Ridgeview High School About PSAT/NMSQT

The Preliminary SAT®/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a co-sponsored program by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) .

PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.  It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT I: Reasoning Test and SAT Il: Writing Test.  It also gives students a chance to qualify for National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs.

The PSAT/NMSQT measures:

• verbal reasoning skills
• critical reading skills
• math problem-solving skills
• writing skills

Students have developed these skills over many years, both in and out of school.  This test doesn't require them to recall specific facts from their classes.

The most common reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT are:

• to receive feedback on strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study.  Students can then focus their preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice.
• to see how one's performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college.
• to enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
• to help prepare for SAT Program tests.  Students can become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions they will see on the SAT I: Reasoning Test and the multiple-choice section of the SAT Il: Writing Test.
• to receive information from colleges when after checking "yes" to Student Search Service.

Students should definitely take the PSAT/NMSQT in your junior year.  Many students benefit from also taking it earlier, typically in their sophomore year.  If they take it earlier, please remember that the PSAT/NMSQT is a junior-level test, and they shouldn't get discouraged if the scores are low.  Test scores will usually increase as years of study increase.

The PSAT will be given on Saturday, October 15, at 8:30 A.M. in the RHS Cafetorium.  Registration is now open and the test costs $15.00  All juniors are encouraged to take it, as are any sophomores and freshmen who are in Geometry or higher level math classes.  The PSAT is the only way juniors can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program.

At the time of registration, students will receive a complete practice test as well as test-taking strategies.  There will also be a listing of required materials such as calculator, pencils, etc.

For further information, contact the IB guidance counselor, Polly Partridge at 272-3003, extension 3141.