PSAT 2026 Complete Guide: PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 & PSAT 8/9—Test Dates, Scoring & Prep Timeline
What Is the PSAT and Why It Matters in 2026
The PSAT is a group of College Board assessments that measure the reading, writing, and math skills students develop in high school. The full form of PSAT is Preliminary SAT, and the assessments are part of the SAT Suite of Assessments used from grades 8 through 12.
There are three versions: PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9. PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 use the same test but are offered to different grades at different times and serve different purposes. Students generally take the PSAT/NMSQT in 10th or 11th grade, and it is the assessment used for entry into the National Merit Scholarship Program. PSAT 10 is primarily intended for 10th graders, while PSAT 8/9 is designed for students in grades 8 and 9.
For students and parents, knowing which test applies matters because the timing, scoring context, and opportunities associated with each assessment are different. A PSAT score can also provide an early indication of academic strengths and areas that may need attention before the SAT.
This guide covers the PSAT 2026 test dates, differences between the three assessments, scoring, National Merit considerations, preparation strategies, and suggested timelines so families can focus on the test that applies to their student's grade level.
Quick Answer
The PSAT 2026 Complete Guide explains everything students and parents need to know about the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9. It covers the differences between the three assessments, who should take each test, 2026–27 testing windows, school-based registration, fees, scoring, the PSAT score range, Selection Index, percentiles, and what counts as a good PSAT score by grade. The guide also explains how the 11th-grade PSAT/NMSQT connects to the National Merit Scholarship Program, including the Commended Student, Semifinalist, and Finalist timeline and state-specific cutoff considerations. For students preparing for the test, it provides practical 8-week and 12-week study plans, highlights common PSAT prep mistakes, and explains how to make preparation more effective. The guide also helps families decide which PSAT assessment their child should take and emphasizes that students do not need to take all three. Finally, it looks beyond standardized testing and explains how meaningful AI projects and technology experiences can complement academic performance and strengthen a student's broader college application.
Table of Contents
PSAT/NMSQT vs. PSAT 10 vs. PSAT 8/9: What's the Difference?
PSAT 2026 Test Dates: Fall PSAT/NMSQT, Spring PSAT 10 & PSAT 8/9 Schedule
How to Register for the PSAT in 2026 (And Deadlines You Can't Miss)
How Is the PSAT Scored? PSAT Score Range & Selection Index Explained
What's a Good PSAT Score in 2026? Grade-by-Grade Benchmarks
PSAT to National Merit: How the Scholarship Qualification Timeline Works
PSAT Prep Mistakes Students Make (and How to Avoid Them)
PSAT Study Plan 2026: 8-Week and 12-Week Prep Timelines by Grade
PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or PSAT 8/9 — Which Test Should Your Child Take This Year?
Beyond the PSAT: Building an AI-Ready Academic Profile While You Prep
PSAT/NMSQT vs. PSAT 10 vs. PSAT 8/9: What's the Difference?
The difference between the PSAT/NMSQT vs. PSAT 10 vs. PSAT 8/9 comes down to the student's grade level, when the assessment is offered, and what the score is intended to measure. All three are part of the SAT Suite and assess Reading and Writing and Math skills, but they have different roles in a student's high school academic timeline.
Test | Typical grade | When it is usually taken | What it is used for |
PSAT 8/9 | Grades 8–9 | During the school year, based on the school's schedule | Establishes an early baseline and helps students and educators track academic growth as students progress through high school. |
PSAT 10 | Grade 10 | Usually spring | Measures progress toward college and career readiness and helps identify skills that may need more attention before the SAT. |
PSAT/NMSQT | Grades 10–11 | Usually fall | Tracks college-readiness progress and serves as the qualifying assessment for the National Merit Scholarship Program for eligible 11th graders. |
The PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT are identical tests in content, difficulty, and score range. The main difference is when they are offered: PSAT/NMSQT is generally administered in the fall, while PSAT 10 is offered to 10th graders in the spring. Some 10th graders may take the PSAT/NMSQT instead, depending on their school's schedule.
