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PSAT/NMSQT Test Day
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
at McDaniel High School
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About the PSAT Test
The PSAT/NMSQT is the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The PSAT is a great primer for the SAT, and even the ACT, but it’s more than just a trial run. PSAT scores are used to identify National Merit Scholars and award merit scholarships. More than 3.4 million high school students (mostly juniors and sophomores) take this nationwide, multiple-choice test every year.
What is the PSAT and why is it important?
The PSAT won’t count towards your college admissions applications, but it is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship . Some of the highest scoring students may win scholarship money, so while you shouldn’t stress out about the PSAT, you certainly shouldn’t ignore it either. Use the PSAT as practice for the SAT and ACT and an important guidepost on your college admissions journey.
What does the PSAT test?
The PSAT has two sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. You’ll encounter passage-based questions—sometimes accompanied by tables, graphs, and charts—and math problems drawing upon algebra, geometry, and a little trig.
Learn about the 2015 changes to the PSAT .
How is the PSAT scored?
Each section is scored on a scale of 160–760, making a “perfect” score 1520. There are also test scores, cross-test scores, and subscores. Find out more about PSAT scoring .
PSAT Exam Day DO's and DON'TS
Do:
- Bring a valid picture ID - School ID, Driver's License
- Bring a #2 pencil
- Bring an acceptable calculator - see page 34 of the study guide
Don't Bring:
- Cellphone, smart watch, or fitness tracker
- Backpack
- Food
- Or other items listed on page 34 of the study guide
