What is the PSAT/NMSQT?
The PSAT/NMSQT is a practice opportunity for the SAT that helps you see where you are strong, identify areas to improve, and get familiar with the digital testing experience. For eligible students, it can also be an opportunity to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
When is the PSAT/NMSQT?
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026
Time: Periods 1–4 | During the School Day
Test Day Game Plan
BRING IT
- Charged Chromebook
- Chromebook charger
- Pencil
- College Board-approved calculator
THE NIGHT BEFORE
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Eat a good breakfast
- Charge your Chromebook overnight
- Pack everything before bed
DURING THE TEST
- Read each question carefully
- Don’t spend too long on one question
- Take a breath and reset if you get stuck
- Stay focused and do your best
Quick Tips for Test Day
- Arrive ready. Have your Chromebook fully charged and bring your charger.
- Know your calculator. Make sure it is College Board-approved and bring it if you plan to use one.
- Stay calm. One difficult question does not define your test. Keep going!
YOU’VE GOT THIS!
Come prepared | Stay focused | Show what you know
PSAT/NMSQT Information Sheet – October 28, 2026
PSAT:
1. What is it?
The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is an exam that measures reading, writing and math skills developed over many years both in and out of school. These are important for successful academic performance in college. This is a practice exam for the SAT, which is a standardized test often necessary for college admissions.
The PSAT will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 for ALL juniors here at the school. There is no cost to you, and the exam will be held during periods 1 – 4. This year the PSAT will be DIGITAL and students will complete the exam through the Bluebook app on their chromebooks. We will be registering for the PSAT in the week prior to the exam.
- Why should I take it?
- Get free, personalized, and focused practice through Khan Academy.
- To open doors to colleges by encouraging students to start planning for life after high school.
- To get feedback on how to improve academically as the score report gives personalized feedback on how to improve specific academic skills.
- To prepare for the SAT because on average, students who take the PSAT earn higher scores than those who do not.
- Allows you to approximate upcoming SAT scores and where to place your studying focus.
- Compare your scores to other students nationally who will be applying to college.
- Gives you the option to get on mailing lists for colleges and universities.
- Provides practice for the SAT which you should be taking this spring and/or summer (May, June, August).
- It is the first step in entering the National Merit Scholarship Corporation competitions for scholarships and recognition.
- See which AP courses you may be ready for.
3. What else do I need to know?
- You can answer practice questions on the College Board website. (collegeboard.org)
- You may bring an approved calculator, but there is also one embedded in the Bluebook app where you will be taking the PSAT.
COLLEGE:
1. When should I start thinking about college?
- Right now, it is not too soon!
- What do colleges look at for admissions?
- SAT scores – many colleges are now test optional
- Grades
- Level of coursework
- Quantity of coursework (years of science, math, foreign language, etc.)
- Recommendations from teachers and your school counselor
- Essay
- Activities (sports, leadership positions, community service, clubs, jobs, etc.)
3. What can I be doing now?
- Research different careers using Naviance
- Look at colleges online and talk with the college representatives who visit our school (You can research colleges on Naviance)
- Visit college campuses
- Complete an interest inventory (assigned on Naviance)
- Do your best in school