The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) measures the skills a student has developed over the course of their education. These include

• Critical reading skills
• Math problem-solving skills
• Writing skills

The PSAT/NMSQT is the best preparation for the SAT. Students take the test in eleventh grade to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's scholarship programs. Students can also benefit from taking the test in the tenth grade and sooner because they'll get personalized feedback on the academic skills needed for college. By taking the test before eleventh grade, students have more time to develop these skills and to begin the college planning process. In 2006, 54 percent of PSAT/NMSQT test-takers were in tenth grade or earlier.

Why Students Take the PSAT/NMSQT

In addition to assessing critical academic skills, the PSAT/NMSQT provides an opportunity to:

• Prepare for the SAT Reasoning Test: the test uses similar questions and the same directions.
• Qualify for scholarships (if the student is in eleventh grade).
• Compare scores with other college-bound students around the country.
• Forecast SAT scores.
• Get personalized feedback on skill strengths and weaknesses.
• Get free information from colleges and scholarship programs through the Student Search Service^®.
• Use My College QuickStart^" to plan ahead for college and a career.

Preparation

Students have developed the skills measured by the PSAT/NMSQT over many years, both in and out of school. This test does not require them to recall specific facts from classes. Taking challenging academic courses and reading widely during the school years is the best way to get ready. 

Still, you can take steps now, to plan ahead: Test dates for 2009 are Wednesday, October 12 and Saturday, October 15. Sultan High School will offer the test on Wednesday, October 12. 

• Listen to the bulletin announcements to find out about registering.
• Register in the Front Office.
• Read the PSAT/NMSQT Official Student Guide and take the full-length practice test inside. Students should review the Guide to be sure they understand all the test directions and are familiar with the types of questions that will be asked. They can also get complete answer explanations online for all the questions on the practice test.
• Visit the PSAT/NMSQT Preparation Center online to access more practice questions, and useful tips.

When the Test is Given

Sultan High School will give the 2011 test on Wednesday, October 12. Register for the test in the front office. Cost is $15.00. If you are a junior and unable to pay, see your counselor about a fee waiver. 

Score Report Plus

Scores are reported to schools in December. At that time, students will receive Score Report Plus, which includes not only itemized feedback on test questions, but advice on improving skills as well. For each section of the test (critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills), students receive personalized skills feedback based on their performance.

By taking the PSAT/NMSQT, students receive access to My College QuickStart, a free personalized college planning kit that complements the official Score Report Plus. You'll find My College QuickStart online. With the unique access code printed on your score report, you will have access to the following features:

• Complete PSAT/NMSQT answer explanations, state or region percentiles, and projected SAT score ranges
• A personalized SAT study plan, based on your PSAT/NMSQT performance (for high school students only)
• Starter lists of colleges and careers that can be customized by defining additional search criteria