Student Guide National Merit Scholarship

Fall 2022
TO ENTER THE
2024 NATIONAL
MERIT SCHOLARSHIP
PROGRAM:
Take the Preliminary

SAT/National Merit
Student
Scholarship Qualifying
Test (PSAT/NMSQT®)
in fall 2022
Guide
Meet other entry
requirements (see inside)
www.nationalmerit.org
FLIP THIS
BOOK
OVER FOR
TEST-TAKING
HELP ON THE
PSAT/NMSQT
NMSC, National Merit, Merit Scholarship, Merit Scholar, and the corporate “Lamp of Learning” logo are federally registered service marks of National
Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of National Merit Scholarship Corporation and College Board. SAT is a
registered trademark of College Board, and PSAT is a trademark owned by College Board. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. NMSC pages 1–23
© 2022 National Merit Scholarship Corporation. All rights reserved.
2 2022 PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide

National Merit® Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition

and college scholarships that began in 1955. United States high school students enter
the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary S A T/National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which serves as an initial screen of
over 1.5 million entrants each year, and by meeting published program entry and
participation requirements.
To enter the National Merit Scholarship Program and compete for recognition and 8,050
scholarships to be offered in 2024:
• Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October 2022.

• Meet other program entry requirements.
Program entrants must take the test in the specified year of the high school program
(see page 6). The 2022 PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test for entry to the 2024
program. Most entrants will complete high school and enroll in college in 2024.
Important information about the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program:

Entry Requirements ................................................................................. 5
Program Recognition ............................................................................... 7
Types of Scholarships ............................................................................... 8
Scholarship Sponsors
Corporations and Business Organizations ....................................... 10
Colleges and Universities .................................................................. 19
Have questions?
Website: www.nationalmerit.org
Phone: (847) 866-5100
Address: National Merit Scholarship Corporation
1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 200
Evanston, IL 60201-4897
Student Guide 2022 PSAT/NMSQT 3

Steps in the 2024 National Merit® Scholarship Competition
1,500,000 Entrants. In October 2022, U.S. high school students who take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) and meet other program requirements will enter the 2024 competition
for National Merit Scholarship Program recognition and scholarships. Nearly all program participants (entrants) will be
juniors planning to enter college in 2024. NMSC® uses PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index scores (calculated by doubling
the sum of the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math Test scores) to determine 50,000 high-scoring participants
who qualify for program recognition.
50,000 High Scorers. In April 2023, NMSC will ask high school principals to identify any errors or changes in the reported
eligibility of students whose scores will qualify them for recognition in the fall of 2023.
PARTICIPANTS WHO QUALIFY FOR NATIONAL MERIT PROGRAM RECOGNITION
34,000 Commended Students. In late September 2023, 16,000 Semifinalists. In early September 2023, about
more than two-thirds of the 50,000 high scorers will one-third of the 50,000 high scorers will be notified that
receive Letters of Commendation in recognition of their they have qualified as Semifinalists—the highest-scoring
outstanding academic promise. Although Commended entrants in each state. NMSC will notify them through
Students will not continue in the competition for National their schools and provide scholarship application
Merit Scholarships, some may be candidates for Special materials explaining requirements to advance in the
Scholarships provided by corporate and business sponsors competition for National Merit Scholarships to be offered
(see below). in 2024.
15,000 Finalists. In February 2024, Semifinalists who

meet academic and other requirements will be notified
that they have advanced to Finalist standing and will
receive Certificates of Merit attesting to their recognition
in the program. All National Merit Scholarship winners
(Merit Scholar® awardees) will be chosen from this
group of Finalists based on their abilities, skills, and
accomplishments.
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
800 Special Scholarship recipients. Beginning 7,250 Merit Scholarship® winners. Beginning in March
in March 2024, NMSC will notify winners of Special 2024, NMSC will notify winners of the three types of
Scholarships provided by corporate sponsors. Scholarship National Merit Scholarships:
recipients will be chosen from candidates who will be »» National Merit® $2500 Scholarships
sent scholarship application materials through their »» Corporate-sponsored scholarships
high schools in November 2023. Although not Finalists,
scholarship recipients will be outstanding students who »» College-sponsored scholarships
meet their sponsors’ eligibility criteria. Sponsors will In April, May, June, and July, NMSC will release names
handle public announcement of their Special Scholarship of Merit Scholar designees to news media for public
winners. announcement.

The 2024 Competition Begins in 2022 National Merit® Scholarship Program
The 2024 Competition On test day, students will be asked the following
three questions to determine entry to the National
Begins in 2022 Merit Scholarship Program:
®
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual A. Are you enrolled as a high school student
academic competition among high school students for (traditional or homeschooled)?
recognition and college scholarships. The program is A. Yes B. No
conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation B. When will you complete or leave high school
®
(NMSC ), a not-for-profit organization that operates and enroll full-time in college?
without government assistance. A. 2023 B. 2024 C. 2025
The 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship D. After 2025 E. Not planning to attend college
®
Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT ) is the qualifying C. How many total years will you spend in grades
9–12?
test for entry to the 2024 National Merit Program. (The
™ ™
PSAT 10 and PSAT 8/9 will NOT be considered for A. 1 year
D. 4 years
B. 2 years
E. 5 or more years
C. 3 years
entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program.) The
competition will span about 18 months from entry in the
fall of 2022 until the spring of 2024 when scholarships
Students testing outside the United States will also
for college undergraduate study will be awarded. It is be asked the following question:
expected that about 4 million students will take the
PSAT/NMSQT in 2022, and approximately 1.5 million D. Are you a citizen of the United States?
of them will meet requirements to enter this program. A. Yes B. No
C. No, but I am a U.S. lawful permanent resident
(or have applied for permanent residence, the
Entry Requirements application for which has not been denied) and
To enter the 2024 National Merit Program, a student I intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest
needs to meet all of the following requirements. A opportunity allowed by law.
student must:
1. be enrolled as a high school student (traditional
or homeschooled), progressing normally toward Eligibility Verification
graduation or completion of high school by 2024, The NMSC section of the PSAT/NMSQT Score Report
and planning to accept admission to college no later shows the student’s responses to the questions above
than the fall of 2024; and whether the student’s Selection Index score will be
2. attend high school in the United States, District of considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Columbia, or U.S. commonwealths and territories; Students are encouraged to review this section of their
or meet the citizenship requirements for students Score Report carefully and contact NMSC immediately
attending high school outside the United States (see if any responses to their entry requirement questions
the box at the bottom of the page); and are incorrect or have changed.
3. take the 2022 PSAT/NMSQT in the specified year
of the high school program and no later than the
third year in grades 9 through 12, regardless of grade
classification or educational pattern (explained in
When to Take the Test on page 6).
Students Attending High School Outside the United States

To be eligible for the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program, a student attending high school outside the
United States must be a citizen of the United States; or be a U.S. lawful permanent resident (or have applied for
permanent residence, the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the
earliest opportunity allowed by law.