BetterMind Mentor's Insight: For most families, the biggest mistake is treating every PSAT score as though it has the same consequence. An 8th or 9th grader's PSAT 8/9 score is primarily diagnostic, while a 10th grader's PSAT score can help show academic progress and areas to strengthen. College Board provides grade-level benchmarks specifically to help students understand whether their Reading and Writing and Math performance is on track.
The National Merit distinction matters most for 11th graders. PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 scores do not qualify for National Merit. For students following the usual four-year high school sequence, National Merit Scholarship Corporation requires the qualifying PSAT/NMSQT to be taken in 11th grade. A student who takes the PSAT/NMSQT in 10th grade does not become a National Merit entrant simply because the test itself is the same.
Knowing which assessment a student is taking also makes the score easier to interpret. The PSAT 8/9 functions as an earlier progress check, while PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT provide a closer indication of how a student's skills are developing before the SAT.
BetterMind Insights
PSAT 8/9 is designed for students in grades 8 and 9 and establishes an early academic baseline.
PSAT 10 is primarily for 10th graders and is the same test as the PSAT/NMSQT.
PSAT/NMSQT is generally taken in the fall, with National Merit eligibility tied to the qualifying 11th-grade administration.
PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 scores do not qualify for National Merit.
PSAT 2026 Test Dates: Fall PSAT/NMSQT, Spring PSAT 10 & PSAT 8/9 Schedule
The PSAT/NMSQT 2026 testing window is October 1–30, 2026, with Saturday, October 17, 2026, available as the standard Saturday administration date. Schools and districts choose the specific day on which students test. ( Source: College Board — SAT Suite Dates and Deadlines)
Assessment | 2026–27 testing window | Who sets the exact date? |
PSAT/NMSQT | October 1–30, 2026 | School or district |
PSAT 10 | March 1–April 30, 2027 | School or district |
PSAT 8/9 | October 1–30, 2026 | School or district |
For the PSAT 2026 test dates, families should think in terms of testing windows rather than one universal national test day. The College Board's 2026–27 calendar places PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 8/9 in the fall window, while PSAT 10 is administered during the spring window. Students do not register independently for these in-school assessments; schools or districts handle the administration.
BetterMind Mentor's Insight: A school-set test date can affect how much preparation time a student actually has. Once the counselor confirms the date, students can work backward from it and fit practice around classes, activities, and other testing commitments. This is generally more useful than treating October or March as the entire preparation schedule.
For fall 2026 in-school testing, College Board lists three student score-release waves based on when schools submit answer files: October 22, November 5, and November 12, 2026. The earlier a school's answers are submitted, the earlier students receive their scores. ( Source: College Board — Score Release Dates)
PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 scores are generally available about four to six weeks after the test date. Students can access scores through College Board's student score reporting system or through BigFuture School where available.
Because schools may finalize their administration plans close to the start of the academic year, this section should be checked against the College Board website immediately before the planned September 5 publication date, with particular attention to the school's exact testing day and any schedule changes.
BetterMind Insights
PSAT/NMSQT: October 1–30, 2026, with October 17 available as the Saturday administration date.
PSAT 10: March 1–April 30, 2027.
PSAT 8/9: October 1–30, 2026.
The school or district sets the student's exact test date, so families should confirm the schedule with the school counselor before planning preparation.
Visual Suggestion: Timeline/table graphic — Test → Registration window → Test window → Score release
How to Register for the PSAT in 2026 (And Deadlines You Can't Miss)
You cannot register for the PSAT directly through College Board. PSAT registration is handled through the student's school or district, so the first step is to contact the school rather than looking for a College Board registration page. College Board specifically advises students to speak with their school counselor about the PSAT/NMSQT registration process.
1. Ask your counselor for the school's PSAT registration deadline. Schools set their own administrative deadlines within College Board's testing windows. Ask which assessment your student is taking, the testing date, the school's payment deadline, and whether the school requires a separate registration form.
2. Confirm the test and grade eligibility. Make sure the student is registered for the correct assessment—PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or PSAT 8/9. This matters because the tests are intended for different grade levels and have different purposes.
