This article was originally published on Big Future.
The PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 measure the knowledge and skills you’ve developed in reading, writing and language, and math.
Students in 10th and 11th grade can take the new PSAT/NMSQT for the first time in October 2015; sophomores can also take the PSAT 10 the following spring. The PSAT/NMSQT and the PSAT 10 cover the same content areas. Both are part of the new SAT Suite of Assessments, which also includes the SAT and PSAT 8/9.
Scholarship Opportunities
A cosponsor of the PSAT/NMSQT, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) uses the PSAT/NMSQT as an initial screen of candidates for the National Merit® Scholarship Program. The PSAT/NMSQT is the official route of entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program. The PSAT 10 will not be considered for entry.
The College Board has recently formed partnerships with other scholarship providers so they can more easily use PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 data to reach eligible low-income and minority students from high schools across the country.
SAT Practice
As parts of the SAT Suite, the redesigned PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 are tightly aligned to the SAT, and serve as excellent ways for you to preview and practice for the SAT. The College Board has also partnered with Khan Academy® to provide free SAT practice programs and resources to all students. With your explicit permission, Khan Academy will use your PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 results to create a study plan especially for you.
Meaningful Feedback
You’ll have access to a robust online score report designed to help you understand your scores better. It will provide a detailed breakdown of your performance and give you a better idea of what you need to work on most. Your score report will also list AP courses you may be particularly well-prepared for.
College Planning
Your online score report will connect you to a personality profiler that suggests majors and careers to explore. And if you opt in to Student Search Service® when you take the test, you can get free information from colleges and scholarship programs.