--- title: "PSAT/NMSQT Prep for National Merit | Elite Prep" description: "Elite's PSAT programs help students get a head start on test preparation and improve their chances of receiving a National Merit Scholarship." url: "https://eliteprep.com/programs/psat-prep/" image: "https://media.eliteprep.com/Banner%2B-%2BPSAT%2BPrep-webp-card.jpg" language: "en" source: "eliteprep build" --- ![A smiling student with headphones around his neck gestures while looking at a laptop at a desk with an open notebook.](https://eliteprep.com/media/Banner%2B-%2BPSAT%2BPrep-webp-w1600.webp) # PSAT Prep Get a head start on test preparation and improve your chances at a National Merit Scholarship. [Contact Us to Learn More](https://eliteprep.com/contact-us/) **_I’ve never met teachers who are so passionate and caring — and who really want to teach!_** *Gloria S. – Pomona College* ## About the PSAT The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized exam administered by the College Board and offered in the fall to juniors at most high schools. It tests students’ math, reading, and writing skills. The primary purpose of the PSAT/NMSQT is to familiarize students with the SAT, but it also serves the important function of determining a student’s eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship program. That means that of the millions of students who take the test, about 50,000 of the highest scorers are recognized: roughly 34,000 as Commended Students and about 16,000 as Semifinalists, chosen by state cutoffs. Semifinalists who complete the scholarship application can advance to Finalist, as about 15,000 do each year. These designations not only look great on college applications but can also mean major scholarship money. Like the digital SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT has two sections, Reading and Writing, and Math, and each adapts to the student by module; there is no Essay section. Students are given 2 hours and 14 minutes to complete the test. The College Board also administers two additional versions of the PSAT: The PSAT 8/9 and the PSAT 10, offered to students in grades 8, 9, and 10 as their names indicate. Though these tests aren’t directly related to college scholarships, they do serve as good barometers of college readiness, as well as useful introductions to the SAT. ## About Elite PSAT Prep Elite’s PSAT programs help students get a head start on the test preparation process and improve their chances of receiving a National Merit Scholarship. Students take practice tests and dive into challenging curriculum, so they’re completely comfortable with the test and fully prepared to take the PSAT during their sophomore or junior year. ![Teal silhouette of a human head in profile with a white brain inside](https://media.eliteprep.com/brain_icon-webp-w300.webp) ## Expert Instructors We’re proud of our faculty, and at Elite, we only hire the best: experienced teachers who are experts in their fields and display\ the energy and enthusiasm necessary to engage students. ![Red textbook standing upright with blank white label and lines on its cover](https://media.eliteprep.com/image-asset-194-webp-w300.webp) ## Proven Results Since opening our doors in 1987, Elite Prep has helped tens of thousands of students reach their academic goals. We know there’s no limit to your student’s potential, and we’re here to help them realize it. ![Gold graduation cap icon with tassel](https://media.eliteprep.com/image-asset-76-webp-w300.webp) ## More Than Test Prep Instead of focusing on tips and tricks to simply “beat the test” we strive to instill a true passion for learning and teach fundamental academic skills to help students excel in college and beyond. ## Ready to raise your PSAT scores? We offer a variety of PSAT prep options to fit your timeline, budget, and goals. Contact us to schedule a free practice test and consultation! [Contact Us to Learn More](https://eliteprep.com/contact-us/) ## Tools and Courses for This Topic - [SAT score percentiles](https://eliteprep.com/sat-percentiles/) - [SAT & ACT superscore calculator](https://eliteprep.com/superscore-calculator/) - [Digital SAT® Prep](https://eliteprep.com/programs/sat-prep/) ## Sources 1. [How the PSAT/NMSQT Is Structured, College Board](https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/in-school-assessments/whats-on-the-test/psat-nmsqt/structure) ## Send Us a Message Please provide some details about the student, and we will connect you with the appropriate staff member at your center. Form: Send message ## From the Blog ![A row of worn hardcover books standing upright, seen close-up from their page edges](https://media.eliteprep.com/unsplash%2Bbooks%2Bworn%2Bpages-webp-w400.webp) [ACT](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/act/) [SAT](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/sat/) ### [306 MORE Vocabulary Words You Must Know for the SAT & ACT](https://eliteprep.com/blog/2026/9/14/306-vocabulary-words-you-must-know-for-the-sat-and-act/) Having a strong understanding and ability to use a wide range of words accurately is important for students to achieve outstanding scores on standardized… September 15, 2026 ![Split image: a university campanile tower among trees, and hands typing on a laptop with multiple-choice A B C D answer bubbles overlaid.](https://media.eliteprep.com/UC-SAT-Faculty-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [Could the SAT and ACT Return to UC Admissions? What High School Sophomores Need to Know](https://eliteprep.com/blog/could-the-sat-and-act-return-to-uc-admissions/) For the past several years, the University of California has operated under a test-blind admissions policy… May 29, 2026 ![Person typing on a laptop behind a digital overlay of a multiple-choice test with answers A, B, C, D checked](https://media.eliteprep.com/iStock-Laptop_Multiple_Choice-webp-w400.webp) [College Admissions](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/college-admissions/) ### [Why Public Universities Should Reconsider Requiring Standardized Tests](https://eliteprep.com/blog/why-public-universities-should-reconsider-requiring-standardized-tests/) The debate over standardized testing at public universities has become increasingly polarized. January 7, 2026 [Read more on this topic](https://eliteprep.com/blog/category/psat/) ## More in Maximize Scores - [SAT Boot Camp with UC Honors Credit](https://eliteprep.com/sathonors/) - [Digital SAT® Prep](https://eliteprep.com/programs/sat-prep/) - [ACT Prep](https://eliteprep.com/programs/act-prep/) - [AP Exam Prep](https://eliteprep.com/programs/ap-prep/) - [SSAT / ISEE / HSPT Prep](https://eliteprep.com/programs/ssat-isee-hspt-prep/) - [TOEFL Prep](https://eliteprep.com/programs/toefl-prep/) [See everything in Maximize Scores](https://eliteprep.com/programs/#test-prep) ## You Do Not Have to Navigate College Admissions Alone Whether your student is just beginning the journey or preparing applications now, Elite Prep provides the guidance, accountability and support to move forward with confidence. [Find a center near you](https://eliteprep.com/locations/)