A practice SAT that also qualifies you for the National Merit Scholarship.
The PSAT is taken in October of 11th grade (some schools also offer it in 10th). It is shorter than the SAT and scored on a 320–1520 scale. The junior-year PSAT serves as the qualifying test for National Merit, which recognizes roughly the top 1% of test-takers and can lead to scholarships.
Why it matters
National Merit recognition (Semifinalist, Finalist, Scholar) is a meaningful honor that can unlock scholarship money — especially at public universities. Even if you do not qualify, the PSAT is valuable early practice for the SAT.
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