3. Check the cost and payment process. For 2026–27, College Board's listed school-level price is $18 for PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 and $14 for PSAT 8/9. Schools may cover some or all of the cost or charge an additional administration fee, so the amount a family actually pays can vary. (Source: College Board — District and School Pricing Details)
BetterMind Mentor's Insight: Ask about fees when you ask about registration, not after the deadline. A counselor can also tell you whether the school has financial assistance available and what documentation, if any, is required.
4. Ask about fee-waiver eligibility if the student is a junior. Income-eligible 11th graders taking the PSAT/NMSQT may qualify for financial assistance; College Board has expanded low-income support for PSAT assessments, so families should ask the school counselor about available options.
The PSAT 2026 registration deadline is therefore school-specific, rather than a single national deadline for students. Once the school confirms its deadline, complete any required form and payment promptly. Waiting until the final days can create problems if the school has already closed registration or needs additional information.
BetterMind Insights
PSAT registration is done through the school or district, not directly through College Board.
Ask the school counselor first for the registration process, exact test date, and internal deadline.
The 2026–27 listed school prices are $18 for PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 and $14 for PSAT 8/9, though schools may cover some or all of the cost.
Eligible juniors should ask about fee-waiver or financial-support options before paying.
How Is the PSAT Scored? PSAT Score Range & Selection Index Explained
The PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 are scored on a 320–1520 scale, with two section scores: Reading and Writing and Math, each ranging from 160–760. PSAT 8/9 uses a lower score range of 240–1440, with each section scored from 120–720. ( Source: College Board — What Do My Scores Mean? )
The total score is simply the sum of the two section scores. A student who earns 650 in Reading and Writing and 620 in Math, for example, receives a total score of 1270. Because the SAT Suite uses a common scoring scale, the section scores are designed to represent the same level of academic achievement across the assessments, even though the score ranges differ by test.
For the PSAT/NMSQT, there is another number that matters for National Merit: the Selection Index. It is not the same as the 320–1520 total score and is reported only for the PSAT/NMSQT.
Selection Index = (2 × Reading and Writing score + Math score) ÷ 10
Because Reading and Writing is weighted twice in this calculation, two students with the same total PSAT/NMSQT score can have different Selection Index scores. The Selection Index ranges from 48–228 and is the score the National Merit Scholarship Corporation uses as part of its screening process for the National Merit Scholarship Program. ( Source: College Board — How Are Scores Calculated?)
BetterMind Mentor's Insight: Students often focus so closely on the final number that they miss what the score report can tell them about their preparation. The section scores are more useful for identifying whether a student needs to strengthen reading comprehension, grammar and language skills, algebra, problem-solving, or other areas before taking the SAT. A PSAT score is therefore better viewed as feedback on skills than as an isolated judgment of ability.
There is also no penalty for getting an answer wrong. College Board advises students to answer every question rather than leave questions blank, particularly when they can eliminate one or more choices. The digital PSAT uses a multistage adaptive format, with each section delivered in two modules; the second module is based on performance in the first.
BetterMind Insights
PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10: 320–1520 total, with Reading and Writing and Math each scored 160–760.
PSAT 8/9: 240–1440 total, with each section scored 120–720.
Selection Index: calculated as (2 × Reading and Writing + Math) ÷ 10 and reported for the PSAT/NMSQT.
Wrong answers do not carry a penalty, so students should not leave questions unanswered to avoid losing points.
