Why the PSAT/NMSQT Is Important - Learn how scores support SAT growth, AP readiness, National Merit, scholarships, and career planning

Aug 29, 2026

Upload by Sarah

Taking the PSAT/NMSQT provides more than SAT practice, turning test results into actionable guidance. Score reports help students identify strengths and gaps, set targets, and track progress between PSAT administrations. They also support AP readiness through an “AP Potential” view with course recommendations. Eligible students can enter the National Merit Scholarship Program and gain access to additional scholarship opportunities. The PSAT/NMSQT also connects students to future planning via mobile score delivery and personalized career information through BigFuture School and Connections.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Why the PSAT/NMSQT Is Important

Use scores to target SAT skills and track progress

Discover AP Potential and get course recommendations

Enter the National Merit Scholarship Program

Access more scholarships for college costs

Connect to future planning with BigFuture School app and Connections

Why the PSAT/NMSQT Is Important Taking the PSAT/NMSQT is more than just good practice for the SAT, and the scores are more than just a number. With your child’s results, they can: 􀁸 See where they are and set a target: You’ll get details on the exact skills and knowledge they need to focus on, while they have plenty of time to improve. If they’ve taken the PSAT 8/9 or PSAT 10, they’ll also see how much progress they’ve made between the tests. They can also use their score from the PSAT/NMSQT, along with some research about their college and career goals, to set their own personal target SAT score. Historically, students who took the PSAT/NMSQT scored better on the SAT, on average, than those who didn’t take the test. 􀁸 Find out about their AP Potential: Students who take an AP® course are better positioned to succeed in college. Your child may not realize that they’re ready to take college level courses and that they have the potential to succeed. Using their personalized view of AP Potential , found in their score report, they’ll get recommendations for courses that may be a good fit for them. 􀁸 Enter the National Merit Scholarship Program: Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT and meet other program entry requirements specified in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide will enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC® ) Visit NMSC’s website [at](at www.nationalmerit.org)[ ](at www.nationalmerit.org)[www.nationalmerit.org](at www.nationalmerit.org) for more information. 􀁸 Help pay for college: Taking the PSAT/NMSQT gives your child the chance to access over $300 million in other scholarship opportunities. 􀁸 Connect to their future: When your child takes the PSAT/NMSQT, they’ll be asked for their mobile phone number so they can download the free BigFuture School™ mobile app and have their PSAT/NMSQT scores delivered right to their phone. They’ll get customized career information and guidance about planning and paying for college. Depending on their school or district, they can use the Connections feature, which lets them here from nonprofit colleges, scholarships and educational organizations interested in them—without having to share any personal information.

FAQs

How does the PSAT/NMSQT help students improve for the SAT?

Score reports show exact skills and knowledge to focus on and allow students to set a personal target SAT score. Prior PSAT 8/9 or PSAT 10 results also help them see progress over time.

What is “AP Potential” and how is it useful?

The score report provides a personalized view of AP Potential and includes recommendations for courses that may fit students’ readiness. It helps students recognize when they’re prepared for college-level coursework.

What opportunities can students access by taking the PSAT/NMSQT?

Students can enter the National Merit Scholarship Program if they meet program requirements. They can also access scholarship opportunities totaling over $300 million and receive career guidance for planning and paying for college.

Aug 29, 2026

Upload by Sarah