What Is the PSAT/NMSQT?
What Is the PSAT/NMSQT?
PSAT/NMSQT is designed specifically for sophomores and juniors in high school, it’s not nearly as difficult as the SAT. The PSAT/NMSQT can make one qualify for the National Merit competition but only it is taken as a junior and get a high enough score on it. Sophomores may take this test, but are not eligible for National Merit. PSAT/NMSQT is offered only in the fall, typically in October.
The PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9 are all quite similar – their only difference is the slightly ramped up difficulty for each successive test.
The new, redesigned PSAT is 2 hours and 45 minutes long.
Time and number of questions per section:
| Section | Time | Number of Questions |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 48 questions |
| Writing and Language | 35 minutes | 44 questions |
| Math | 70 minutes | 47 questions |
| Total | 165 minutes | 139 questions |