Who Can (and Should) Take the PSAT?

"Who can take the PSAT?" is a surprisngly nuanced question that many students have. In this blog, we'll break down what the PSAT is, who should take the test, and the benefits of taking the PSAT. Let's get into it!

What is the PSAT?

The PSAT is a preliminary SAT, although the letters don’t technically stand for anything. The PSAT, administered by high schools and one of the College Board exams, can be offered in 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grade.

Depending on what grade a student is in, the PSAT may have a different name.

• Eight and ninth graders will take the PSAT 8/9, specially designed for middle and early high school students. This version of the PSAT is really (really) just for practice. It reflects the relative structure and pacing of the PSAT, but it does not feature content at the level that the PSAT or the SAT would. If your school offers the PSAT 8/9, it is a great way to get a sense of what it’s like to take a standardized test in a very familiar environment (your own school) with your friends, classmates, and teachers nearby.
• Sophomores will take the PSAT 10, which is effectively the PSAT itself. The only real difference between this test and the actual PSAT is that the PSAT 10 does not afford a test-taker the ability to enter into the National Merit Scholarship Competition.
• For juniors in high school, there is the formal PSAT, which will look and feel fairly familiar if you’ve taken the PSAT 10 as a sophomore. This is the PSAT that “counts” in that it will qualify test-takers for the National Merit Scholarship Competition, and, with permission from test-takers, the data from the test is often used by colleges and universities for recruiting purposes. 

FAQ: Does it cost money to take the PSAT? No, the PSAT is typically administered during school hours and does not cost money. 

When is the PSAT Administered?

Typically, schools or districts schedule the PSAT in the month of October of a given year. The College Board publishes the PSAT test-taking schedule in advance of the school year beginning. This allows schools to choose a particular testing date within the window of October 1 and 31 to administer the test to students.

Who Should Take the PSAT & Why?

In short, if a student is able to take the PSAT, they should. While the PSAT is not formally used in the college application process, there are a handful of reasons why a student should take it. 

Prepare for the SAT or ACT

It is a great way to get ready for the "varsity-level" tests that a student may take later in high school. This preliminary test is a great stepping stone for the SAT or ACT. The PSAT will give diagnostic feedback and a fairly comprehensive score report to show students where they did well and where they can improve. 

Qualify for Scholarships

If a student scores in the upper echelons of their state's test-taking population, their PSAT score may qualify them for scholarship opportunities through the National Merit Scholarship competition. Students who do not take the PSAT will not be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship and will need to explore other avenues for scholarships or financial aid. 

A Signal of College Readiness 

PSAT scores will serve as an initial signal of college readiness to colleges and universities. Students who take the PSAT can release their testing data and profile to a college search service. From there, students will receive notifications from schools that are showing interest in them. Not only will this help students improve their candidacy and standing in the eyes of a college, but it will also give students a sense of the breadth of the college universe and help drive the college research process down the road. 

When Should Students Take & Prepare for the PSAT?

Students should aim to take the PSAT between tenth and eleventh grade to help prepare for the SAT or ACT. There is no harm in taking the test earlier, but those tests can be viewed as practice (or pre-preliminary) tets for the PSAT in junior year. 

In terms of when a student should start studying for the PSAT, it may be worthwhile to start studying in junior year. Even if you took the PSAT before junior year, studying for the test for the junior year will help students boost their scores for the National Merit Scholarship qualification and to prepare for the SAT. 

Both the PSAT and SAT offer similar structures and content, so being able to study and successfully take the PSAT will be a tremendous help for students. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the PSAT

Is the PSAT digital?

Yes, the PSAT along with the ACT and SAT have moved to a digital forward from 2025 onward. 

What happens if my student missed the PSAT?

If a student misses the registration deadline for the PSAT, there is an alternative entry method for the National Merit Scholarship. 

What happens after receiving the PSAT score back?

Once a student receives their final PSAT 10 or PSAT/NMSQT score report back, they should take the time to determine which standardized test is best for them. For students who are unsure which test is the best option, Collegewise offers free SAT/ACT diagnostic tests. 

Once a student understands which full-length test they plan to take, they should start studying and preparing for the real thing. This can be done independently or with the help of a trusted Collegewise tutor. To learn more about our 1:1 and group tutoring services, schedule a free consultation.  

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