National Merit® Scholarship Program When to Take the Test
When to Take the Test 3. Students who are dual enrolled in both high school
and college must take the qualifying test in their
To participate in the National Merit Program, students
third year of high school (grade 11, junior year). To
must take the PSAT/NMSQT in the specified year of
enter the competition that ends when scholarships
their high school program. Because a student can
are offered in 2024, these students must be in their
participate (and be considered for a scholarship) in
third year of high school when they take the 2022
only one specific competition year, the year in which
PSAT/NMSQT, the same as all other students who
the student takes the PSAT/NMSQT to enter the
plan to spend four years in grades 9 through 12.
competition is very important.
The high school determines whether a student is
1. Students who plan to spend the usual four years in dual enrolled and confirms the student’s status as a
high school (grades 9 through 12) before entering high school student.
college full-time must take the qualifying test in
4. Students who plan to take five years to complete
their third year of high school (grade 11, junior year).
grades 9 through 12 can participate in the National
Merit Program if they take the PSAT/NMSQT in
Sophomores who take the 2022 PSAT/NMSQT
the third year of high school and again in the fourth
but plan to spend four years in grades 9 through
year. These students’ Selection Index scores will not
12 will not meet entry requirements for the 2024
be eligible for the program until a written request
National Merit Program. They must take the
for entry to the competition is approved by NMSC.
PSAT/NMSQT again in 2023 (when they are
The request should include the student’s name, high
juniors) to enter the competition that will end
school name and location, year the student began
when scholarships are awarded in 2025, the year
high school, year the student will complete high
they will complete high school and enter college.
school, and a brief explanation of the student’s
2. Students who plan to leave high school early to
educational pattern.
enroll in college full-time after spending three years NMSC will use the student’s Selection Index score
or less in grades 9 through 12 usually can participate from the PSAT/NMSQT taken in the student’s third year
in the National Merit Program if they take the of grades 9 through 12 to determine the expected level
PSAT/NMSQT before they finish high school. To of recognition. In order to be recognized in the fifth
enter the competition for awards offered in 2024, (final) year of high school, the student must take
these students must be in either the next-to-last or the PSAT/NMSQT again in the fourth year and
the last year of high school when they take the 2022 earn a qualifying Selection Index score at or above
PSAT/NMSQT: the level achieved on the third year test. The level
of recognition a student receives cannot exceed the
a. if students are in the next-to-last year of high level earned on the qualifying test taken during the
school when they take the 2022 PSAT/NMSQT, student’s third year in grades 9 through 12, the year
awards will be offered as they are finishing their in which all other competitors are considered.
last year of high school; or
NOTE: If your high school standing and enrollment do
b. if students are in their last year of high school
not fit one of the preceding descriptions or if you have
when they take the 2022 PSAT/NMSQT,
any questions about when to take the PSAT/NMSQT
awards will be offered the year after they have
for National Merit Program entry, contact NMSC
completed high school.
immediately.

Program Recognition National Merit® Scholarship Program
Unable to Take the PSAT/NMSQT? on the basis of a nationally applied Selection Index
If you do not take the 2022 PSAT/NMSQT because qualifying score that may vary from year to year.
of illness, an emergency, or other extenuating In recognition of their outstanding ability and
circumstance, you may still be able to enter the potential for academic success in college, these students
2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. To will be honored with Letters of Commendation sent to
request information about another route of entry them through their high schools. Although Commended
after the Fall 2022 PSAT/NMSQT administration, Students will not continue in the competition for
write to NMSC as soon as possible but no later than National Merit Scholarships, some may be candidates
April 1, 2023. The alternate entry request should for Special Scholarships offered by corporate sponsors
include your name and home address, the contact (see pages 9–10). NMSC will notify those candidates
information of the person making the request, the in November 2023.
name and address of your high school, and a brief Semifinalists. More than 16,000 of the high scorers,
explanation of why you missed the test. Do not representing less than 1 percent of the nation’s high
delay; the earlier you write, the more options you school graduating seniors, will qualify as Semifinalists.
will have for scheduling test dates. Only Semifinalists will have an opportunity to advance
Mail your request to: in the competition for Merit Scholarship awards.®
NMSC will notify Semifinalists of their standing and
National Merit Scholarship Corporation
send scholarship application materials to them through
Attn: Scholarship Administration
their high schools in September 2023. Their names will
1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 200
be sent to regionally accredited four-year U.S. colleges
Evanston, IL 60201-4897
and universities and released to local news media for
Your letter must be postmarked on or before public announcement in mid-September.
April 1, 2023, for your request to be considered. NMSC designates Semifinalists in the program on a
state-representational basis to ensure that academically
accomplished young people from all parts of the
If you felt your test performance was negatively United States are included in this talent pool. Using
affected for any reason and you do not want your the latest data available, an allocation of Semifinalists is
2022 PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index score used for determined for each state, based on the state’s percentage
participation in the 2024 National Merit Program, of the national total of high school graduating seniors.
you must contact NMSC immediately but no later For example, the number of Semifinalists in a state
than November 15, 2022, to submit a formal request. that enrolls approximately two percent of the nation’s
Requests received after November 15, 2022, will not graduating seniors would be about 320 (2 percent of
be considered. the 16,000 Semifinalists).
NMSC then arranges the Selection Index scores of
all National Merit Program participants within a state in
Program Recognition descending order. The score at which a state’s allocation
NMSC uses PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index scores is most closely filled becomes the Semifinalist qualifying
(calculated by doubling the sum of the Reading, score. Entrants with a Selection Index score at or above
Writing and Language, and Math Test scores) as an the qualifying score are named Semifinalists. As a result
initial screen of some 1.5 million program entrants. of this process, Semifinalist qualifying scores vary from
The 2022 Selection Index scores of all students who state to state and from year to year, but the scores of all
meet entry requirements for the 2024 program will be Semifinalists are extremely high.
considered. In the spring of 2023, NMSC will ask high In addition to Semifinalists designated in each of
school principals to identify any errors or changes in the the 50 states and without affecting the allocation to any
reported eligibility of their high scorers (students whose state, Semifinalists are named in several other selection
Selection Index scores will qualify them for recognition units that NMSC establishes for the competition. These
in the fall of 2023). units are for students attending schools in the District of
Commended Students. In September 2023, more than Columbia, schools in U.S. commonwealths and territories,
two-thirds (about 34,000) of the high scorers will be schools in other countries that enroll U.S. citizens, and
designated Commended Students. They will be named U.S. boarding schools that enroll a sizable proportion of

