--- title: What Is the PSAT Test? Everything You Need to Know · PrepScholar description: What is the PSAT? We explain the PSAT definition, how it relates to the SAT, why students take it, what's on the test, and whether it's important. image: https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/feature_colorful_question_marks.jpg --- **[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com/)** CALL NOW: [+1 (866) 811-5546](tel:18668115546) [![Start Free Trial](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-171805697634.png)](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKJluK2NyG3jpAJh%2F2lClc1fhnVHyMZoQonqRxtJngB8FMX6lc78F84JqOaVAL0d36TA5%2FYuH%2FLCJw8AG3ewREi%2F7a3XDouZgjxWfYCBUge6z76KnSykOxONl3avMK0gUjJGpJdyJE2BDTx8g3bsgHwMtx4Kr9Jfh6Jr7WA2XEIgtLw1OoVvAMo4Kw%3D&webInteractiveContentId=171805697634&portalId=360031) ## Choose Your Test SAT Prep ACT Prep [PrepScholar Advice Blog](https://blog.prepscholar.com/) ☰ - Search Blogs By Category - [SAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/sat) - [ACT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/act) - [College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions) - [AP and IB Exams](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/advanced-placement-ap) - [PSAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/psat-info-and-strategies) - [TOEFL](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/toefl) - [GPA and Coursework](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/coursework-gpa) # [What Is the PSAT Test? Everything You Need to Know](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-the-psat-test) ![author image](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/author_hannah.png) Posted by [Hannah Muniz](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/hannah-muniz) | Updated on January 14, 2025 [PSAT Info and Strategies](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/psat-info-and-strategies)   [![body-question-mark-cc0-pixabay](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/body-question-mark-cc0-pixabay.jpg?width=500&height=333&name=body-question-mark-cc0-pixabay.jpg)](https://pixabay.com/illustrations/question-mark-a-notice-duplicate-2110767/) Most students know what the SAT is, but what is the PSAT? Sure, it's got "SAT" in its name, but is the PSAT actually connected to the SAT? More importantly, how does the PSAT test work and what is its purpose? In this article, **we'll answer your most pressing question: what is the PSAT test?** We'll start by explaining the meaning of PSAT and why students typically elect to take it. We'll then go over the logistics of the test and how PSAT scoring works. Finally, we'll finish with a brief discussion about how important PSAT scores actually are for students.   [![body\_update](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/body_update.png?width=400&height=266&name=body_update.png)](https://pixabay.com/illustrations/update-upgrade-to-update-renew-1672346/)   ## Update: The PSAT Has Gone Digital There have been big changes to the PSAT! Until recently, the PSAT was a paper-and-pencil test. Now the test is fully digital, and there have been some major changes to the length, structure, and content of the PSAT. Check out our full guide to the [new digital PSAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/is-the-psat-on-paper-or-computer) to learn more about these changes.    ## What Is the PSAT? How Is It Connected to the SAT? To start, what is the PSAT test? Cosponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), the **Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT)—often shortened to PSAT—is a standardized test targeting 10th and 11th graders in the US.** Every year, approximately 3.5 million students take the PSAT test at various high schools. But why take it at all? As it stands, **the PSAT is heavily connected to the SAT.** One of the test's primary purposes is to act as a precursor to the SAT—as the name suggests, as an SAT practice test. Thus, the PSAT and SAT heavily [mirror each other](https://blog.prepscholar.com/psat-vs-sat) in regard to content, structure, and even scoring. But the two tests aren't identical. Here are some major differences between the PSAT and SAT: - The PSAT and SAT have **different score scales** - The PSAT is **slightly easier** than the SAT - There are **fewer questions on the PSAT** than there are on the SAT Now, let's jump back to the "NMSQT" part of the full PSAT name. In addition to being a preparatory test for the SAT, **the PSAT is a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program.** In other words, [PSAT scores determine students' eligibility for National Merit scholarships](https://blog.prepscholar.com/psat-score-needed-for-national-merit-scholarship). Each year the top 1% of 11th-grade PSAT takers become Semifinalists. Of these, about 7,500 go on to win scholarship money. Finally, **what about the PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9?