Most students and parents are aware of the college admission test – The SAT, but high school students and their parents should also familiarize themselves with another important test – the PSAT. The importance of the PSAT is – First, it helps students to obtain various scholarshipsđź’°and second, it’s a preparatory test for the main SAT, which ultimately leads to college admission. Colleges are expensive, and if your goal is to secure a scholarship, then having a good score in the PSAT is the first step towards that path.
PSAT test comes in three forms:
- The PSAT 8/9 : For 8th and 9th grade students
- The Digital PSAT/NMSQT : For sophomore students
- The PSAT 10 : For sophomore or junior students
The Digital PSAT/NMSQT is primarily the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which students take as a sophomore or junior. High marks on the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior can help a student to land on a National Merit Scholarshipsđź’°
What PSAT score will you need for a National Merit Scholarship?
Unfortunately, there’s not a simple answer.
Every year, the National Merit Scholarship Program sets a minimum cutoff score for test-takers around the country. This score recognizes the 50,000 top-scoring juniors. Then, to choose semifinalists, the program determines the cutoff scores for every state. In Florida, the PSAT score of 216 was the cutoff for semifinalists in 2023 and 2024.
What is the format of the PSAT exam?
All the three exams have the same format, 64 minutes is allotted for reading and writing, and 70 minutes for math. These test-takers will see 54 questions in reading and writing , and 44 in math.
The PSAT Math portion covers a range of topics including algebra, problem solving and data analysis, advanced math, and additional topics such as geometry and trigonometry.
Why Prep-Ing with us?
Preparation for the PSAT exam is crucial for several reasons. Sharma & Sharma Tutoring Services can provide personalized guidance and support, helping students understand the format and content of the exam. We also offer targeted strategies for each section of mathematics, and critical thinking. Additionally, We can help students manage their time effectively during the exam and build their confidence. Overall, working with us can significantly improve a student’s performance and increase their chances of achieving a high score on the PSAT exam.
Cheers!! ❤️
Sharma & Sharma 