National Merit® Scholarship Program Choosing Scholarship Winners
their students from outside the state in which the school to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.
is located. A participant can be considered for Semifinalist Scholarship recipients are the candidates judged to have
standing in only one state or selection unit, based on the the greatest potential for success in rigorous college
high school in which the student is regularly enrolled studies and beyond.
when taking the PSAT/NMSQT. To receive a scholarship payment, a Merit Scholarship
Finalists. A Semifinalist must fulfill several additional winner must notify NMSC of plans to (a) enroll in a
requirements and advance to the Finalist level of the college or university in the United States that holds
competition before being considered for a National accredited status with a regional accrediting commission
Merit Scholarship. About 95 percent (over 15,000) on higher education, and (b) enroll full-time in an
of the Semifinalists are expected to become Finalists undergraduate course of study leading to a traditional
and receive a Certificate of Merit attesting to their baccalaureate degree. NMSC scholarship stipends are
distinguished performance in the competition. not payable for attendance at service academies or
certain institutions that are limited in their purposes
To qualify as a Finalist, a Semifinalist must: or training.
1. continue to meet all program entry requirements The selection process involves evaluating substantial
(explained on page 5); amounts of information about Finalists obtained from
both students and their high schools. Included are the
2. be enrolled in the last year of high school and
Finalist’s academic record (course load and difficulty
planning to enroll full-time in college the
level, depth and breadth of subjects studied, and grades
following fall, or be enrolled in the first year of
earned); PSAT/NMSQT scores; the student’s essay;
college if grades 9 through 12 were completed
demonstrated leadership and contributions to school
in three years or less;
and community activities; and the school official’s written
3. be fully endorsed for Finalist standing and recommendation and characterization of the Finalist.
recommended for a National Merit Scholarship The same process is used to select Special Scholarship
by the high school principal; winners for a corporate sponsor’s awards.
4. have a record of very high academic performance
in all of grades 9 through 12 and in any college
course work taken (the high school must Types of Scholarships
provide a complete record of courses taken Some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships of three
and grades earned by the student, as well as types and approximately 800 Special Scholarships will
information about the school’s curriculum and be awarded in 2024; these 8,050 awards will have a
grading system); combined value of over $35 million. Different types of
5. complete the National Merit Scholarship
scholarships will be offered, but no student can receive
Application with all information requested, more than one monetary award from NMSC.
which includes writing an essay; ®
National Merit $2500 Scholarships. These awards are
unique because every Finalist is considered for one and
® ®
6. take the SAT or ACT and earn scores that
confirm the PSAT/NMSQT performance that winners are named in every state and other selection
resulted in Semifinalist standing; and unit. The number awarded in each state is determined by
7. provide any other documentation and
the same representational procedure used to designate
information that NMSC requests. Semifinalists. Finalists compete with all other Finalists in
their state or selection unit for one of the 2,500 National
Merit $2500 Scholarships. Winners are selected by a
Choosing Scholarship committee of college admission officers and high school
counselors.
Winners National Merit $2500 Scholarships provide a single
Only Finalists will be considered for the 7,250 National payment of $2,500. NMSC’s own funds support the
Merit Scholarships. Approximately half of the Finalists majority of these scholarships, but corporate sponsors
will be Merit Scholarship winners (Merit Scholar
awardees). Winners are chosen on the basis of their
® help underwrite these awards with grants they provide
to NMSC in lieu of paying administrative fees.
abilities, skills, and accomplishments—without regard

Types of Scholarships National Merit® Scholarship Program
A Total of 8,050 Scholarships Offered

National Merit ®
$2500 Scholarships
Corporate-sponsored Corporate-sponsored
Merit Scholarships Special Scholarships
College-sponsored
Merit Scholarships
Who is All Finalists Finalists who meet High-performing Finalists who plan
considered? compete with all criteria specified by program partici- to attend a sponsor
other Finalists in a corporate sponsor, pants (although not college and have
their state or other usually: Finalists) who meet informed NMSC
selection unit. • children of a sponsor’s criteria; that the sponsor
employees; most are for: college is their first
• residents of specific • children of choice
communities; or employees;
• Finalists with • residents of specific
certain college communities; or
major or career • participants with
plans certain college
major or career
plans
Who selects A committee of NMSC’s professional NMSC’s professional Officials of each

winners? college admission staff staff sponsor college
officers and high
school counselors
What is the Awards provide a Varies by sponsor— Varies by sponsor— Varies by sponsor—
monetary value? one-time payment awards can be a awards can be a awards are
of $2,500. one-time payment one-time payment renewable for
ranging from $2,500 ranging from $2,500 4 years of study
to $5,000 or to $5,000 or at the sponsor
renewable awards renewable awards institution. Stipends
that range from that range from range from $500 to
$1,000 to $10,000 $1,000 to $10,000 $2,000 per year.
per year. per year.
When does NMSC Late March Early March Early March Early May
begin sending
scholarship offers?
Corporate-sponsored scholarships. In 2022, about 180 The number of National Merit Scholarships a
corporations, company foundations, and businesses company or business offers annually may range from
sponsored scholarships through the National Merit one to more than 100. Finalists who meet a sponsor’s
Program as part of their educational philanthropy. criteria are identified from information Semifinalists
These sponsors committed about $14 million to supply on their scholarship applications. Winners are
support approximately 950 corporate-sponsored Merit selected from this pool based on their abilities, skills,
Scholarship awards and 800 Special Scholarships for and accomplishments. The scholarship name usually
children of employees, or for other accomplished identifies the grantor—for example, National Merit
students who meet the sponsor’s criteria. XYZ Company Scholarship.

