PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 explained

Which test counts?

Yes: PSAT/NMSQT is a single test, though “PSAT” alone can also mean PSAT 10 or PSAT 8/9. College Board: how the PSAT/NMSQT differs from PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9.

For most students, the PSAT/NMSQT in October of grade 11 is the test that counts for National Merit, an annual competition for recognition and college scholarships. A grade-10 attempt does not replace it. Students must also meet the program's other eligibility rules. Official student guide, “When to Take the Test”.

One test, one combined name

PSAT/NMSQT is one test with two main roles: preparation for the SAT® and screening for National Merit. PSAT means Preliminary SAT; NMSQT means National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. You do not take a separate “NMSQT” exam afterward. College Board: why offer the PSAT/NMSQT.

College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) co-sponsor the test. Its combined name reflects those two roles. College Board and NMSC: student guide.

“PSAT” alone can also mean PSAT 10 or PSAT 8/9. Ask which full name appears on your school's schedule. College Board: how the PSAT/NMSQT differs from PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9.

Three names to recognize

Grade levels and National Merit distinctions: College Board: how the PSAT/NMSQT differs from PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9. Score ranges: College Board: SAT Suite scores. Testing-year rules: official student guide.

PSAT 10 is the same test given to 10th graders in spring, with the same difficulty and scoring scale. Its timing and scholarship role differ from the fall PSAT/NMSQT. PSAT 10 can connect students with other scholarship opportunities, even though it does not qualify them for National Merit. College Board: comparison.

What is National Merit?

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual competition for recognition and college scholarships. NMSC runs it for eligible high-school students, including homeschooled students. PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 do not provide entry. Official student guide, National Merit section, College Board: entering the program.

For the 2028 competition, entered with the October 2026 PSAT/NMSQT, the official guide plans for about 1.3 million entrants and 50,000 high scorers: about 34,000 Commended Students and 16,000 Semifinalists selected by state; over 15,000 are expected to become Finalists, from whom about 6,700 Merit Scholarship winners are chosen. About 620 additional students who are not Finalists receive Special Scholarships. A high score alone is not a scholarship offer. Official student guide, program stages and Finalist requirements.

The Selection Index is a separate number on a PSAT/NMSQT score report, calculated from the Reading and Writing and Math scores. It runs from 48 to 228; the total test score runs from 320 to 1520. College Board: score report. See our calculation and examples.

Which one should you pay attention to?

• Grades 8–9: PSAT 8/9 gives an early view of the skills you are developing. It is not a National Merit attempt. College Board: test differences.
• Grade 10: your school may offer PSAT/NMSQT in fall or PSAT 10 in spring. Check the full name and date with your school. College Board: comparison.
• Grade 11: on the usual four-year high-school path, take the PSAT/NMSQT that fall; this also applies to students dual-enrolled in high school and college. Official student guide, “When to Take the Test”.

Leaving high school for full-time college after three years or less? You can usually participate by taking it in your next-to-last or last high-school year. Taking five years? Test in years three and four and obtain NMSC approval of a written request; your year-three score sets the highest recognition you can receive, and your year-four score must match or beat it. For other timelines, contact NMSC. Official student guide, testing-year rules.

Next, read why National Merit does not use a PSAT/NMSQT superscore or what past Selection Index cutoffs can tell you.