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The Preliminary SAT / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT / NMSQT) - often shortened to PSAT - is a standardized test targeting 10th and 11th graders in the United States. Every year, approximately 3.5 million students take the PSAT. The PSAT is developed by the CollegeBoard and co-sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
Why do students take the PSAT?
10th and 11th graders take the PSAT primarily for the following three reasons:
To practice for the SAT: One of the most common reasons students take the PSAT is to get familiar with the layout and content of the SAT, which is often required for college admission. The PSAT provides students with the opportunity to get a feel for the SAT, and helps them identify potential strengths and weaknesses.
To secure a National Merit distinction or scholarship: The other major reason students take the PSAT is to try to win a National Merit scholarship. Each year about 1.6 million juniors enter the National Merit competition via the PSAT and, In the end, 7,500 entrants will each win a $2,500 scholarship along with the (extremely prestigious) distinction of National Merit Scholar. National Merit Scholarship Corporation
Why is your 8th grader being given the opportunity to take the PSAT?
Every 8th-grade student in Horry County Schools is given the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT assessment in 8th-grade is meant to provide students an opportunity for early exposure to the PSAT and a chance to see what it is like to take the SAT. The South Carolina State Department of Education identifies South Carolina Junior Scholars based on their PSAT/NMSQT performance and PSAT scores may be used as criteria for Scholars Academy, an HCS Program High School. All students will be given the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT again in 10th grade.
SC Junior Scholars Program
Scholars Academy
When and Where is the PSAT?
The PSAT is administered every fall, usually starting in early or mid-October. The CollegeBoard determines the testing window that schools can administer the PSAT.
For those of you who are familiar with the old paper format of the PSAT / NMSQT, here is some information that CollegeBoard has shared about the new DIGITAL format:
What Does the PSAT Cover?
The PSAT is extremely similar to the SAT in both form and content.
There are three sections on the PSAT: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math.
Most questions on the PSAT are multiple-choice. The only exceptions are the Math section's grid-in section.
Below is the general breakdown of the PSAT.
PSAT Section Order on Test Time Allotted # of Questions
Reading 1 60 mins 47
Writing and Language 2 35 mins 44
Math No Calculator 3 25 mins 17
Math Calculator 4 45 mins 31
If you would like more information about the CollegeBoard and PSAT, please visit the following: CollegeBoard / PSAT
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Hello TOMS 8th-grade Parents/Guardians,
All 8th-grade students in Horry County Schools are given the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT assessment in 8th-grade is meant to provide students an opportunity for early exposure to the PSAT and a chance to see what it is like to take the SAT.
We understand that taking the PSAT/NMSQT in 8th grade is not always academically appropriate for every student. For this reason, this test is NOT mandatory, and only students who are signed up using the Google Form below will take the test. All students will be given the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT again in 10th grade.
Please keep in mind, however; that the South Carolina State Department of Education identifies South Carolina Junior Scholars based on their PSAT/NMSQT performance and PSAT scores may be used as criteria for Scholars Academy, an HCS Program High School. More information on both of these programs is included below.
SC Junior Scholars Program:
https://ed.sc.gov/newsroom/scholarships/sc- junior-scholars-program/
Scholars Academy (HCS Program High School):
https://www.horrycountyschools.net/Scholar_s_Academy
PSAT information
https://blog.collegeboard.org/parents-guide-psat-nmsqt
Please use the link below to complete the Google form no later than Monday, September 15, 2025 if you would like to sign your student up for the PSAT/NMSQT. A student whose parent/guardian has not completed the form by the deadline will be considered a non-tester and will not have a test ordered. Students who are signed up by their parent/guardian will take the PSAT/NMSQT in the Ten Oaks Middle School gymnasium on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. There will be NO make-up dates for this test and students must remain in the testing room for the duration of the test (approximately 3 ½ hours).
Note: This email has been sent to both contact 1 and contact 2 in PowerSchool.
PSAT/NMSQT Practice Test 1
PSAT/NMSQT Practice Test 1
PSAT/NMSQT Practice Test 2
PSAT/NMSQT Practice Test 2
SAT Practice Tests
SAT Practice Tests
Khan Academy
Khan Academy
Coming Soon...
PSAT / NMSQT Scores
Students at TOMS who took the October 2024 PSAT/NMSQT were given a printed copy of their score reports on Friday, October 25, 2024. Please use the following resources from CollegeBoard to help explain how to navigate your score report.
Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report - CollegeBoard Video
PDF Tutorial - Understanding 2022-23 PSAT/NMSQT Results
How do I create a CollegeBoard account to view my PSAT/NMSQT score report online?
Anyone 13 or older can create a College Board account. Just complete this online FORM and choose your username and password. Be sure to write them down in a safe place!
Enter an email address that you will be able to access throughout high school and beyond. (Remember...you will only be able to access your school email account as long as you are enrolled in the school system.)
Make sure you create only one account—it’s all you need to access all of CollegeBoard's programs: SAT, AP, PSAT/NMSQT, BigFuture™, and more.
For security, some pages may ask you to sign up or sign in even when you already have an account or are signed in. In these cases, choose sign in.
* If you need assistance with creating or accessing your CollegeBoard Account, please visit CollegeBoard Account Help or contact customer service at 866-315-6068.
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