PSAT

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test administered by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Organization (NMSC). The scores from the PSAT/NMSQT are used to determine eligibility and qualification for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students register for the exam through the high schools which are members of the College Board. The test is composed of two sections: Evidence Based Reading and Writing, and Math. The PSAT takes two hours and forty-five minutes to complete. Each of the sections is scored on a scale of 160 to 760 points, which add up to a maximum composite score of 1520 points.

Students in the eleventh grade of high school enter NMSC competitions by taking the PSAT/NMSQT, which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.5 million entrants each year, and by meeting published program entry and/or participation requirements as follows:

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October of your junior year in high school.
• Achieve the minimum required PSAT/NMSQT cutoff score (this index score may vary by state, region and territory each year).
• Achieve a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher by the end of your junior year.

For example, in 2013, the composite score cut off for National Merit Semi-Finalists for Oregon was 216. Nationally, 16,000 students will be designated Semi-Finalists. To become a National Merit Finalist, you submit an application that contains information about your academic record and an essay. Also, you must take the SAT. Then, 15,000 students become Finalists. Of these 15,000 students, 8,000 will receive a merit scholarship from the college of their choice or a scholarship from the NMSC.

NMSC is now offering early practice for the PSAT beginning in 8th grade. It is always a good idea to take advantage of these practice testing opportunities.

Important Dates for you to remember:

September of your JUNIOR year:

• In September, look for the opportunity to sign up to take the PSAT. You must sign up in September in order to take the test.

October of your JUNIOR year:

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT.

December to February of your JUNIOR year:

• Score reports are received by your school in December. On-line score reports are available December through February on the College Board website.

April of your JUNIOR year:

• NMSC notifies high scorers (approximately 50,000 students) on the PSAT and offers them the opportunity to designate two colleges of their choice.

September of your SENIOR year:

• NMSC sends congratulatory to Commended Students (approximately 2/3 of the high scorers). These students are no longer part of the competition for the National Merit Scholarships.
• NMSC mails congratulatory letters to National Merit Semi-Finalists and certificates to the student’s home address (approximately 16,000 students). Students must submit an application and supporting documentation. Additionally, students must take the SAT by at the latest early December. Students must designate one college of their choice.

February of your SENIOR year:

• NMSC identifies National Merit Finalists (approximately 15,000 students). These students will compete for scholarships from colleges or from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Scholarships vary significantly among colleges. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarship is $2500.

May-June of your SENIOR year:

• In May, NMSC identifies scholarship recipients from colleges. Through June, NMSC identifies National Merit Scholarship recipients. Approximately 8,000 students will receive these scholarships.