** The main purpose of these two tests is to prepare students for the PSAT/NMSQT and eventually the SAT. Nearly identical to the PSAT/NMSQT, the [PSAT 10](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-the-psat-10-complete-guide) is only offered in the spring and is specifically geared toward 10th graders. As a result, **the PSAT 10 is slightly easier than the PSAT/NMSQT.** Additionally, because only 10th graders can take the PSAT 10, **this test cannot qualify you for National Merit.** The [PSAT 8/9](https://blog.prepscholar.com/psat-8-9-should-you-take-it), on the other hand, targets even younger folks—you guessed it: 8th and 9th graders—and is administered in the fall and spring. Unlike both the PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT, the PSAT 8/9 uses **a different scoring scale and is both shorter and easier** than the PSAT 10.   [![body\_why\_postit.png](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/body_why_postit.png?width=350&name=body_why_postit.png)](https://pixabay.com/illustrations/why-reminder-post-note-sticker-1432955/)   ## Why Do Students Take the PSAT? 10th and 11th graders take the PSAT primarily for the following three reasons: - **To practice for the SAT:** One of the most common reasons students, especially juniors, take the PSAT is to get familiar with the layout and content of the SAT, which is often required for college admission. The PSAT provides students with the opportunity to get a feel for the SAT, and helps them identify potential strengths and weaknesses. - **To secure a National Merit distinction or scholarship:** The other major reason students take the PSAT is to try to win a National Merit scholarship. Each year about 1.6 million juniors enter the National Merit competition via the PSAT. Of these test takers 16,000 will become [Semifinalists](https://blog.prepscholar.com/national-merit-semifinalist), and of these Semifinalists 15,000 will become [Finalists](https://blog.prepscholar.com/national-merit-finalist-how-to-win-the-scholarship). In the end, about 7,000 entrants will each win a $2,500 scholarship along with the (extremely prestigious) distinction of National Merit Scholar. - **To prepare for a second attempt at the PSAT (if taking it as a sophomore):** The final reason students take the PSAT is to practice for the PSAT as sophomores before taking it again as juniors. Although sophomores aren't eligible for National Merit, taking the PSAT early can increase your shot at getting a high PSAT score—and a coveted National Merit scholarship—later on. One thing should be noted, though: **at some high schools, the PSAT is mandatory for certain grade levels or groups of students**. This means that some students will take the PSAT simply because they have to. Even if the test is required by your school, your PSAT score will *never* affect your GPA or your chance of getting into college.   [![Aiming for a National Merit Scholarship but worried your score won't qualify? If you're not sure you can self-study your way to a qualifying PSAT score, you'll love our PrepScholar PSAT prep program.   We designed our program to learn your strengths and weaknesses through advanced statistics and customize your prep to be as effective as possible for you. When you start with PrepScholar, you'll take a diagnostic that will determine your weaknesses in over forty PSAT skills. PrepScholar then creates a study program specifically customized for you.   To improve each skill, you'll take focused lessons dedicated to each skill, with over 20 practice questions per skill. This will train you for your specific weaknesses, so your time is always spent most effectively to raise your score.   We also force you to focus on understanding your mistakes and learning from them. If you make the same mistake over and over again, we'll call you out on it.   There's no other prep system out there that does it this way, which is why we get better score results than any other program on the market.   Check it out today with a 5-day free trial:](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-167303982186.png)](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJ4gijU3fgcKW4mQ5D7aKS%2BYQtJyGB7quhvEJbQLcAuj2NHIKRit7QVX07HX0skA%2BGYVVi%2FvbccOxH1sywpkZ%2FDkaG0efa9CtQ2YpJkCyIEEbSty%2FZpTkidkVmuuwZBx%2Bn7svRXMaShhHU33WVuNpeB7jQozZSWIWY18%2Bf6BzRIG%2BJzdsqiL9J0UPXPLs2BgYUHQ4VW5B2h8W8pKKOS&webInteractiveContentId=167303982186&portalId=360031)   ## Where and When Is the PSAT? Unlike the SAT, you do *not* get to choose your test center; rather, **you register for and take the PSAT test at your own high school** (or a nearby school, should your school not offer it). If you're uncertain whether your school will be administering the PSAT, or if you'd like to look for a list of schools in your area that *will* be administering it, use the College Board's [school search tool](https://ordering.collegeboard.org/testordering/publicSearch). So when can you take the PSAT? The PSAT is administered every autumn, usually starting in early or mid-October, during a testing window that lasts for about a month. **For 2025, the testing window is October 1-31.