What is the PSAT test?

Answer:
The PSAT is the Preliminary SAT test.

It’s also the qualifying test for National Merit Scholarship Corporation scholarships (so you might hear it called the PSAT/NMSQT, for National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test).

The PSAT is typically taken by high school sophomores, though juniors can also take it. High scoring students are automatically considered for National Merit Scholarships. Other reasons to take the test include discerning strengths and weaknesses in areas of study/academics; finding your approximate ranking amongst all other college-bound students; preparing for the SAT; and receiving college materials (there’s a box which, when checked, puts you on lists for recruiting colleges).

The PSAT has three sections: critical reading skills; math problem-solving skills; and writing skills. It takes a little over two hours, and there are many practice tests available, some of them free, though practice tests aren’t necessary. The PSAT doesn’t focus on a specific area of academic study but rather overall education, and most students will be prepared simply by doing their best in high school.