National Merit® Scholarship Program Scholarship Sponsors
Over two-thirds of the program’s corporate sponsors Scholarship Sponsors

also provide Special Scholarships. Organizations
Approximately 340 independent organizations and
that sponsor Special Scholarships make Entry Forms
institutions sponsor more than two-thirds of the
available to children of employees or members, or to
National Merit Scholarships offered each year. All Special
students with qualifications of interest to the sponsor.
Scholarships are sponsored by business organizations
Entry Forms are completed by students (and their
that also support Merit Scholarship awards.
parents, if applicable). If the number of Finalists eligible
for a sponsor’s awards is smaller than the number of Corporate scholarship sponsors. Following is a list of
awards the corporate organization wishes to offer, corporate organizations that currently sponsor
NMSC establishes a pool of high-scoring candidates scholarships in the National Merit Program with any
who filed Entry Forms. NMSC then sends Special eligibility criteria that apply to candidates for their
Scholarship application materials to these candidates awards. An asterisk (*) indicates the sponsor offers
through their high schools and invites them to compete Special Scholarships in addition to National Merit
for the sponsor’s Special Scholarships. Scholarships and requires students or their families to
Each corporate sponsor specifies the monetary file Entry Forms.
limits of scholarships it finances and decides whether The number of awards shown is an estimate of
the awards provide one-time payments or fixed the yearly total, and neither the sponsor nor NMSC
stipends that can be renewed for up to four years of is obligated to offer these scholarships in 2023, 2024,
college undergraduate study. (See chart on page 9.) or beyond.
College-sponsored Merit Scholarships. In the 2024 A
competition, it is expected that about 3,800 National
Merit Scholarships will be offered to Finalists who plan to AbbVie Foundation–Every Finalist who is the
attend a sponsor college or university. (See the list of about child of an employee of the corporation or a U.S.
160 colleges that currently are Merit Scholarship subsidiary will be offered an award.
sponsors, beginning on page 19.) A college-sponsored
scholarship is renewable for up to four years of * Acushnet Company–3 awards for children of
undergraduate study at the sponsor institution. It cannot employees of the company and its subsidiaries.
be transferred; therefore, it is canceled if a winner does
not attend the college financing the award. * ADP Foundation–40 awards for children of
Officials of each sponsor institution choose award employees of ADP.
recipients from among Finalists who have been accepted
for admission and have informed NMSC that the sponsor * Aerojet Rocketdyne Foundation–10 awards for
college or university is their first choice. Each college the children of employees of Aerojet Rocketdyne
sponsor chooses the annual stipend their institution Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
offers to award recipients, within a range of $500 to
$2,000 per year. All college-sponsored scholarship * Akzo Nobel Inc.–4 awards for children of employees
recipients at the institution will receive the same stipend of the corporation and its subsidiaries.
amount as determined by the college.
* Albany International–2 awards for children of
employees of the corporation and its subsidiaries.
* Ameren Corporation Charitable Trust–6 awards

for children of employees of Ameren Corporation.
* This corporate sponsor offers Special Scholarships

®
in addition to Merit Scholarship awards, and Entry
Forms that the sponsor makes available must be filed.

Scholarship Sponsors National Merit® Scholarship Program
American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc–5 awards B

for Finalists who are children of employees of the
corporation and its subsidiaries. BASF Corporation–Up to 20 awards for Finalists
who are children of employees of the corporation
* American City Business Journals, Inc.–2 awards for and its subsidiaries.
children of employees of the corporation.
Battelle–Every Finalist who is the child of an
American Electric Power Company, Inc.–5 awards employee of the company will be offered an award.
for Finalists who are children of employees of the
corporation and its subsidiaries. Bentley Systems, Incorporated–Every Finalist who
is the child of an employee of the corporation will be
* AmerisourceBergen Corporation–8 awards for offered an award.
children of employees of the corporation and its
subsidiaries.
Mary E. Beyerle Trust–7 awards for Finalists from
Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
* The AMETEK Foundation–8 awards for children of
employees of AMETEK, Inc., and its subsidiaries.
BNSF Railway Foundation–Up to 10 awards for
* Aon Foundation–15 awards for children of Finalists who are children of employees of BNSF
employees of Aon and its subsidiaries. Corporation and its subsidiaries.
* Apache Corporation–2 awards for children of The Boeing Company–Every Finalist who is
employees of the corporation and its subsidiaries. the child of an employee of the company or a
subsidiary will be offered an award.
* Arkema Inc. Foundation–4 awards for children of
employees of Arkema Inc. and its subsidiaries. * Brady Corporation Foundation, Inc.–5 awards
for children of employees of Brady Corporation
Ascension–20 awards for Finalists who are children and its eligible subsidiaries.
of employees of the organization and its eligible
subsidiaries. * Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund–Up to 50
awards for children of employees and retirees of
Aspen Technology, Inc.–3 awards for Finalists who Bridgestone Americas, Inc., and its participating
are children of employees of the corporation and its subsidiaries.
eligible subsidiaries.
* Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, Inc.–50
* Astellas US LLC–2 awards for children of employees awards for children of employees of the Bristol-
of the corporation and its eligible affiliates. Myers Squibb Company’s U.S. divisions and
subsidiaries.
* AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP–30 awards
for children of employees of AstraZeneca * Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.–6 awards
Pharmaceuticals LP and MedImmune LLC. for children of employees of the corporation and
its qualifying subsidiaries.
®
* This corporate sponsor offers Special Scholarships in addition to Merit Scholarship awards, and Entry Forms that
the sponsor makes available must be filed.