** You may take the PSAT on any school day during that time period.  Again, you do *not* get to choose when you take the test. Instead, **your school will decide on which date it will administer the PSAT**. This could be any weekday during the testing window, or even a Saturday—if your school goes with the Saturday option, it will be on a specific date mandated by the College Board. Saturday, October 11, 2025 is the designated Saturday date this year, so if your school chooses to administer the test on a Saturday, this will be your date.   [![body-piggybank-money-cost-cc0-pixabay](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/body-piggybank-money-cost-cc0-pixabay.jpg?width=500&height=334&name=body-piggybank-money-cost-cc0-pixabay.jpg)](https://pixabay.com/photos/money-savings-piggy-white-1885540/)   ## How Much Does the PSAT Cost? **[The PSAT costs $18](https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/k12-educators/administration/psat-nmsqt/ordering/fees), but this price varies depending on the school.** Some schools might cover all or part of this fee, making the test free for students, whereas others might require students to pay more so as to compensate for the hiring of test proctors. Your school (or the school at which you're taking the PSAT test) should give you instructions on how to pay for the test and when you'll need to submit your payment by. Most schools request PSAT payments from students by around September. Note that you will never need to pay the College Board directly (that's the school's job!). If you can't afford the test fee, you might be eligible for a [PSAT fee waiver](https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/k12-educators/tools-resources/fee-waivers). Fee waivers are typically available to **low-income 11th graders only.** To see whether you qualify for a waiver, consult your counselor. Only schools—not students—can request fee waivers from the College Board.   ## What Does the PSAT Cover? The PSAT, which underwent a [redesign in 2023](https://blog.prepscholar.com/is-the-psat-on-paper-or-computer) to become digital, is **extremely similar to the SAT in both form and content.** There are two sections on the PSAT: Reading and Writing, and Math. Each section appears *only once* on the PSAT in a predetermined order: (1) Reading and Writing, and (2) Math. These two sections are further divided into two modules each, so there are four modules total on the PSAT. Similar to the SAT, the PSAT Math section is divided into two modules. The great news? You can use a calculator on both Math modules! You can use the built-in graphing calculator available in the testing software or you [can bring a (pre-approved) calculator to the test.](https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt/taking-the-test/what-to-bring-leave/calculator-policy) **Most questions on the PSAT are multiple choice.** The only exceptions are the [Math section's grid-in questions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/sat-grid-ins-tips). For these questions, you must come up with and write in your own answers. Below is the **general breakdown of the PSAT.** You can see when each section appears on the test, how much time you'll have for each section, and how many questions there are. For an even better idea of what'll be on the PSAT, I suggest looking at an [official PSAT practice test](https://blog.prepscholar.com/psat-practice-tests-free-questions-and-full-length-tests). | **PSAT Section** | **Order on Test** | **Time Allotted** | **# of Questions** | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Reading and Writing | 1 | 64 minutes | 54 | | Math | 2 | 70 minutes | 44 | | **Total** | | **134 minutes** | **98** |     [![body\_dice\_numbers.jpg](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/body_dice_numbers.jpg?width=599&name=body_dice_numbers.jpg)](https://pixabay.com/photos/dice-roll-the-dice-to-play-contest-2031512/)   ## How Is the PSAT Scored? The total PSAT score range is **320-1520 in 10-point increments.** This score consists of your Math score and your Reading and Writing score, both of which are scored on a scale of **160-760.**  The combination of these two section scores is actually your **scaled, or equated, score.** But how do you get this score? You’ll see all three scores on the PSAT score report**: your total score (including the score scale of 320-1520), your Reading and Writing section score, and your Math section score.