What's a Good PSAT Score in 2026? Grade-by-Grade Benchmarks
A “good” PSAT score depends on the student's grade, national averages, and how the score compares with other students. For the latest available national data, the average total score was 911 for 10th graders and 998 for 11th graders. ( Source: College Board — 2025 SAT Suite Annual Report)
Grade | National average total score | College Board grade-level benchmark |
10th grade | 911 | 910 total |
11th grade | 998 | 970 total |
College Board's benchmarks are based on section performance rather than simply the total score. For 10th graders, the benchmark is 430 in Reading and Writing and 480 in Math. For 11th graders, it is 460 in Reading and Writing and 510 in Math. A student meeting both section benchmarks is considered on track for college and career readiness.( Source: College Board — Benchmarks)
BetterMind Mentor's Insight: A first PSAT score, especially in 10th grade, is better treated as a diagnostic than a verdict. A student who scores below the national average may still be developing skills expected at that stage, while a student above the average may have specific gaps that the total score does not reveal. Looking at the two section scores and the areas of strength or weakness usually gives families more useful information than the composite score alone.
A PSAT percentile shows how a student's score compares with other students in the relevant comparison group. For example, a score in the 75th percentile means the student scored as well as or better than 75% of students in that group. College Board provides grade-specific percentile information, so the same raw score can have different percentile interpretations depending on the student's grade. ( Source: College Board — PSAT/NMSQT User Percentiles)
It is also important to separate a good PSAT score from a National Merit qualifying score. They are not the same measure. National Merit uses the PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index, and the qualifying level varies by state. Those state-specific National Merit cutoffs are covered separately in the next section rather than being mixed with national averages or grade-level benchmarks.
BetterMind Insights
The latest national averages are 911 for 10th grade and 998 for 11th grade.
College Board's current benchmarks are based on separate Reading and Writing and Math targets, not the total score alone.
Percentile shows relative standing, while the raw score shows how many points the student earned.
A “good” PSAT score and a National Merit qualifying score are different concepts; state-specific National Merit cutoffs are discussed separately.
PSAT to National Merit: How the Scholarship Qualification Timeline Works
For students taking the PSAT/NMSQT in fall 2026, the test serves as the qualifying assessment for the 2028 National Merit Scholarship Program. For students following the standard four-year high school path, the qualifying score must come from the PSAT/NMSQT taken in the 11th grade; PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 scores do not enter the National Merit competition. ( Source: National Merit Scholarship Corporation — 2028 Competition)
The process is longer than many families expect. A student's Selection Index is determined after the PSAT/NMSQT, but National Merit recognition comes much later. NMSC uses Selection Index scores to identify about 50,000 high scorers from more than 1.2 million entrants for program recognition. ( Source: National Merit Scholarship Corporation — Competition Steps FAQ)
The National Merit path
Commended Student — About 34,000 high scorers receive Commended recognition. These students are recognized for their performance but do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships. ( Source: National Merit Scholarship Corporation — Program Recognition)
Semifinalist — More than 16,000 students are named Semifinalists, representing the highest-scoring entrants in each state. For the 2028 competition, NMSC expects this notification in early September 2027. ( Source: National Merit Scholarship Corporation — Program Recognition)
BetterMind Mentor's Insight: This timeline is useful when interpreting a strong PSAT score. A student should not assume that a November score report immediately tells them whether they have earned National Merit recognition. The Selection Index identifies the students who enter the high-scoring pool; the formal recognition stages happen many months later.
3. Finalist — Semifinalists must complete additional requirements, including the National Merit Scholarship Application, maintain a strong academic record, receive school endorsement, and meet other program requirements. About 15,000 Semifinalists are expected to advance to Finalist standing in February 2028. ( Source: National Merit Scholarship Corporation — Program Recognition)
State variation matters at the Semifinalist stage. NMSC selects Semifinalists on a state-representational basis, so the Selection Index needed to reach that stage can differ by state and from one competition year to another. A single national “National Merit cutoff” therefore does not exist. Families can use our National Merit state cutoff guide [internal link] for the state-specific figures when available. ( Source: National Merit Scholarship Corporation — Program Recognition)
The scholarship stage follows Finalist selection. National Merit Scholarship winners are chosen from the Finalist group, with awards announced beginning in spring 2028. ( Source: National Merit Scholarship Corporation — Program Recognition)
BetterMind Insights
Only the qualifying 11th-grade PSAT/NMSQT normally counts for National Merit under the standard four-year high school pathway.
The 2026 PSAT/NMSQT feeds into the 2028 National Merit competition, not an immediate 2026 scholarship decision.
