Deciphering the NMSQT?

Hey y'all. I'm pretty new to the whole college process, and there's this term I keep hearing - NMSQT. What does it actually stand for? And how does it play into the college admissions game?

Hi! NMSQT stands for the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It is a standardized test that high school students frequently take in their junior year. This specific examination is more commonly known as the PSAT, but when taken in a student's junior year, it also serves as the NMSQT.

The NMSQT is also one of the ways high school students can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program. Scoring highly can potentially land you in the running for a National Merit Scholarship. Once your scores qualify you for this program, there are a few more steps to potentially earn scholarships, including submitting an application and an essay.

However, even if you don't eventually receive a National Merit Scholarship, being a semifinalist or finalist can certainly impress admissions at some colleges. Despite this, the bulk of a student's application (such as GPA, course rigor, SAT/ACT scores, extracurriculars, and application essays) is substantially more important. It's important to clarify here that the NMSQT or PSAT scores themselves are not typically considered in college admissions decisions; they are primarily utilized for the National Merit Scholarship program.

Nevertheless, the PSAT/NMSQT is an excellent trial run for the SAT. The structure and content of the two exams are very similar. Thus, aside from potentially qualifying for scholarships, taking the PSAT/NMSQT is a valuable opportunity to familiarize yourself with the format and environment of college admissions tests.