PSAT
WHY TAKE THE PSAT?
The PSAT/NMSQT stands for the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It has two main functions.
Function 1
The first is to give you practice for the SAT. Although shorter than the SAT (2 hours 10 minutes compared to 3 hours 45 minutes), it contains the same types of math, reading, and writing questions, except for a written essay, as those found on the SAT. It also measures your score against your classmates across the country, just like the SAT does.
Function 2
Taking the PSAT also gives you a chance to qualify for several scholarship programs, most notably the National Merit Scholarship Program. Aside from the possibility of receiving tuition for college, recognition by the National Merit Scholarship program is an impressive addition to your college applications.
The top 50,000 scorers on the PSAT are recognized by the National Merit Program and sent letters of commendation. More than 10,000 of these students share more than $47 million in National Merit Scholarship money.