About 50,000 students receive National Merit recognition, including roughly 34,000 Commended Students and more than 16,000 Semifinalists.
State Semifinalist cutoffs vary, so a student's Selection Index should be evaluated against the appropriate state and competition year rather than a single national number.
Visual Suggestion: Simple horizontal stage/funnel graphic: PSAT score → Selection Index → Commended/Semifinalist → Finalist
PSAT Prep Mistakes Students Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Strong PSAT preparation is not only about doing more practice questions. Students often lose time by preparing for the wrong things, misunderstanding how the test works, or failing to learn from the questions they miss.
1. Waiting too long to confirm the test date
Because PSAT registration is handled through schools, students sometimes assume they have plenty of time and discover their school's deadline or testing date too late.
Fix: Ask the counselor for the exact test date and internal registration deadline first, then build the preparation schedule backward from that date.
2. Preparing for a paper test when the assessment is digital
The PSAT is administered digitally through College Board's testing platform, and the digital SAT Suite uses a multistage adaptive format. Students who prepare only with printed worksheets can enter the test without enough familiarity with the interface or pacing. (satsuite.collegeboard.org)
Fix: Complete official digital practice in Bluebook so the format, tools, timing, and navigation are familiar before test day.
3. Cramming instead of building a steady routine
Trying to complete weeks of preparation in the final few days creates fatigue without giving students enough time to identify and correct recurring weaknesses.
Fix: Use shorter, regular practice sessions and increase the intensity closer to the test rather than relying on a single weekend of cramming.
4. Treating the PSAT 10 as something that does not need practice
PSAT 10 may not carry the same National Merit significance as the qualifying 11th-grade PSAT/NMSQT, but it can still give students useful information about their Reading and Writing and Math skills.
Fix: Treat the PSAT 10 as a low-stakes rehearsal for the PSAT/NMSQT and future SAT preparation.
5. Focusing on the total score while ignoring the Selection Index
Students preparing for National Merit sometimes track only their 320–1520 total score. For the PSAT/NMSQT, National Merit uses the Selection Index, which weights Reading and Writing differently from Math.
Fix: Know which number matters for your goal and review both section scores rather than relying on the composite alone.
BetterMind Mentor's Insight: A practice test is useful only when a student does something with the results. A missed question caused by a vocabulary gap requires a different response from one missed because the student rushed, misread the question, or ran out of time. Reviewing the reason for the error turns practice from repetition into targeted preparation.
6. Over-indexing on one section
Students often spend most of their preparation time on the subject they enjoy or the section where they already score well. That can create a polished strength while leaving the weaker section unchanged.
Fix: Identify the lower-performing section and divide study time according to the size of the gap, not personal preference.
7. Skipping the review of missed questions
Completing another practice set feels productive, but repeating the same mistake across multiple tests is a sign that review is missing from the process. College Board's practice resources are designed to help students see which skills need additional work. (satsuite.collegeboard.org)
Fix: After every practice session, record the missed questions, why they were missed, and what rule or strategy would prevent the same error next time.
BetterMind Insights
Confirm the school's test date and registration deadline before starting a preparation schedule.
Practice in the actual digital testing environment, not only on paper.
For National Merit planning, understand the Selection Index, not just the total PSAT score.
The most valuable practice is followed by careful review of mistakes, not simply more questions.
