PSAT/NMSQT - Introduction
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship
Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a test that acts as a prelude to SAT. It
also gives you a chance to enter NMSC scholarship programs and gain
admission to college and other career planning tools.
National
Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC):
Was created in 1955 as a
not-for-profit profit organization with no help from government. When taking the PSAT students are given option to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program, this can lead to college scholarships.
Why take the test?
Know your strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study.
- Know your preparation level.
- Appear for NMSC scholarships
- Prelude to SAT test
- Student Search Service: Receive information from colleges
When to take the test?
It is advisable that the students take PSAT/NMSQT, typically during students junior year of high school most often in the month of October. So that they receive awards the same year they leave high
school and enter college.
If you have made up your mind to take up PSAT/NMSQT then the first step
towards achieving your goal is to contact your high school counselor or
principal. Registration for the test is by high school rather than
individual student.
Visiting the counselor will help you to
find more about the test like registration for the tests; paying test
fees, test date, time, and location. Also contact your guidance office
for a copy of the official student guide to the PSAT/NMSQT to help you
prepare.
To enter the National Merit Program, a student must fulfill all of the following requirements. He or she must:
- Should be enrolled as a high school student.
- Should be a citizen of the United States; or be a U.S. lawful permanent resident (or have applied for permanent residence.
- Should take the PSAT/NMSQT in the specified year of the school irrespective of educational pattern;
- If
you qualify as a Semifinalist or Special Scholarship candidate and you
have not yet become a U.S. citizen, you will be required to send the
following documentation to NMSC with your Scholarship Application:
- A
letter signed by you explaining your plans for becoming a citizen,
including the date on which you expect to be eligible and will apply for
U.S. citizenship, AND
- If you are a U.S. lawful permanent
resident, a copy of your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card); or a copy
of your passport showing that you have been granted lawful permanent
resident status OR
- If you have applied for U.S. lawful
permanent residence, a copy of Form that verifies you filed the
“Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
If
you are unable to take the PSAT/NMSQT for some reason, you can still
appear for NMSC’s competitions. Write to NMSQT administration, as soon
as possible.
Mail your request to: National Merit Scholarship Corporation
Attn: Educational Services
1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 200
Evanston, IL 60201-4897
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