* Brown & Brown, Inc.–10 awards for children * Corning Incorporated–5 awards for children of
of employees of the corporation and its eligible employees of the corporation and its subsidiaries.
subsidiaries.
* Crum & Forster–10 awards for children of
* Bunge North America, Inc.–4 awards for employees of the company.
subsidiaries; the awards are distributed among CSX Corporation–5 awards for Finalists who are
employment groups. children of employees of the corporation and its
* Bunzl USA, LLC–5 awards for children of
employees of the corporation and its subsidiaries. D
C * Dollar Tree, Inc.–Up to 20 awards for children
of employees of the corporation and its eligible
CACI International Inc–5 awards for Finalists who divisions. The awards are distributed among
are planning to major in certain technological and employment groups.
mathematical fields.
Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation–
* Carlisle Companies Incorporated–2 awards for 1 award for a Finalist from a designated county in
children of employees of the corporation and its South Carolina.
subsidiaries; the awards are distributed among
employment groups. E
* Carpenter Technology Corporation–4 awards for Eastman–3 awards for Finalists who are children of
children of employees of the corporation and its employees of Eastman and its subsidiaries.
subsidiaries.
* Eaton Charitable Fund–15 awards for children of
* CDK Global, LLC–6 awards for children of employees of Eaton Corporation.
employees of the corporation.
Ellucian Company L.P.–2 awards for Finalists who
Chevron U.S.A. Inc.–5 awards for Finalists who are children of employees of the company.
are children of employees of the corporation and its
affiliated companies. Emerson Charitable Trust–10 awards for Finalists
who are children of employees of Emerson Electric
* Coalfire Systems, Inc.–2 awards for children of Co. and its subsidiaries.
* The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.–3 awards for
* Colgate-Palmolive Company–20 awards for children children of employees of the corporation and its U.S.
of employees of the company and its subsidiaries. affiliates and subsidiaries.
* Commvault Systems, Inc.–2 awards for children of * Eversource Energy Foundation, Inc.–10 awards
employees of the corporation. for children of employees of the company or its
subsidiaries.
* Computer Aid, Inc.–2 awards for children of
employees of the corporation and its eligible
subsidiaries.
®

F G
* FedEx Custom Critical, Inc.–4 awards—2 awards * GAF–2 awards for children of employees of the
for children of employees; 2 awards for children and corporation and its subsidiaries; the awards are
grandchildren of contractors. distributed among divisions.
* FedEx Freight Corporation–20 awards for children * Gannett Foundation, Inc.–6 awards for children of
of employees of the corporation. employees of Gannett Co. Inc.
* FedEx Ground Package System, Inc.– * Gates Industrial Corporation Foundation–Up to

12 awards—6 awards for the children of package 10 awards for children of employees of Gates
handlers; 6 awards for the children of non-package Industrial Corporation and its subsidiaries; the
handlers. awards are distributed among the employment base.
* Ferro Corporation–3 awards for children of GEICO Philanthropic Foundation–3 awards for
employees of the corporation. Finalists who are children of associates of GEICO
Corporation and its subsidiaries.
* Fifth Third Foundation–25 awards for children of
employees of Fifth Third Bank.
General Dynamics Corporation–Every Finalist
who is the child of an employee of the corporation or
Fluor Foundation–4 awards for Finalists who a subsidiary will be offered an award.
are children of employees of Fluor and its eligible
subsidiaries. * General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical
Systems–2 awards for children of employees of the
* FMC Corporation–4 awards for children of corporation and its subsidiaries.
* Gleason Family Foundation–Up to 8 awards for
Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A.–Every children of employees of Gleason Corporation and its
Finalist who is the child of an employee of the U.S. subsidiaries and divisions.
corporation or an affiliated organization will be
offered an award. * Global Tungsten & Powders Corp.–2 awards for
children of employees of Global Tungsten & Powders
* Fox News Channel, LLC–2 awards for children Corp. and GTP Group Services.
subsidiaries. * W.W. Grainger, Inc.–12 awards—10 awards for
children of employees of the corporation and its U.S.
FTS International, LLC–1 award for a Finalist subsidiaries; 2 awards for Finalists in the National
from either Washington, DC, or Denver, Colorado, Merit Scholarship Program.
metropolitan areas planning to pursue certain
college majors. * Greyhound Lines, Inc.–Up to 6 awards for children
of employees of the corporation and its subsidiaries.
®

H K
* Hormel Foods Corporation Charitable Trust– * Kaman Corporation–3 awards for children of
18 awards for children of employees of Hormel Foods employees of the corporation and its subsidiaries.
Corporation and its subsidiaries.
* The Kennametal Foundation–2 awards for children
* The Harvey Hubbell Foundation–4 awards for of employees of Kennametal Inc. and its subsidiaries.
children of employees of Hubbell Incorporated and
its subsidiaries. L
* Hunter Industries Incorporated–2 awards for L3 Harris Technologies–2 awards for Finalists who
children of employees of the corporation and its are children of employees of the company and its
subsidiaries. subsidiaries.
I * LANXESS Corporation–5 awards for children of

employees of LANXESS Corporation, LANXESS
* Illinois Tool Works Foundation–Up to 30 awards
Solutions, Great Lakes Chemical Corporation, and
for children of employees of Illinois Tool Works Inc.
each corporation’s respective subsidiaries.
and its subsidiaries.
* Ingalls Shipbuilding Division of Huntington Leidos, Inc.–10 awards for Finalists who are children
Ingalls Industries–4 awards for children of of employees of the corporation or its subsidiaries.
employees of Ingalls Shipbuilding.
* Liberty Mutual Scholarship Foundation–
* Insperity Services, L.P.–4 awards—2 awards for 40 awards for children of employees of Liberty Mutual
children of corporate employees; 2 awards for Insurance Company and its subsidiaries.
children of worksite employees.
* Loews Corporation–4 awards for children of
employees of the corporation and its divisions and
J wholly owned subsidiaries.
* J. Walter Thompson Company Fund, Inc.–4 awards
for children of employees of Wunderman Thompson * LPL Financial LLC–6 awards for children of associates
and its subsidiaries. of the corporation and its eligible subsidiaries.
* John Bean Technologies Corporation–2 awards The Lubrizol Foundation–Every Finalist who is the
for children of employees of JBT Corporation and its child of an employee of The Lubrizol Corporation,
subsidiaries. Lubrizol Specialty Products, Inc., and their eligible
subsidiaries will be offered an award.
* Johnson & Johnson Services Inc.–20 awards for
business units.
®

