PSAT/NMSQT Score Release Provides Students and Educators with Tools and Learning Opportunities
In October, more than 4 million students took the PSAT/NMSQT. When students and educators get test results in December, they get much more than a score – they get an invitation to productive practice and a connection to distinct benefits and opportunities to support students’ journey to college.
The PSAT/NMSQT reflects what students are learning in the classroom, measures the skills and knowledge necessary for postsecondary success, and is an important step toward college. The PSAT/NMSQT is great practice for the SAT because both tests have the same question types and formats. Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT score higher, on average, on the SAT than those who do not.
Students and educators can use the scores to see areas where students are thriving, and areas where they need additional support. PSAT/NMSQT scores are on the same scale as SAT scores, making it easy to track student progress over time.
After taking the PSAT/NSMQT, students can link their College Board account to Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy (satpractice.org) and use their score to get a free personalized SAT study plan focusing on the areas where they need the most work. These free study tools help students prepare for test day and support classroom instruction. Official SAT Practice features thousands of interactive questions with instant feedback; video lessons that walk students through how to solve a problem step by step; eight full-length practice tests; test-taking tips and strategies; and a practice schedule based on the student’s upcoming test date.
The PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. The College Board’s scholarship and recognition partners, including the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, and United Negro College Fund, provide over $180 million annually to qualified, low-income and minority students based on PSAT/NMSQT scores.
Students’ PSAT/NMSQT scores can also help indicate their potential to succeed in challenging Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Students and educators can review their PSAT/NMSQT score report together to discuss which AP courses they showed the potential for and which are offered at their school. AP Potential helps schools ensure that no student is overlooked and encourages more students to challenge themselves with college-level coursework. Students who succeed on AP Exams can save money on tuition and are more likely to graduate on time.
PSAT/NMSQT scores can help students stay on track for college. Learn more at psat.org.
