQT or the PSAT 8/9, we'll look at the data for both tests. By looking at how scores fall into percentiles, we can figure out what makes a good score on either test for a freshman.

Do colleges look at 9th grade PSAT? ›

PSAT 8/9 scores aren't sent to colleges. Schools choose when the PSAT 8/9 is offered. The only way your child can sign up for the PSAT 8/9 is through their school—not through the College Board. Each school's signup process differs, so talk to your child's school counselor to learn more.

What is a good PSAT Nmsqt score for a freshman? ›

Generally, a score of around 900-1000 or above (out of 1520) is considered a good start for a freshman, but they can aim higher as they progress through high school.

What are the benefits of taking the PSAT in 9th grade? ›

To state the obvious, the PSAT and SAT are tests that prepare you for applying to and succeeding in college. The PSAT can be helpful for providing your contact information to colleges (with your permission) so they can get in touch with you and share information about their campus events, deadlines, and scholarships.

References

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