M * New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company–

At least 3 awards for children of employees of
* Mannington Mills, Inc.–2 awards for children New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Group.
subsidiaries. New York Life Foundation–Every Finalist who is
the child of an employee or agent of New York Life or
* Marsh McLennan–25 awards for children of
certain subsidiaries will be offered an award.
* The NewMarket Foundation–2 awards for children
* McGraw Hill LLC–4 awards for children of employees
of employees of NewMarket Corporation and its
of the corporation and its affiliates.
subsidiaries.
Mead Witter Foundation, Inc.–5 awards for Finalists * NextEra Energy Foundation, Inc.–10 awards for
from specified geographic areas of Wisconsin. children of employees of NextEra Energy, Inc. and its
subsidiaries.
The MITRE Corporation–4 awards for Finalists who
are children of employees of the corporation. * NiSource Charitable Foundation–15 awards for
children of employees of NiSource and its subsidiaries.
Molex LLC–2 awards for Finalists who are children of
employees of the corporation and its subsidiaries. * Norfolk Southern Foundation–10 awards for
children of employees of Norfolk Southern
* Moody’s Foundation–2 awards for children Corporation and its affiliated companies.
of employees of Moody’s Corporation and its
subsidiaries. * Northrop Grumman Corporation–55 awards for
Motorola Solutions Foundation–10 awards for subsidiaries.
Finalists who are children of employees of Motorola
Solutions, Inc., or its subsidiaries. NOV Inc.–Every Finalist who is the child of
an employee of the corporation and its eligible
N subsidiaries will be offered an award.
National Distillers Distributors Foundation– * Novartis US Foundation–20 awards for children of

7 awards for Finalists in the National Merit employees of Novartis Corporation and its subsidiaries
Scholarship Program. and divisions.
* (National Gypsum Company) C. D. Spangler * Novo Nordisk Inc.–3 awards for children of
Foundation, Inc.–2 awards for children of employees employees of the corporation and its participating
of National Gypsum Company and its subsidiaries. affiliates.
* Nationwide Foundation–10 awards for children of

employees of Nationwide Insurance Companies and
certain affiliates and associates.
®

NVIDIA Corporation–Every Finalist who is the * Pfizer Inc–50 awards for children of employees of
child of an employee of the corporation or an eligible the corporation and its subsidiaries.
subsidiary will be offered an award.
* Pilkington North America, Inc.–2 awards for
O children of employees of the corporation and its
subsidiaries.
Occidental Petroleum Corporation–6 awards
for Finalists who are children of employees of the * PPG Foundation–56 awards— Up to 35 awards for
corporation or an eligible division or subsidiary. children of employees of PPG and its subsidiaries;
21 awards for residents of communities where PPG
* Old National Bancorp–3 awards for children of has operations.
associates of the corporation and its entities.
PricewaterhouseCoopers Charitable Foundation,
* Omron Foundation, Inc.–Up to 5 awards for Inc.–Every Finalist who is the child of a partner,
children of employees of Omron. principal, or staff of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
and its subsidiaries will be offered an award.
Owens Corning Foundation–Every Finalist who is
the child of an employee of Owens Corning will be Principal Life Insurance Company–Every Finalist
offered an award. who is the child of an employee of the company or an
affiliate will be offered an award.
P
* Paramount Global–5 awards for children of Public Service Enterprise Group–2 awards for
employees of the corporation and its eligible Finalists who are children of employees of Public
subsidiaries. Service Enterprise Group or its subsidiaries.
* Putnam Investments, LLC–2 awards for children

Parker Hannifin Foundation–Every Finalist who
of employees of Putnam Investments and its
is the child of an employee of Parker Hannifin
subsidiaries.
Corporation or a subsidiary will be offered an award.
* The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company– R

2 awards for children of company employees, agents, * Research Triangle Institute–2 awards for children of
and office employees. employees of the institute.
The PepsiCo Foundation, Inc.–Every Finalist * Reynolds American Foundation–Up to 20 awards

who is the child of an employee of PepsiCo Inc., or for children of employees of Reynolds American Inc.
a division, subsidiary, or affiliate will be offered an and its eligible subsidiaries.
award.
* Rheem Manufacturing Company–5 awards for
children of employees of the company and its
subsidiaries.
®

Robert Half International Inc.–2 awards for Sogeti USA–Every Finalist who is the child of an
Finalists who are children of employees of the employee of the corporation will be offered an award.
corporation and its eligible subsidiaries.
* Sony Electronics Inc.–3 awards for children of
Rockwell Automation Charitable Corporation– employees of Sony Electronics Inc. and Sony
5 awards for Finalists who are children of employees Corporation of America.
of Rockwell Automation and its subsidiaries.
South Carolina Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic
RSM US LLP–2 awards for Finalists who are children Center–4 awards—first preference for Finalists who
of employees of the corporation and its eligible are children of employees of the practice; second
subsidiaries. preference for Finalists from the Greater Charleston
area of South Carolina.
S
Southern Company Services, Inc.–Every Finalist
* S&P Global–6 awards for children of employees of who is the child of an employee of Southern
the corporation and its subsidiaries. Company or a subsidiary will be offered an award.
* Schindler Elevator Corporation–5 awards for

Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.–7 awards for Finalists who
children of employees of the corporation.
are children of employees of the corporation and its
* Schneider Electric North America Foundation–
20 awards for children of employees of Schneider
* State Farm Companies Foundation–100 awards for
Electric North America.
children of employees and insurance agents of State
Farm Companies.
* Sensient Technologies Foundation–3 awards for
children of employees of Sensient Technologies
* Suburban Propane, L.P.–3 awards for children of
Corporation and its divisions and subsidiaries.
employees of the company.
* Sentry Insurance Foundation, Inc.–5 awards for
*Synthomer Foundation–3 awards for children of
children of employees of Sentry Insurance Group and
employees of Synthomer plc.
its eligible subsidiaries.
* Siemens Foundation–60 awards for children of T

employees of Siemens Corporation and its designated
Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of
U.S. affiliates. The awards are distributed among
America–15 awards for Finalists who are children of
employment groups.
employees of TIAA and its eligible subsidiaries.
* Snap-on Incorporated–6 awards for children of
employees and dealers of the corporation.
®

The TeleTech Community Foundation–2 awards * USG Foundation, Inc.–8 awards for children of
for Finalists who are children of employees of TTEC employees of USG Corporation and its subsidiaries.
Holdings, Inc.
V
Texas Instruments Foundation–Every Finalist who
is the child of an employee of Texas Instruments Varian Medical Systems–2 awards for Finalists who
Incorporated will be offered an award. are children of employees of the corporation.
* Textron Charitable Trust–10 awards for children of ViaSat, Inc.–Every Finalist who is the child of an
employees of Textron, Inc. and its subsidiaries. employee of the corporation will be offered an award.
* 3M Company–40 awards for children of employees * Vulcan Materials Company Foundation–

of the company and its affiliates and subsidiaries. 3 awards for children of employees of Vulcan
Materials Company and its subsidiaries.
* The Travelers Employees’ Club–10 awards for
children and specified relatives of members of The W
Travelers Employees’ Club.
Walgreen Co.–Every Finalist who is the child of an
* Tredegar Corporation–3 awards for children of employee of the company will be offered an award.
Waste Management National Services Inc.–Every
*Truist Financial Corporation–30 awards for Finalist who is the child of an employee of Waste
children of employees of the corporation. Management National Services Inc.’s family of
companies will be offered an award.
U
Westlake Chemical Corporation–2 awards for
United Services Automobile Association–Every
Finalists who are children of employees of the
Finalist who is the child of an employee of the
corporation and its eligible subsidiaries.
company will be offered an award.
* The UPS Foundation–180 awards—150 awards X–Z

for children of full-time employees and 30 awards * Zoetis Inc.–5 awards for children of colleagues of the
for children of part-time employees of UPS and its corporation.
subsidiaries.
®

