Digital PSAT/NMSQT

Just like the Digital SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT exam is also going digital, which means that the question formats, covered topics and scoring criteria have all been changed.

We've put together everything we can find on the new Digital PSAT and created tailor-made questions to help you ace this new exam.


Take a free Digital PSAT mock test


PSAT/NMSQT Overview

  • Acts as a comprehensive practice run for the SAT, familiarizing students with the exam's format and question types.

  • Provides an in-depth score report to identify strengths and weaknesses, aiding in focused study and preparation for the full digital SAT.

  • Serves a dual role as both an SAT preparatory tool and the initial qualifying step for becoming a National Merit Finalist.

  • Offers a chance to win a $2,500 scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), adding financial value to its preparatory benefits.

Structure of the PSAT/NMSQT Exam

  • Utilizes a multistage adaptive testing format, aligning it with the digital SAT Suite of Assessments for consistent evaluation methods.

  • Features two core categories: Reading and Writing, as well as Math, to comprehensively assess a range of skills.

  • Each core category is split into two separately timed modules, allowing for focused attention on subsets of questions.

  • Implements a unique approach where questions in the second module are tailored based on performance in the first module, offering a more personalized test experience.

Test Logistics

  • Test Period & Registration: The 2023 PSAT/NMSQT is scheduled between October 2nd and 31st. Consult your school's counselor or principal for your specific test date. Each student may only take the test once during this period unless special circumstances warrant a retest.

  • Test Fee: The base fee is $18, but some schools or districts may subsidize part or all of this cost. Additionally, be aware of possible extra administrative fees from your school.

  • Devices for Testing: Most schools provide pre-configured, fully-charged devices with Bluebook software. If your school allows personal devices, ensure they can connect to Wi-Fi and have enough battery life for around 3 hours. The use of an external mouse and keyboard is permitted for tablets, but no detachable privacy screens are allowed.

Scoring Methodology

  • Scoring Basics: The composite score combines individual scores from two main sections: Reading and Writing, and Math. There are no penalties for guessing, so attempt all questions. Raw scores are converted to a scaled score ranging from 160 to 760 for each section.

  • Complex Scoring Factors: Scores consider question complexity, skill-level differentiation, and the likelihood of guessing the answer correctly, in addition to the student's performance.

  • Special Note on Scoring: The Reading and Writing (RW) score is emphasized twice as much in the Selection Index Score than the Math (M) score, which is calculated as 2RW + M. This index can range from 48 to 228, underlining the weight given to the Reading and Writing section.