The PSAT/NMSQT is a preliminary SAT administered also by the collegeboard. Its result is not a determining factor for college admissions. However, well-qualifying students may have opportunities leading to the National Merit Scholarships and other awards. The PSAT/NMSQT must be registered through student's high school instead of collegeboard. Typically, Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors take this test to practice for taking the SAT.

Grading of the PSAT

The PSAT is graded in the same way as the SAT is. For each question missed (except for Grid-Ins), 1/4 of a point is subtracted from the raw score. Each section of the PSAT is graded from 20 to 80, resembling the SAT's 200-800 score range.