College Merit Scholarship® sponsors. The higher F–H

education institutions listed below currently sponsor
National Merit Scholarships. The number in parentheses Florida Atlantic University (3)
reflects the minimum number of Merit Scholarship Florida International University (3)
awards NMSC expects the college to offer annually. Florida State University (15)
However, neither the institution nor NMSC is obligated Fordham University (3)
to offer these scholarships in 2023, 2024, or beyond. Furman University (5)
Gordon College (Massachusetts) (3)
A–B Goshen College (3)
Grinnell College (15)
Abilene Christian University (3)
Gustavus Adolphus College (3)
American University (5)
Harding University (5)
Arizona State University (85)
Harvey Mudd College (30)
Auburn University (35)
Hendrix College (5)
Belmont University (3)
Hillsdale College (10)
Boston College (7)
Hope College (3)
Boston University (15)
Bowdoin College (3)
Bradley University (3)
I–N
Brandeis University (10) Illinois Wesleyan University (3)
Brigham Young University (10) Indiana University Bloomington (6)
Bucknell University (3) Iowa State University (25)
Kalamazoo College (3)
C–E Kansas State University (5)
Kenyon College (5)
Calvin University (5)
Lawrence University (Wisconsin) (3)
Carleton College (40)
Lehigh University (3)
Case Western Reserve University (25)
Lewis & Clark College (Oregon) (3)
Centre College (3)
Liberty University (3)
Claremont McKenna College (8)
Louisiana State University (25)
Clemson University (25)
Louisiana Tech University (3)
Colby College (Maine) (3)
Loyola University Chicago (3)
College of Charleston (3)
Luther College (3)
College of Wooster (3)
Macalester College (10)
Colorado College (6)
Marquette University (3)
Colorado State University (3)
Michigan State University (35)
Creighton University (3)
Michigan Technological University (3)
Davidson College (10)
Mississippi State University (10)
DePauw University (3)
Missouri University of Science and Technology (9)
Drake University (3)
Montana State University-Bozeman (3)
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University,
New College of Florida (3)
and identified campuses (3)
North Dakota State University (5)
Emory University (20)
Northeastern University (Massachusetts) (3)

O–R University of Cincinnati (3)

University of Dallas (10)
Oberlin College (15) University of Dayton (3)
Occidental College (3) University of Evansville (3)
Ohio University-Athens (3) University of Florida (20)
Oklahoma Christian University (3) University of Georgia Foundation (20)
Oklahoma State University (10) University of Houston-Main Campus (10)
Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering (3) University of Idaho (15)
Ouachita Baptist University (3) University of Iowa (20)
Pennsylvania State University, University of Kansas (20)
and identified campuses (5) University of Kentucky (60)
Pomona College (6) University of Louisville (12)
Purdue University (30) University of Maine (3)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (15) University of Maryland,
Rhodes College (11) and identified campuses (15)
Rochester Institute of Technology (10) University of Miami (15)
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (15) University of Minnesota,
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and identified campuses (36)
and identified campuses (15) University of Mississippi (10)
University of Missouri-Columbia (20)
S–T University of Montana-Missoula (3)
University of Nebraska-Lincoln (20)
Saint Louis University (3) University of Nevada, Las Vegas (3)
St. Olaf College (10) University of Nevada, Reno (3)
Samford University (3) University of New Mexico (3)
Southern Methodist University (15) University of North Dakota (3)
Stony Brook University (15) University of North Texas (3)
Tennessee Technological University (3) University of Oklahoma,
Texas A&M University, and identified campuses (110) and identified campuses (75)
Texas Christian University (3) University of Oregon (6)
Texas Tech University (3) University of Pittsburgh (3)
Trinity University (Texas) (3) University of Puget Sound (3)
Truman State University (3) University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) (3)
Tufts University (10) University of South Carolina (8)
Tulane University (20) University of South Florida (12)
University of Southern California (35)
U University of Southern Mississippi (3)
University of Tennessee, Knoxville (15)
University of Alabama at Birmingham (5)
University of Texas at Dallas (100)
University of Alabama in Huntsville (5)
University of Tulsa (15)
University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa (115)
University of Utah (20)
University of Arizona (55)
University of Wisconsin-Madison (10)
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville (30)
University of Wyoming (3)
University of Central Florida (10)

V–Z
Valparaiso University (3)
Vanderbilt University (18)
Villanova University (5)
Virginia Commonwealth University (3)
Washington and Lee University (15)
Washington State University (3)
Wayne State University (Michigan) (3)
West Virginia University Foundation, Inc. (12)
Wheaton College (Illinois) (20)
Whitman College (3)
Wichita State University (3)
Willamette University (3)
Wofford College (3)

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Program Section. Turn book over for the
Test-Taking Help Section.
Fall 2022
PSAT/NMSQT
information
Test-taking
advice and tips
Student
An official
practice test
Guide
FLIP THIS
BOOK FOR
OVER INFORMATION
ABOUT THE
NATIONAL MERIT®
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
2223-PN-062-PSAT-NMSQT-Student-Guide.indd 1 4/20/22 4:50 PM

About College Board
College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students
to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, College Board was created to
expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of
over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting
excellence and equity in education. Each year, College Board helps more than seven
million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and
services in college readiness and college success—including the SAT®, the Advanced
Placement® Program, and BigFuture®. The organization also serves the education
community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators, and
schools. For further information, visit collegeboard.org.
About National Merit Scholarship