PSAT Study Plan 2026: 8-Week and 12-Week Prep Timelines by Grade
A useful PSAT study plan should give students enough repetition to improve without turning preparation into a second full-time class. For most students, three to five focused sessions a week are more sustainable than long weekend cramming. College Board also recommends using its official digital practice resources to become familiar with the test format and question types. (satsuite.collegeboard.org)
12-Week PSAT Prep Timeline
Weeks | Focus | What to do |
Weeks 1–2 | Establish a baseline | Take an official full-length digital practice test. Record section scores, timing problems, and recurring errors. Grades 8–9: focus on familiarity rather than intensive score chasing. |
Weeks 3–4 | Build core skills | Review the concepts behind missed questions. Divide practice between Reading and Writing and Math. |
Weeks 5–6 | Target weaknesses | Spend more time on the two or three skills producing the most errors. Continue short timed sets. |
Weeks 7–8 | Apply skills under time | Complete mixed practice and timed modules. Grade 11: give additional attention to the Selection Index if National Merit is a goal. |
Weeks 9–10 | Full-length practice | Take another official practice test under realistic conditions. Compare errors with the first test and adjust the study plan. |
Weeks 11–12 | Refine and taper | Review recurring mistakes, formulas, grammar rules, and pacing strategies. Reduce volume in the final days rather than cramming. |
8-Week PSAT Prep Timeline
For students starting after Labor Day, an 8-week PSAT prep timeline can still work when the study schedule is consistent. The goal is to prioritize the highest-impact weaknesses rather than trying to review everything.
Weeks | Focus | What to do |
Weeks 1–2 | Diagnose and prioritize | Take a full digital practice test, identify weak areas, and begin targeted review. |
Weeks 3–4 | Skill repair | Complete focused Reading and Writing and Math practice several times each week. |
Weeks 5–6 | Timed application | Use timed modules and mixed questions. Grade 10: treat this as preparation for future testing as well as the current PSAT. |
Weeks 7–8 | Test readiness | Take one final full-length practice test, review mistakes, and focus on pacing and test-day routines. |
BetterMind Mentor's Insight: The most effective schedule is usually the one a student can maintain alongside schoolwork. A 30–45 minute session that happens four times a week can produce more useful feedback than a three-hour session followed by several days without practice.
The intensity should also match the purpose of the assessment. PSAT 8/9 students generally need less targeted preparation than an 11th grader using the PSAT/NMSQT as part of a National Merit strategy. Students do not need to spend every available hour preparing; they need enough practice to understand the test, identify gaps, and improve them.
BetterMind Insights
Start with an official digital practice test so the study plan is based on evidence rather than guesswork.
Use short, regular sessions instead of relying on last-minute cramming.
In a compressed 8-week plan, prioritize recurring weaknesses and timed practice.
Match preparation intensity to the student's grade, starting level, and purpose for taking the PSAT.
PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or PSAT 8/9 — Which Test Should Your Child Take This Year?
The right PSAT assessment depends primarily on your child's grade and the purpose of taking the test. The College Board's three PSAT-related assessments are designed to fit different stages of high school, so most students do not need to take all three.
If your child is in 8th or 9th grade
Recommendation: Take the PSAT 8/9 if the school offers it. It is specifically designed for these grades and provides an early baseline of Reading and Writing and Math skills. College Board recommends PSAT 8/9 for 8th and 9th graders rather than moving prematurely to the PSAT 10.
If your child is in 10th grade
Recommendation: Take the PSAT 10 or the PSAT/NMSQT offered by the school. The PSAT 10 is designed for 10th graders, while some schools instead give sophomores the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall. The two tests are identical; the difference is when they are administered.
BetterMind Mentor's Insight: A 10th-grade PSAT is best viewed as a progress check rather than a scholarship deadline. The score can show which skills need attention before junior year, when the PSAT/NMSQT becomes more consequential for students interested in National Merit.
If your child is in 11th grade
Recommendation: Take the PSAT/NMSQT. For students following the traditional four-year high school path, the junior-year PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 scores are not considered for National Merit.
Does your child need to take all three?
No. A student does not need to complete PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and PSAT/NMSQT in sequence. Schools may offer different assessments, and taking an earlier PSAT can provide useful diagnostic information, but the tests serve different purposes rather than forming a required three-test progression.
The decision is therefore straightforward: use PSAT 8/9 for an early baseline, PSAT 10 for sophomore-year progress, and PSAT/NMSQT in junior year when National Merit eligibility matters.
BetterMind Insights
8th or 9th grade: Choose PSAT 8/9 when available.
10th grade: Take PSAT 10 or the PSAT/NMSQT if the school offers it to sophomores.
