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PSAT/NMSQT 2021-2022 Dates!

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The PSAT is an important stepping stone in your path to college admissions. Your scores will not appear on your high school record, but if you do well, you may be recognized as a National Merit Scholar and get college funding. The PSAT is also a wonderful way to practice taking tests and improve your test-taking skills before taking the real SAT (and ACT).

What is the PSAT Exam?

In the United States, PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Exam) is a standardized test given by the College Board and co-sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).  The test is open to younger students as well. The PSAT/NMSQT results are used to determine National Merit Scholarship Program eligibility and qualifying.

“So many students take this exam because they feel they will be able to attain the score that would make them eligible for the scholarship.”

However, obtaining a National Merit Scholarship is a difficult undertaking. More than 2 million students took the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 in the 2020-2021 school year, according to College Board data. In 2022, about 7,500 test-takers will be chosen to win a National Honor Scholarship or a corporate or college-sponsored merit award.

Why take the PSAT Exam

Families frequently ask us if they should prepare for the PSAT test. We don’t advocate studying for the PSAT in general. Keep in mind that this is only a practice test. For college admission, the PSAT is not necessary.

  • In order to prepare for the SAT, it delivers a genuine test-taking experience.
  • It might be a beneficial early indicator of strengths and places for improvement in your exam preparation plan.
  • It allows students to get a feel of how they will perform on the SAT.
  • The National Merit Scholarship Corporation selects candidates for Merit Scholarship grants based on their junior year PSAT/NMSQT results.

Important Updates for 2021-22

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Administration Policies Have Been Made More Flexible:

Most of the test administration policies we proposed in 2020-21 for more flexibility are being extended this year to make it simpler to follow local health recommendations. The following policies are in place to provide for more flexibility in ordering and testing:

  • You can test students on various PSAT administration dates by ordering for multiple PSAT/NMSQT test dates.
  • Saturday and alternate tests should be ordered.
  • You can divide your students across two administration days to help with space limits, or you can order a few more test books for the Alternate in case students miss the first exam date. On any of the administration dates, there is no minimum number of students who can test.
  • On Tuesday, October 26, 2021, the PSAT/NMSQT Alternate will be given. The test dates were chosen to give schools a variety of possibilities on different days of the week.
  • For the 2021-22 school year, the Alternate will be the final PSAT/NMSQT administration. Schools that plan to solely test their students on the Alternate should be informed that if they are unable to take tests due to unanticipated circumstances, no extra chance will be available.
  • Because unused test fees may apply, schools should carefully order exam materials for each administration.

PSAT Test Dates – 2021/22

The PSAT is usually given in October, however, due to the coronavirus pandemic, a new date of January 2021 has been established for schools that will be unable to administer the test in October 2020. On January 26, 2021, a new test date was set. The January PSAT date appears to have been a one-time occurrence. At this time, there is no indication that a January PSAT date will be offered in 2022 by the College Board.

In October 2022, 10th and 11th graders will be able to take the PSAT NMSQT. In the fall of 2021, there are three possible PSAT exam dates.

20212022
Primary PSATWednesday, October 13October 12, 2022
Weekend PSATSaturday, October 16October 15, 2022
Alternate PSATThursday, October 26October 25, 2022

Each high school administers the PSAT on an individual basis (rather than at designated test centers like the SAT). This implies that secondary schools have the authority to choose which dates to give students.

In 2021, the College Board proposes that schools offer the PSAT on October 13th. The Saturday alternative is October 16, and October 26 is a secondary date that schools may select if they are unable to hold the exam on October 13th. You must take the test on the scheduled day set by your institution.

PSAT Test Ordering Dates for 2021

PSAT/NMSQT Test DatesOrdering Deadlines
Primary: October 13, October 16
Alternate: October 26
Aug 4: Deadline for schools outside the U.S. to decrease orders
Sept 15: Deadline for U.S. schools to order, reduce, and increase orders. Deadline for schools outside the U.S. to order or increase orders.

NOTE: For more updates visit the official website CollegeBoard

PSAT Scores Date 2021

Students can get 2021 PSAT/NMSQT scores on December 6 or 7, 2021 depending on their location. Educators can access scores in the K–12 reporting portal starting November 29, 2021.

Image: collegeboard

How to Get Scores Assistance

If you’re having difficulties finding your released scores, try these steps:

It’s possible that you’ll need to change your account details. To validate your account, log in to the student scoring portal and follow the instructions.

  • Log in to the student score portal and discover how to validate your account using your PSAT/NMSQT access code.
  • Do you have another account with the College Board? It’s possible that you, your parent, or your school counsellor made it. Log out of one account and log back in with the other.
  • Call 866-433-7728 for additional information. 

Preparing for PSAT Exam? Then do check -out 5 Actionable Tips to Prepare for the PSAT Examination!

PSAT Scholarships


There are three categories for the approximately 7,500 Merit Scholarships. The first is the $2,500 National Merit Scholarship, which is awarded by college admissions officers and school counselors. This prize is a $2,500 one-time payout.

The National Merit Scholarship Corp. selects roughly 1,000 corporate-sponsored merit and special scholarships, with the amount and term of the award changing by a corporate sponsor and ranging up to $10,000 each year. Finally, there are around 4,000 renewable college-sponsored merit scholarships, with sums ranging from $500 to $2,000 a year and recipients chosen by the individual universities.

Frequently Asked Questions:-

Are the PSAT results for 2021 available?

PSAT scores are typically posted online eight weeks after the test is taken. The PSAT results for 2021 will be revealed over two days, on December 6th and 7th.

What if I miss the PSAT?

Students can take the “alternative testing option” if they miss the PSAT/NMSQT in their junior year due to illness or other unavoidable reasons. Students can take the SAT 1 instead of the PSAT/NMSQT, and their scores will be converted and used in place of the PSAT/NMSQT.

Is the PSAT Important for College Admissions?

The SAT or ACT is far more important in determining your admission or rejection into college, therefore the simple answer is No, universities generally do not take PSAT scores into consideration.

Is there a scholarship program for PSAT?

If you’re like most high school students, the PSAT serves as a warm-up for the SAT. The PSAT/NMSQT, or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, is its full name. If you obtain a perfect score on the test, you may be eligible for a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship.

When can I take the PSAT 2022?

The PSAT/NMSQT is available on the following dates: 

Primary Test Day: October 12, 2022
Saturday Test Day: October 15, 2022
Alternate Test Day: October 25, 2022

To Sum Up it!

As the PSAT test is normally administered in October at the start of the school year, you will have the whole summer to prepare for it. You should consider studying consistently and diligently if you wish to be eligible for a National Merit Scholarship.

One of the simplest methods to prepare for the PSAT is to take Filo online classes, where you will find lots of experienced tutors for your thorough exam preparation. So, Download the Filo App and enjoy your preparation. 🙂

Content Writer at Filo!

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