Why Offer the PSAT/NMSQT?

Help your students get more from their score. The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is more than good practice for the SAT and their scores are more than just a number.

Get Actionable Data

Using the online reporting portal, you’ll be able to:

  • Evaluate each student’s college and career readiness.
  • Determine which knowledge areas and skills need more work.
  • See how much progress they’ve made from PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10.
  • Leverage this data for instructional planning.
A laptop screen showing the K12 online reporting portal

Connect Students to Scholarships and Recognition Programs

National Merit Scholarship Program

The PSAT/NMSQT is the only qualifying test for the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

Visit NMSC for Info

Scholarship Opportunities

Taking the PSAT/NMSQT gives students the chance to access over $300 million in scholarship opportunities.

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Broaden Access to AP

The AP Potential™ tool is designed to help you expand access to your AP programs by identifying students who are ready for AP based on their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT and other tests in the SAT Suite.

illustration of laptop with AP onscreen, stack of books adjacent

New Digital Format

This fall, the PSAT/NMSQT will be delivered in a new digital format that is more relevant for students than ever before. The change is good news for educators, too. A shorter test means a shorter test day, and no more packing, sorting, or shipping test materials. Going digital also means more flexibility for where and when the test can be administered.

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What to Expect with the Digital PSAT/NMSQT

See what students can expect with the digital PSAT/NMSQT.

Free Access to Practice Resources for All Students

To help students be successful and become familiar with the digital test platform, they will have access to free, world-class practice opportunities on Bluebook™ and through Official Digital SAT Prep on Khan Academy®.

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The Power to Plan—in the Palm of Students' Hands

With the BigFuture® School mobile app, PSAT/NMSQT test takers 13 and over will have access to their scores and customized career information and guidance about planning and paying for college.

Through the Connections™ feature in the BigFuture School app, students can choose to hear directly from nonprofit colleges and scholarship programs that might be a good match—without having to share any personal information.

Phone screen showing BigFuture Mobile App running

PSAT/NMSQT Educator Resources

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PSAT/NMSQT Resources

Share the value of the digital PSAT/NMSQT with staff, students, and parents.

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Comparison: PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10

See how the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 are different.