What is the PSAT?
The following information was taken directly from The College Board web site:
"The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a co-sponsored program by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).
PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT I: Reasoning Test and SAT II: Writing Test. It also gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs.
You should take the PSAT/NMSQT in your junior year. Some students also take it earlier, typically in their sophomore year. If you take it earlier, recognize that the PSAT/NMSQT is a junior-level test, so don't get discouraged if your score is low. Your score will usually increase as your years of study increase."
Registering
For the PSAT/NMSQT only, you must sign up for the test at your high school or a high school in your community. The test is administered by high schools, not through test centers. Online registration for the PSAT/NMSQT is not available. If you want to take the PSAT/NMSQT, contact your high school counselor or principal to find about registering for the tests; paying test fees; and learning the correct date, time, and location that your school will give the test. Also contact your guidance office for a print copy of the PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin to help you prepare.
Fees and Fee Waivers
Fee waivers are available for students who are deemed needy according to standards set by the College Board. The fee for the 2006 PSAT/NMSQT is $12. Note: Schools sometimes charge an additional fee to cover administrative costs. The College Board makes fee waivers available to schools for juniors from low-income families who can't afford the test fee. See your counselor for more information about fee waivers.