** The total score is your scaled/equated score, whereas your Reading and Writing and your Math section scores are raw scores. This just means that these two scores represent the number of questions you answered correctly in each of these questions. You do not lose any points for incorrect answers! Your raw scores for each section are then converted into ***total test* scores on a scale of 8-38** through a special equating process described in our guide to PSAT scoring. Here’s how the Selection Index score works: your raw Reading and Writing score is multiplied by 2 and then added to your raw Math score. Then, this sum is divided by 10, and voilà! You have your Selection Index score. In addition to section scores, **you'll be able to view the breakdown for how you performed in each content area on the test.** This is a great way to see which sections you performed the best in, and which sections you may need to dedicate more attention to before you retake the PSAT or take the SAT for the first time. Here is a list of the **eight content areas on the PSAT test:** **Reading and Writing** - Craft and Structure - Information and Ideas - Standard English Conventions - Expression of Ideas **Math** - Algebra - Advanced Math - Problem-Solving and Data Analysis - Geometry and Trigonometry   At present, **the [average PSAT score](https://research.collegeboard.org/programs/sat/data/data-tables-technical-resources/psat-nmsqt-score-information) is 1010 for 11th graders and 920 for 10th graders**. A [good PSAT score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-psat-score-2016) for *you*, though, will depend on what your PSAT goals are. If you hope to qualify for National Merit, you'll need [a score that places you in the top 1% of test takers for your state](https://blog.prepscholar.com/national-merit-scholarship-cutoff). A good PSAT score could also be **any score in the [75th percentile or higher](https://blog.prepscholar.com/psat-percentiles),** or simply any score similar to [what you'll need on the SAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-sat-score-a-bad-sat-score-an-excellent-sat-score) to get into the colleges you're planning on applying to. But in the end, does your PSAT score really mean anything?   ## Does Your PSAT Score Actually Matter? The truth is that **your PSAT score is far less important than your SAT (or ACT) score is.** This is mainly because **the PSAT isn't used for college admissions.** Moreover, your PSAT score has no effect on your GPA, so if you really don't want to take the test, you don't actually need to (unless it's mandatory at your school). The only major function of PSAT scores is to win scholarship money and the honor of National Merit Scholar. But unless you're actively aiming for National Merit status, your PSAT score isn't actually that important. Nevertheless, if you're hoping to eventually secure a high SAT score, approaching the PSAT with diligence will be critical for your success. Why? You see, **PSAT scores directly translate into SAT scores.** So a 1400 on the PSAT equals a 1400 on the SAT, a 900 equals a 900, and so on. In short, **your PSAT score acts as a predictor of your SAT score.** Of course, your PSAT score doesn't take into account any additional time you'll spend studying for the SAT, so it's not likely going to be 100% accurate. But what your PSAT score *does* offer is a clear idea as to where you're currently scoring and how much of an improvement you'll need to make in order to hit your [SAT goal score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-sat-score-a-bad-sat-score-an-excellent-sat-score). Simply put, **you can use your PSAT score as your baseline SAT score,** making it a fairly useful (and thus important) score to know.   [![body\_red\_gray\_question\_marks.jpg](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/body_red_gray_question_marks.jpg?width=501&name=body_red_gray_question_marks.jpg)](https://pixabay.com/illustrations/question-mark-question-pile-symbol-1495858/)   ## Summary: What Is the PSAT? Is It Important? The PSAT/NMSQT, or PSAT, is **a practice test for the SAT** that's offered every October for 10th and 11th graders. It also serves as **a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program,** which awards $2,500 scholarships annually to high-scoring 11th graders. You must register for the PSAT test at your own school (or a nearby school) and take it on the test date chosen by your school. **The test fee is $18,** but this cost varies depending on the school. Fee waivers are usually available to low-income juniors. The overall structure and content of the PSAT is similar to that of the SAT. There are three sections (Reading, Writing, and Math) that combine to give you a score between 320 and 1520. **PSAT scores directly correspond to SAT scores,** meaning a score on the PSAT will *always* equal the same score on the SAT. Ultimately, **how important your PSAT score is depends on what you plan to do with it.** If you want to qualify for National Merit or eventually get a high SAT score, it's critical that you get a good PSAT score. But if not, your PSAT score won't hold much significance for you or anyone else. In any case, your PSAT score will *always* be far less important than your SAT (or ACT) score will be!   [![body-arrow-next-growth-forward](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/body-arrow-next-growth-forward.jpg?width=450&height=253&name=body-arrow-next-growth-forward.jpg)](https://pixabay.com/photos/up-growth-success-arrow-graphic-2081170/)   ## What's Next? **Want to learn more about the PSAT?** Check out [our expert guide to the PSAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/psat-nmsqt) for an extensive overview of everything you'll need to know about the test and what's on it. **Confused about PSAT scores?** Our in-depth analysis of the [PSAT score range](https://blog.prepscholar.com/psat-score-range) takes a close look at how the PSAT is scored and explains how *you* can use this knowledge to your advantage. **Ready to register for the PSAT?** Follow [our step-by-step guide to learn how the PSAT registration process](https://blog.prepscholar.com/psat-registration) works as well as how it differs from the [SAT registration](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-sign-up-for-the-sat) process.   [![Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?   We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download them for free now:](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-151856191907.png)](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLK%2Fl2KxY3H8Pps2oIlRYQ9NltPtGHnEQWVpIhAJErl7MW1UrD5603Gt2shLI17fpEJZXMdp0iN%2Fj%2FVrkZkyT4tsf%2B3p%2BlBQUj2H5ktZeohL8A6EQaSrSZRai3COda8wBV2jU9fkwik4lfzUG4z2yWI1%2F0EvQ7nGHlm1oiq%2F%2FibMiJVJwSZ551qeOPYTKLpATU%2FTyphE%2FbXsCUWegx5VqSh3p1devQ%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=151856191907&portalId=360031)   ### Trending Now [How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-into-harvard-and-the-ivy-league-by-a-harvard-alum) [How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-4-0-gpa-and-get-better-grades-by-a-harvard-alum) [How to Write an Amazing College Essay](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-write-a-college-essay) [Should You Take the SAT or ACT?](https://quiz.prepscholar.com/sat-vs-act) [What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-do-colleges-look-for) [ACT vs. SAT: 10 Key Differences](https://blog.prepscholar.com/act-vs-sat) [Calculate Your College Chances](https://mycollegechances.prepscholar.com/) Get Your Free **[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com/)** eBook [5 Tips to Raise Your SAT Score 160+ Points](https://www.prepscholar.com/rp/sat-5-tips-ebook/) [5 Tips to Raise Your ACT Score 4+ Points](https://www.prepscholar.com/rp/act-5-tips-ebook/) ### SAT Prep [Find Your Target SAT Score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-sat-score-a-bad-sat-score-an-excellent-sat-score) [Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests](https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-sat-practice-tests-free-links) ### **[How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-sat-score-by-a-2400-sat-scorer)** [Score 800 on SAT Math](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-math-by-a-perfect-scorer) [Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-reading-and-writing) [Raise Your SAT Score by 160+ Points GUARANTEED. Start Your 5-Day Risk-Free Trial](https://www.prepscholar.com/sat-test-prep/?utm_source=databasepage&utm_medium=sidebar&utm_campaign=sat_guarantee) ### ACT Prep [Find Your Target ACT Score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-act-score-a-bad-act-score-an-excellent-act-score) [Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests](https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-act-practice-tests-free-links) ### **[How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-act-score-by-a-36-full-scorer)** [Get a 36 on ACT English](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-english-9-strategies-from-a-perfect-scorer) [Get a 36 on ACT Math](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-math-8-strategies-by-a-perfect-scorer) [Get a 36 on ACT Reading](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-reading-11-strategies-from-a-perfect-scorer) Stay Informed Get the latest articles and test prep tips! - [![Follow us on Facebook (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/facebook_logo.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar) - [![Follow us on X (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/twitterx-50.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton) - [![Follow us on Instagram (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/instagram-sidebar.webp)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/) Get Exclusive Tips for College Admissions Sign up to receive free guidance on everything from acing the SAT to writing a standout college admissions essay. × ## Thanks for Subscribing! ![Check icon](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/file-2386656898.png/subscribe_check.png.png?width=175&name=subscribe_check.png) To receive immediate updates on all our helpful guides and strategies, **follow us** on social media: [![Facebook](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/26de6c2beb2b71ee5b8d660200359259.