PSAT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) Test Preparation


What is the PSAT?

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is developed and administered by the College Board in conjunction with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The test is used to asses if a student is eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program. About 1.3 million high school students, take the test every year.  

Exam Structure


The test has three sections. First section is on mathematics, then critical reading and writing. The total allotted time for the test is 2 hours 10 minutes. In total the score for the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is maximum composite of 240 points.

The composite score which is the sum of scores of the three sections is known as the Selection Index. It is used with 4 other main criteria to measure a student’s eligibility.



Exam Seating and Fairness


To promote fairness and reduce cheating, the PSAT has specific rules regarding seating arrangements. The instructions state the minimum distance that must be maintained between students during the test. The computer grading the tests is set to seek out cheats.

It looks for irregularities in the test answers within a class such as same particular wrong answers in one class. Calculators are allowed but only during the math section.



Test Prep & Study Tips


This is a multiple choice exam.   Multiple Choice questions can be very tricky and in fact are designed to confuse and distract.  Comprehensive multiple choice tips and strategies for increasing your score with practice questions. How To Answer Multiple Choice

arrowHow to Prepare for a Test - Everything you need to know to increase your score on any test! Test Preparation Secrets

arrowTime Limits.   All exams have time limits.  Here are some tips on how to make time limits work for you instead of against you.  Learn more >>>





Complete PSAT Study Guide and Practice Test Questions

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PSAT Flash Cards and Practice Test


402 professional quality PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test flash cards, covering all the basic concepts that you absolutely much master to pass this exam.  Covering all the main topics, including, Math, Critical Reading, Writing and Grammar.  Includes sample questions.

PSAT Flash Cards & Practice Test



Multiple ChoiceMultiple Choice Secrets

Practice 15 multiple choice strategies for increasing your grade on any multiple-choice test.

Multiple Choice Strategies & Practice Questions