Parents Guide to PSAT 10

The PSAT 10 is part of the SAT Suite of Assessments and is taken in the spring by students in 10th grade.

Questions on the PSAT 10 are structured similarly to those on the SAT, focusing on the reading, writing, and math skills your teen is learning in school. See what’s on the PSAT 10 test.

Beginning in spring 2024, the PSAT 10 is digital. Find out what to expect.

Why the PSAT 10 is important

The PSAT 10 is more than good practice for the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT. The insights gained can help power your teen’s path to college and career. With your teen’s results, they can:

• Have new ways to access their scores: Your teen can receive scores quickly and directly through the BigFuture® School mobile app. They may also receive a PDF score report from their school.
• See where they are and set a target: Your teen will receive insights about their knowledge and skills while they still have plenty of time to improve. If they’ve taken other assessments in the SAT Suite, they can compare their progress and then set a target SAT score based on their goals.
• Find out about their likelihood to succeed in AP: Using their personalized score report, your teen will get recommendations about which AP courses might be a good fit for them.
• Gain career insights: Beginning in 2024, the personalized career information on the score report aims to spark interest in careers. Students can choose to log on to BigFuture for in-depth exploration.

The PSAT 10 is the same as the PSAT/NMSQT in terms of subject matter and difficulty, but it’s different from the PSAT/NMSQT in two ways:

• Students take it in the spring of 10th grade, instead of the fall of 10th or 11th grade.
• It doesn't qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Fast Facts

• The PSAT is given in March or April. Schools may offer the test to different groups of students at different times during the testing window.
• The PSAT 10 and the PSAT/NMSQT both have a score range of 320–1520. Learn more about PSAT 10 scores.
• All four tests in the SAT Suite of Assessments measure the same knowledge and skills students need for college in ways that make sense for each grade level. Read more about the SAT Suite.
• PSAT 10 testing accommodations are available for students with disabilities. See how to request accommodations for your child.
• Taking the PSAT 10 doesn't qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
• Some schools charge students a fee to take the PSAT 10, but many don't. There are no PSAT 10 fee waivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ninth graders take the PSAT 10?

Yes. Any student can arrange to take the PSAT 10 at a school that offers it. However, we recommend eighth and ninth graders take the PSAT 8/9. The PSAT 8/9 tests the same skills and knowledge as the PSAT 10 but in a way that's appropriate for eighth and ninth graders.

Do students have to write an essay on the PSAT 10?

No, the PSAT 10 does not have an essay.

Can homeschooled students take the PSAT 10?

Yes. Homeschooled students can contact a local school and arrange to take the PSAT 10 there. Search for schools that are planning to administer the PSAT 10 this school year.