11th grade: Take the PSAT/NMSQT if National Merit consideration is a goal.
Students do not need to take all three PSAT assessments to be prepared for the SAT or college.
Beyond the PSAT: Building an AI-Ready Academic Profile While You Prep
A strong PSAT score can demonstrate academic readiness, but it is only one part of a college application. Grades, course selection, essays, recommendations, and extracurricular experiences give admissions readers a broader view of what a student cares about and how they use what they have learned. Recent ACT research found that students rated high school grades, essays, admissions test scores, and supplemental materials as distinct parts of the application, reinforcing that no single measure tells the whole story. ( Source: ACT — High School Students’ Views of AI in the College Application Process)
AI literacy is becoming part of that broader academic landscape. College Board reported that the share of high school students using generative AI for schoolwork increased from 79% to 84% between January and May 2025. The value, however, is not simply knowing how to use ChatGPT or another tool. Responsible AI use requires students to evaluate information, recognize limitations, and understand when technology should—and should not—be used. ( Source: College Board — New Research on Generative AI Use)
For a student interested in technology, the stronger way to demonstrate AI skills for college applications is to create something with them. An AI project can give a student a concrete experience to discuss in an activity list or essay: the problem they chose, the questions they asked, what they built, what failed, and what changed as a result. That evidence of curiosity and initiative is more meaningful than simply listing an AI course or certificate.
This does not mean adding another demanding commitment while preparing for the PSAT. A student can use the testing period to develop a small, well-defined project alongside regular study. For ideas on connecting a genuine AI project to the college essay, see our guide to 10 AI Project Ideas for Your Common App Essay.
For students who want more structure, BetterMind Labs provides mentor-led, project-based AI learning designed around building meaningful projects rather than collecting credentials. The goal is to help students turn an interest in AI into an experience they can explain, refine, and carry into their college applications.
The PSAT can measure where a student stands academically today. A meaningful project can show what they choose to do with that foundation. Students can explore a free introductory resource or session to see what type of project might fit their interests and schedule.
FAQs
What is the difference between the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9?
All three assessments are designed for different grade levels and stages of academic development. The PSAT/NMSQT is primarily taken by 10th and 11th graders and can be used for National Merit Scholarship Program qualification. The PSAT 10 is generally intended for sophomores, while the PSAT 8/9 is designed for students in grades 8 and 9.
When is the PSAT/NMSQT offered in 2026?
The PSAT/NMSQT is administered during a designated testing window in fall 2026. Because individual schools and test centers determine their specific testing dates, students should confirm the exact date with their school or through the official College Board information before planning their preparation schedule.
How is the PSAT scored?
The PSAT uses a digital scoring scale of 320–1520, with separate scores for Reading and Writing and Math. Students also receive additional score information that can help identify academic strengths and areas that need improvement.
Does the PSAT affect college admissions?
Generally, PSAT scores are not used as direct college admission scores. The test is primarily useful for measuring SAT readiness, identifying areas for improvement, and, for eligible juniors, competing for recognition through the National Merit Scholarship Program.
How can students prepare for the PSAT?
Start by taking a diagnostic practice test to identify strengths and weaknesses. Then build a focused study plan around Reading and Writing, Math, timing, and question types. Regular practice with official-style questions is generally more useful than simply studying for long hours.
When should students start preparing for the PSAT?
A focused preparation period of several weeks can be sufficient for many students, while those targeting particularly strong scores may benefit from starting several months in advance. Students should use their diagnostic results to determine how much preparation they actually need.
Is the PSAT/NMSQT important for National Merit Scholarships?
Yes. For students seeking recognition through the National Merit Scholarship Program, the PSAT/NMSQT taken during the relevant junior year is the qualifying test. Eligibility and selection rules can change, so students should review the current National Merit requirements for their graduating class.
Should 8th and 9th graders take the PSAT 8/9?
The PSAT 8/9 can help younger students understand their current academic strengths and become familiar with the SAT Suite of Assessments. It can also provide useful information for planning future coursework and test preparation, but it is not a college admission test.
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