You’re sitting in the guidance counselor’s office, staring at a flyer for the "PSAT." Then you see another one for the "PSAT 10." Wait. Are they the same? Is one harder? Does it actually matter which one you sign up for?
Honestly, the naming convention here is a bit of a mess. It’s no wonder parents and students get a massive headache trying to figure out the difference.
Basically, the PSAT 10 and the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) are twins that were separated at birth. They look the same, they act the same, and they have the exact same DNA. But one of them carries a briefcase full of scholarship money, and the other is mostly just a practice run.
Let's break down the reality of PSAT 10 vs PSAT NMSQT so you don't waste time or miss out on literal thousands of dollars.
The "Same Test" Myth (and Reality)
If you sat down and took both tests back-to-back, you’d probably think you were experiencing a glitch in the matrix. The College Board is very open about this: the content, the timing, and the difficulty level are identical.
Both tests last 2 hours and 14 minutes. They both use the digital, adaptive format. If you do well on the first module, the second module gets harder. That’s how the scoring works for both.
Where the paths diverge
The real difference isn't what's on the paper (or screen). It's about when you take it and what happens to the score afterward.
- PSAT/NMSQT: This is the big kahuna. It’s held in October. If you’re a junior, this is the only test that can get you into the National Merit Scholarship Program.
- PSAT 10: This is the "sophomore-only" version. It’s held in the spring (usually between March and April). It’s a great practice tool, but it will never qualify you for National Merit status.
It’s kinda like a preseason game versus a playoff game. The rules are the same, but only the playoff game gets you a trophy.
Why the National Merit Scholarship is a big deal
Most people think National Merit is just a "good job" sticker for your college application. It’s way more than that.
For the Class of 2026, the stakes are high. If you hit the "Semifinalist" cutoff—which varies by state—you aren't just looking at a one-time $2,500 check. Many state universities offer full-ride scholarships (tuition, room, and board) just for being a National Merit Finalist.
Take a state like Florida or Alabama. If you’re a National Merit Finalist, you can often go to their flagship schools for essentially $0. In a world where a four-year degree can cost $300k, that PSAT/NMSQT score is suddenly the most valuable thing you’ll ever own.
The Selection Index: How the math actually works
You don’t just look at your 1520 score. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) uses something called a Selection Index (SI).
To find yours, you take your Reading & Writing score, double it, add your Math score, and then drop a zero. Or, more simply:
$$SI = (2 \times \text{Reading & Writing Score} + \text{Math Score}) \div 10$$
For 2026, we’ve seen some of the highest cutoffs in history. Massachusetts and New Jersey have hit a staggering 225. Wyoming and North Dakota are usually lower, around 210. This is why the PSAT/NMSQT is stressful for juniors—one or two missed questions can be the difference between a full ride and paying full price.
So, should a sophomore take the NMSQT in October?
This is where it gets tricky. Some high schools let 10th graders take the PSAT/NMSQT in October alongside the juniors.
Is it worth it? Maybe.
If you take it as a sophomore, it's great practice. However, it does not count for scholarship eligibility. You have to take it in your junior year for the NMSC to care. If you take the NMSQT in October of 10th grade and get a perfect score, you still have to take it again in 11th grade to qualify.
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The PSAT 10 in the spring is usually the better move for most sophomores. It gives you a benchmark. You see where you're at, you use the "BigFuture" app to see which AP classes you might be good at, and you move on with your life. No pressure.
Scoring and the "1520" ceiling
One thing that trips people up is that the PSAT (both versions) is out of 1520, while the SAT is out of 1600.
Why? Because the PSAT is slightly easier than the SAT. It doesn't have the high-level trigonometry or the most complex reading passages found on the Saturday SAT.
The College Board designed the scale so that a 1200 on the PSAT is supposed to mean you would have gotten a 1200 on the SAT on that same day. It’s a "vertically aligned" scale. If you're hitting the ceiling of 1520 on the PSAT/NMSQT, you're in great shape for a 1550+ on the actual SAT.
Key differences at a glance
Since I promised no "perfect tables," let's just talk through the logistical nitty-gritty.
The PSAT/NMSQT offers fee waivers for low-income 11th graders. The PSAT 10 generally does not offer the same level of fee waiver support through the College Board, though some districts pay for it for all students.
The NMSQT has a very rigid Saturday testing window in October (for 2026, expect October 17th or 24th) or a weekday window throughout the month. The PSAT 10 is way more flexible. Schools can pick almost any day in a two-month spring window to administer it.
If you’re homeschooled, the NMSQT is much harder to coordinate. You have to find a local school willing to host you in October. Because it's the "scholarship one," schools are often more protective of their seats.
What should you actually do now?
If you’re a sophomore, don’t stress the "NMSQT" part yet. Sign up for the PSAT 10 in the spring. It’s a low-stakes way to see how you handle the digital testing interface. Use the "Bluebook" app to take a practice test before the real thing. It’ll show you exactly how the adaptive modules feel.
If you’re a junior, your target is October. There is no "PSAT 10" for you. You are playing for the National Merit title. Focus heavily on the Reading & Writing section, because in that Selection Index formula we talked about, verbal counts twice as much as math.
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Check your state’s historical cutoffs. If you’re in a high-cutoff state like California or Texas, you need to start prepping at least 3 months early. If you miss the test because of an emergency, look into "Alternate Entry." You can sometimes use an SAT score to qualify for National Merit if you have a valid reason for missing the October PSAT.
The most important thing to remember: while the PSAT 10 vs PSAT NMSQT debate feels huge right now, neither score is actually seen by college admissions officers unless you choose to tell them. They are tools for you, not judgments on your future.
Practical Steps for Success
- Download the Bluebook App: This is the only way to practice the digital format. Do at least one full-length practice test.
- Calculate your SI: Use your most recent practice scores to see where you land on the Selection Index.
- Check the Dates: Ask your counselor by September for the October NMSQT or by February for the PSAT 10. Schools register you; you don't register yourself on the College Board site.
- Verbal over Math: If you are chasing National Merit, spend 60% of your study time on Reading & Writing to maximize that doubled SI multiplier.