PSAT/NMSQT prep

PSAT prep is free.

3 full-length PSAT practice tests and daily practice in the free plan, each question with an explanation. The PSAT/NMSQT is also how students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program.

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PSAT · Reading and Writing24:10

3Mark for reviewMarked for review

The committee’s final report, though lengthy, ______ several recommendations that the city adopted within a year.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Acontained
Bcontaining
Cto contain
Dhaving contained

Question 3 of 10Next

AI tutor

Cover “though lengthy.” What does the report need to do?

3free full-length PSAT practice tests
Oct 1–30fall 2026 PSAT/NMSQT window
48–228Selection Index range
$0free plan, no card needed

Your Selection Index

National Merit uses the Selection Index, not your PSAT total. Reading and Writing counts twice.

Index =2 × RW + Math10

Reading and WritingMath206

(2 × 680 + 700) ÷ 10 = 206, on a 48–228 scale.

Compare with your state

Estimated cutoffs by state

Our planning ranges for the class of 2028, built from Semifinalist cutoffs since the PSAT went digital. They are estimates, not official NMSC cutoffs. See how we built them.

Find your state

All 50 states and D.C.

Estimated class of 2028 Semifinalist cutoff ranges, in Selection Index points
State or district	Low end	High end
Alabama	209	215
Alaska	207	216
Arizona	214	219
Arkansas	209	216
California	219	225
Colorado	216	220
Connecticut	219	224
Delaware	218	221
District of Columbia	222	226
Florida	215	220
Georgia	216	221
Hawaii	216	220
Idaho	210	216
Illinois	217	223
Indiana	214	219
Iowa	209	215
Kansas	211	217
Kentucky	210	215
Louisiana	210	217
Maine	213	218
Maryland	220	225
Massachusetts	220	226
Michigan	215	221
Minnesota	213	220
Mississippi	210	214
Missouri	213	218
Montana	207	214
Nebraska	210	215
Nevada	210	215
New Hampshire	214	220
New Jersey	222	226
New Mexico	208	212
New York	219	224
North Carolina	216	221
North Dakota	207	211
Ohio	215	220
Oklahoma	209	213
Oregon	215	220
Pennsylvania	218	222
Rhode Island	212	220
South Carolina	211	216
South Dakota	207	212
Tennessee	213	220
Texas	218	223
Utah	208	214
Vermont	211	217
Virginia	220	225
Washington	220	225
West Virginia	207	211
Wisconsin	211	216
Wyoming	207	211

Before and after test day

Find your test day

Schools pick a day between October 1 and October 30. See test dates

Practice the format

The digital PSAT/NMSQT has the same two sections as the SAT. Short daily sets and full practice tests build both.

Read your score report

Turn your section scores into a Selection Index and plan your next test. Got your score?

Questions

PSAT and National Merit.

Read the full National Merit guide

Is PSAT prep really free?

Yes. The free plan includes 3 full-length PSAT practice tests and an explanation for every question. No credit card is needed.

Which PSAT counts for National Merit?

Only the PSAT/NMSQT, usually taken in October of junior year. The PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 don’t enter you in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

How is the Selection Index calculated?

Double your Reading and Writing score, add your Math score and divide by 10. It runs from 48 to 228, so Reading and Writing counts twice as much as Math.

Do Hourly Prep practice tests give me a Selection Index?

No. Practice tests show which skills to work on, but they don’t produce a calibrated score. Use the Selection Index on your official score report.

When is the PSAT/NMSQT?

Schools give it on days they choose between October 1 and October 30, 2026. Your school counselor has your date.

Start free PSAT practice.

Full-length practice tests and daily sets, with an explanation for every question.

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