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar) [![X](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/f233666501ea25d3fcf3c390d2f08c7b.png)](https://x.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton) [![LinkedIn](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/linkedin.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/prepscholar/) [![Instagram](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/download-1.png)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/) **Have friends who also need help with test prep?** Share this article! [![Share on email](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fwhat-is-the-psat-test%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fwhat-is-the-psat-test%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) [![Share on facebook](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fwhat-is-the-psat-test%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on twitter](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fwhat-is-the-psat-test%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fwhat-is-the-psat-test%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fwhat-is-the-psat-test%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) About the Author ![author image](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/author_hannah.png) Hannah Muniz Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. ## Ask a Question Below Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply! **[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-White.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com)** - [WHO WE ARE](https://www.prepscholar.com/who-we-are/) - [SUCCESS STORIES](https://www.prepscholar.com/case-studies/) - [ADVICE BLOG](https://blog.prepscholar.com/) - [FOR SCHOOLS](https://www.prepscholar.com/for-schools/) - [SAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/sat-test-prep/) - [ACT](https://www.prepscholar.com/act-test-prep/) - [PSAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/psat-test-prep/) - [AP](https://www.prepscholar.com/ap-tutoring/) - [GRE](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre-test-prep/) - [GMAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/gmat-test-prep/) - [TOEFL](https://www.prepscholar.com/toefl-test-prep/) - [ADMISSIONS](https://www.prepscholar.com/college-admissions-consulting/) - [TERMS OF SERVICE](https://www.prepscholar.com/terms-of-service/) - [PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.prepscholar.com/privacy-policy/) - [![follow us on X (icon)](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/twitter-64.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton) - [![Follow us on Facebook (icon)](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/facebook-64.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar) - [![follow us on Instagram (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/instagram-64.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/) - [![follow us on TikTok (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/tiktok-50.svg)](https://www.tiktok.com/@prepscholarofficial) - [![Follow us on LinkedIn (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/linkedin50.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/prepscholar/) © PrepScholar 2013-2025. All rights reserved SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this web site. ACT® is a registered trademark belonging to ACT Education Corporation ("ACT"). ACT is not involved with or affiliated with PrepScholar Inc., nor does ACT endorse or sponsor any of the products or services offered by PrepScholar Inc. GRE® and TOEFL® are registered trademarks of the ETS®. The ETS® does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with, the owner or any content of this web site. GMAT® is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admissions Council®. The Graduate Management Admissions Council® does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with, the owner or any content of this website. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Hannah Muniz", "url" : "https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/hannah-muniz" }, "dateModified" : "2025-01-14T04:48:46+00:00", "datePublished" : "2023-10-29T16:00:00+00:00", "description" : "What is the PSAT? We explain the PSAT definition, how it relates to the SAT, why students take it, what's on the test, and whether it's important.", "headline" : "What Is the PSAT Test? Everything You Need to Know", "image" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/feature_colorful_question_marks.jpg", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-the-psat-test", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png" }, "name" : "PrepScholar" } } ```