PSAT / NMSQT - Preliminary SAT / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
**Note - All juniors will receive information about the PSAT/NMSQT during the month of January 2021. Please review this information in order to determine whether or not you should sign up to take the PSAT/NMSQT**
Benefits of Taking the PSAT/NMSQT
The PSAT/NMSQT measures critical reading, mathematical reasoning and writing skills that are important for success in college. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT helps students:
- Practice for the SAT
- Enter scholarship & recognition programs
- Plan for college and careers
- Explore AP (Advanced Placement)
- Receive information from colleges
- Identify skills for improvement
NMSC Scholarship Programs
The National Merit Program is open to all students who meet entry requirements, such as being a current junior. Each year, some 1.5 million high school students enter the competition, 50,000 are recognized for their academic potential and 9,200 win Merit Scholarship awards or Special Scholarships for college undergraduate study.
Taking the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior is the only way to qualify for National Merit consideration, as the 2020 PSAT/NMSQT is the entry vehicle for NMSC's 2021 programs.
Information about NMSC programs, entry requirements and scholarships to be offered in 2021 can be found at www.nationalmerit.org and in the 2020 Official Student Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT that students will receive when they register for the test.