Do you know the entire name of the PSAT test? It is officially the PSAT/ NMSQT test. “NMSQT” stands for “National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test”. The only time you can be considered as a National Merit Scholarship finalist is your junior year. You have to take the PSAT to even get in the running to be considered.
Taking the PSAT by grade level
- Freshman year– It is your first opportunity to take a college prep standardized test. Check to see if your school allows freshmen to take the PSAT/NMSQT. The school may want you to take the new PSAT 9 in the fall or the spring.
- Sophomore year– Take it more seriously- this is the last time you can take this test and not have it sent to the colleges. You may be taking the new PSAT 10 in fall or spring.
- Junior year– Game time! Prepare just as you have for the SAT test. Do your best on this PSAT/NMSQT test. You will have colleges knocking at your door if you do!
Update your testing schedule in GuidedPath with the PSAT for the fall. Select the green “Add a Test Not Found in the Table” button and find PSAT. Check with your counselor for registration and test dates.