Taking the Tests

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The PSAT/NMSQT is offered in the fall. Check with your school if it’s being offered to both sophomores and juniors. As part of the SAT Suite of Assessments, it's designed to help prepare students for the SAT, college, and careers. Historically, students who took the PSAT/NMSQT scored higher on the SAT, on average, than those who didn’t take the test.

The PSAT 10 is offered in the spring to sophomores only. It’s a great way to check your progress, especially your math skills, so that you’ll be prepared to do your best junior year.

Get Ready for Test Day

Preparing for test day is simple:

  1. Ask your school counselor when your class will take the PSAT/NMSQT or the PSAT 10.
  2. Get a list of what materials to bring on test day and what to leave at home.
  3. Take a practice test to see what the tests are like and receive a personalized skills workout. Get free practice.
  4. Decide if you want to opt in to Student Search Service®.
  5. If you need College Board testing accommodations for students with disabilities, talk to your counselor.
  6. If you're homeschooled or testing outside the U.S., find out what to do.

You'll receive an email when your scores are available. To see your scores, get personalized feedback, and access free resources to help you plan for college, you'll need to log in to or create your College Board account.

That's it—if you're a student.

If you’re an educator, learn about ordering tests, giving the test, and more. Go to K–12 Educators.

Who, Where, When

PSAT/NMSQT

  • Who: 11th and 10th graders
  • Where: At school
  • When: Wednesday, October 13, 2021 (Primary). Other options are Saturday, October 16 (Saturday) and Tuesday, October 26 (Alternate). (View the PSAT/NMSQT calendar.) Tests must be administered on the official administration day using the test books for that day. Testing with the wrong test book on the wrong day will result in scores being made ineligible for scholarship consideration. Test book covers will not feature dates this year but will be marked as either Primary, Saturday, or Alternate. Coordinators must take care to ensure the appropriate tests are used on the official date.
  • Scholarships: Scores are used by scholarship programs, including the National Merit® Scholarship Program, to look for eligible students.

PSAT 10

  • Who: 10th graders
  • Where: At school
  • When: Schools choose a date to offer the PSAT 10. Testing is available during:
  • Scholarships: Scores are used by scholarship programs to look for eligible students but are not considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Fees

The 2021-22 tests cost schools $18 for each student—but you might not pay that much. Some schools cover all or part of the cost for their students. For details, ask your school.