About the Test The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test designed to help students prepare for the SAT. Students are encouraged to take the PSAT during both their Sophomore and Junior years. As Juniors, the PSAT also becomes a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and could qualify a student to be eligible for numerous scholarship opportunities, based on their score on the PSAT.
The PSAT is scored in three areas: Critical Reading Mathematics Writing Skills
Each section of the PSAT is scored on a scale of 20 – 80. On the Score Report, students are given their scores as well as the percentile of where their scores compared to other students nationally. The Score Report breaks down the student’s score by question and students test booklets are returned to students with their Score Report so that they can use it as a tool for preparing for the SAT.