Juniors! The PSAT/NMSQT is next week. Here’s what you need to know before you take the big test.
What is the PSAT/NMSQT?
The PSAT is a standardized test that all Orono juniors are encouraged to take. The PSAT, which is short for Preliminary SAT, is closely modeled after the SAT. It is designed to prepare students to take the SAT and allows students to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Why should I take it?
The primary reason you should take the PSAT is so that you can participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program. All juniors who take the PSAT are automatically entered into it.
When students receive their scores following the test, they will also receive a score on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) Selection Index.
This score is calculated by doubling the Reading and Writing score, adding it to the math score, and dividing the resultant sum by ten. The highest possible NMSC score a student can receive is 228.
Students who score in the top 2%-3% nationally become either Commended Scholars. In 2025, the Commended Scholar cutoff score was 208.
If a student scores in the top 1% of their state, they become a National Merit Semifinalist. Unlike the Commended Scholars, the cutoff for this achievement is based on statewide, not national data. In 2025, the National Merit Semifinalist cutoff score was 217 in Minnesota.
From there, semifinalists must submit a detailed application, including an essay and a list of extracurricular activities that they participate in, to be considered as a National Merit Finalist. Approximately 95% of semifinalists advance to become finalists.
Finalists are eligible for $2,500 scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, as well as corporate-sponsored scholarships and scholarships from the schools they ultimately choose to attend.
Becoming a Commended Scholar, semifinalist, or finalist instantly elevates your college applications.
When and where will I take the PSAT?
Students taking the PSAT will be testing on days staggered throughout the week of October 19th to October 25th. The testing location for each student will vary, as well, so in order to find out the date and the location of your test, check your school email for an email from Gifted/Talented Specialist Brandy Randall to tell you the specific date and location of your test.
How is the test formatted?
The PSAT is fully digital and taken on Bluebook, the same application students use to take AP exams and the SAT. Students can take the test on a school-owned device or their own device as long as it is not a Chromebook.
The PSAT is divided into two sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. From there, each section is divided into two modules. Students’ performance on the first module of each section decides the difficulty of the second section.
In its entirety, the test contains 98 questions and takes 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete, not including a 10-minute break in between sections.
For Reading and Writing, each module contains 27 questions, and students have 32 minutes to complete it, or 54 questions and 1 hour and 4 minutes across both modules
For Math, each module has 22 questions and lasts for 35 minutes, or 44 questions and 1 hour and 10 minutes in total.
Students will receive a score on a scale from 160-760 per section, or 320-1520 in total.
How should I study?
There are a few ways you can study. Khan Academy offers free official SAT test prep materials on its website. Although this resource is designed for the SAT, it is still very useful for students who are studying for the PSAT, given that the PSAT is an easier version of the SAT.
The College Board also offers practice on its SAT Suite of Assessments website, including two full-length practice tests on Bluebook.
Still have questions?
If you still have questions surrounding the PSAT, check out this official guide for more details.
