The Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) will be administered in person at Mardela Middle & High School on Wednesday, October 11th for any 9th grade student who wishes to experience taking a College Board test or for any 11th grade student who wishes to try to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. 

Those 9th and 11th grade students who wish to take the test will need to pay the $18 fee no later than September 8th through my payments plus (www.mypaymentsplus.com). 

 All 10th graders are automatically signed up to take the test and will receive more communication in the weeks ahead.

For more information on the PSAT/NMSQT you can also visit the College Board website. If you have questions, please email April Shiles, Mardela Middle & High School’s test coordinator at ashiles@wcboe.org.

PSAT stands for Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, which is used to prepare high school sophomores (10th) and juniors (11th) who plan to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for college admissions during their senior year.

• PSAT is a practice test for your SAT test, with benefits.

• Use Khan Academy for your practice tests.

• Usually offered in October, scores released in December.

• Cost is $18

What does the PSAT test for?

• The PSAT lasts just under three hours and tests math, reading, and writing abilities. 

• The exam is designed to prepare you for the SAT and gauge college readiness. 

• It's also the qualifying exam for National Merit Scholarships.

Why Take the PSAT?

The Preliminary SAT is more than good practice for the SAT, and the scores are more than just a number. 

With your results you can:

• See Your Progress - If you've already taken the PSAT 8/9 or PSAT 10, you'll be able to track your improvement.

• Set a Target  With insights about your knowledge and skills, set your own target SAT score.

• Get Your AP Potential - Access personalized recommendations about AP courses that are a good fit.

Fast Facts About the PSAT

1. The PSAT is structured similarly to the SAT.

2. It has the same sections and timing, and measures the Reading and Writing and Math skills needed to succeed in college and career.

3. It's given throughout October.  Schools decide who can take it and when.