PSAT/NMSQT
What the assessment is
The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized, digital college-readiness assessment developed by the College Board. It measures reading, writing, and math skills aligned to the SAT and helps students prepare for future college admissions testing
The PSAT/NMSQT also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test for 11th-grade students, who may be eligible for recognition and scholarships.
Why Students Should Take the PSAT
- It is the official practice SAT
- Provides detailed feedback on academic strengths
- Helps students set college and career goals
- Connects to free SAT preparation resources
- 11th graders may qualify for National Merit Scholarships, which award over $180 million annually
- 9th–10th graders can build confidence and identify skills to strengthen before junior year
Test Structure
The PSAT is a 2-hour and 14-minute online assessment with two required sections:
Reading & Writing
- 54 questions
- Two 32-minute modules
- Questions grouped by skill area
- Questions arranged from easiest to hardest
Math
- 44 questions
- Two 35-minute modules
- Questions arranged from easiest to hardest
- Calculator allowed (built into the platform)
Score Range: 320–1520 (lower than the SAT’s 1600 scale)
Who takes it
RISD offers the PSAT/NMSQT to:
- 9th graders (optional practice, varies by campus)
- 10th graders (recommended for early readiness)
- 11th graders — only group eligible for National Merit Scholarships
Homeschooled students may participate through RISD by registering with the designated district contact.
When it’s offered
RISD administers the PSAT/NMSQT during the national fall testing window.
Fall 2025 Testing Date - October 15, 2025
- Students test on their assigned high school campus
- Homeschooled students test at Richardson High School
Additional details (arrival time, testing room, materials) are communicated after registration.
Registration process
RISD Students
Parents must register and pay for their student to participate.
- Cost: $13.00
- Registration Window: August 4, 2025 – August 21, 2025 (closes at 11:59 PM)
- Families receive a district/campus registration and payment link during the window
- Students are registered once payment is complete, and confirmation is received
Homeschooled Students
Homeschooled testers must contact:
Sharon Woodson
Sharon.Woodson@risd.org
469-593-4607
Accommodations Requests
Students receiving Section 504 or Special Education services must:
- RISD Students must submit the RISD Accommodation Request Form by August 21, 2025
- RISD submits the required documentation to the College Board SSD office
- Only accommodations approved by the College Board may be used on PSAT/SAT/AP/ACT.
- Homeschooled Students must submit their accommodations to the College Board directly through the College Board Accommodations webpage.
RISD cannot grant accommodations for College Board exams independently.
How results are shared
The College Board releases PSAT scores approximately 4–6 weeks after testing.
- BigFuture School App: Students who provided a mobile number on test day receive a text with instructions
- College Board Online Portal: Students log in using their existing College Board account (AP, SAT, prior PSAT users already have one)
If Students Have Trouble Accessing Scores
They may need to:
- Update account information
- Use their PSAT access code
- Contact College Board at psathelp@info.collegeboard.org or 866-433-7728
Who Sees Scores
- The student
- The high school
- The district/state (varies by year)
- National Merit Scholarship Corporation (11th grade only)
Resources
Contact Information
District Contact
Campus Contacts
Homeschooled Student Contact
- Email Sharon Woodson or call 469-593-4607
Parent FAQs
It provides SAT practice, identifies strengths, and, for 11th graders, it offers access to National Merit scholarships.
The PSAT costs $13.00 for all RISD students.
No. They should use the same existing account.
Only 11th-grade PSAT scores are eligible.
Scores are typically released 4–6 weeks after testing.
Late registration may not be available due to limited testing seats.
By completing the RISD PSAT Accommodation Request Form by August 21, 2025. The College Board must approve all accommodations.
Approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes, taken digitally.
No. PSAT scores are not sent to colleges.
The College Board provides Spanish-language guides on the PSAT, score interpretation, and planning tools.