Corporation (NMSC)
NMSC® is an independent, not-for-profit organization that operates without government
assistance. NMSC conducts the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an annual
academic competition for recognition and college scholarships. The PSAT/NMSQT®
is the screening test for high school students who wish to participate in the
National Merit Scholarship Program.
If you have questions about any aspect of the National Merit Scholarship Program,
including student participation requirements, the selection process, and awards offered,
see the NMSC section on the flip side of this publication.
The PSAT/NMSQT
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)
is cosponsored by College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. It
is administered for College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation by
Educational Testing Service (ETS®). Contact the PSAT/NMSQT office if you have
suggestions, questions, or comments about test registration, administration, or score
reports. If you wish to withdraw your answer sheet from scoring, or if you wish to
report test administration irregularities, you must notify the test coordinator or the
PSAT/NMSQT office immediately.
PSAT/NMSQT Customer Service

You can reach us from 8 a.m. (9 a.m. mid-June to September)
to 7 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday.
PHONE: 866-433-7728
INTERNATIONAL: +1-212-713-8105
EMAIL: [email protected]
MAIL: PSAT/NMSQT
P.O. Box 6720
Princeton, NJ 08541-6720
ii 2022 PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide

Contents
2 Test-Taking Information 24 Math
2 Using This Guide 24 Math Test Overview
2 PSAT/NMSQT Test Dates and Fee 24 Calculator Use
2 How the PSAT/NMSQT Is Organized 25 Answering Student-Produced
3 How the PSAT/NMSQT Is Scored Response Questions
4 Create a College Board Account 25 Tips for the Math Test
4 If You Need Testing Accommodations 25 Sample Math Test Materials
4 Student Search Service 26 Math Test – No Calculator Questions
5 College Board National Recognition Programs 30 Math Test – Calculator Questions
6 How to Prepare 34 PSAT/NMSQT Terms and Conditions
6 Test Day Items 34 Introduction
6 What to Do If ... 34 Section 1. Required and Prohibited
6 Testing Guidelines Items for Testing
7 Privacy Policies 35 Section 2. Prohibited Behaviors
7 Telemarketing Scams 35 Section 3. Score Cancellation and
Disciplinary Measures
7 Test Fairness Review
36 Section 4. Privacy
7 Test Question Inquiries
37 Section 5. Miscellaneous
7 Additional Information
38 Section 6. Policies and Requirements
8 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
38 Section 7. Intellectual Property Rights
8 Reading Test Overview
38 Section 8. ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES
9 Sample Reading Test Materials AND CLASS ACTIONS WAIVER
10 Reading Test Questions 39 Section 9. Venue and Waiver of Jury Trial
16 Writing and Language Test Overview 39 Section 10. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY
17 Sample Writing and Language Test Materials 39 Section 11. Severability
39 Section 12. Restricted Registrations
39 Section 13. Accessibility of These
Terms and Conditions
© 2022 College Board. College Board, Advanced Placement, AP, BigFuture, SAT, and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of College Board.
Student Search Service is a trademark owned by College Board. PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of College Board and National Merit Scholarship
Corporation. NMSC, National Merit, and the corporate “Lamp of Learning” logo are federally registered service marks of National Merit Scholarship
Corporation. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
Visit College Board on the web: collegeboard.org.
Khan Academy is a registered trademark in the United States and other jurisdictions.

Test-Taking Information Using This Guide
Test-Taking Information
Using This Guide The fee for the 2022 PSAT/NMSQT is $18, but you
might not have to pay it—some schools cover all or
Taking the PSAT/NMSQT® is a great way to find out part of the cost for their students. Schools sometimes
how prepared you are for college and career. The charge an additional fee for administrative costs.
PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test for entry to the Juniors from income-eligible families may be able to
National Merit® Scholarship Program (described on the get fee waivers from College Board.
flip side of this guide). The test also connects you to
College Board programs and services that can propel
you to opportunities you’ve earned. We’ve created this
guide to help you:
How the PSAT/NMSQT
Become familiar with the test so you’re not Is Organized
surprised or confused on test day. A complete The PSAT/NMSQT measures the knowledge and skills
practice test is included in this guide. you have developed in reading, writing and language, and
Learn the test directions. The directions for math. This test is not about memorizing words and facts
answering the questions in this guide are the same you will never use again. Instead, it focuses on what you
as those on the actual test. have already learned in school and what you will need to
succeed in college and career. It measures your reasoning
Review the sample questions. The more familiar you and critical thinking skills, which will be important to you
are with the question formats, the more comfortable
through high school, college, and beyond.
you’ll feel when you see similar questions on the
actual test. In particular, be sure to practice how to The PSAT/NMSQT has 3 tests: the Reading Test, the
answer the student-produced response questions on Writing and Language Test, and the Math Test. The
the Math Test later in this guide. tests break down like this:
Be aware of what you need to know about taking
this test. You will be asked to agree to the Time Allotted Number of
PSAT/NMSQT Terms and Conditions (starting Component (min.) Questions
on page 34) on test day. These Terms and Reading 60 47
Conditions have information on:
Writing and 35 44
Acceptable photo identification Language
Required and prohibited items for testing Math 70 48

Acceptable and unacceptable calculators Total 165 139
Test security and fairness policies
As part of scoring, every test goes through an equating
Phone and electronic device policies process. Equating is a statistical process we use to
Privacy policies, including the use of student ensure that scores mean the same thing no matter
information which version of the test you take or when you take it.
In order to assist with future testing, College Board may
IMPORTANT: You will be bound by the Terms and conduct research studies in connection with the testing
Conditions as they exist on test day. Prior to test day, of a subset of students.
you must review any updates to these Terms and
Conditions, which will be clearly communicated to you Also, the test occasionally includes test questions for
at cb.org/pn-terms. research purposes. These questions may appear in any
of the test sections, and testing time will be extended by
20 minutes so students have time to answer them. These
PSAT/NMSQT Test questions will not be included in computing your scores.

Students must complete all sections of the test. If you
Dates and Fee leave before dismissal, your scores will be canceled.
Here are the test dates for 2022:

Primary Test Date: Wednesday, October 12
Saturday Test Date: Saturday, October 15
Alternate Test Date: Tuesday, October 25

How the PSAT/NMSQT Is Scored Test-Taking Information
How the PSAT/NMSQT Is Scored

All multiple-choice questions are scored by giving 1 point for each correct answer. No
points are subtracted for incorrect answers or answers left blank. Hard questions count
the same as easier ones. You won’t lose any points for guessing, so try to answer every
question. The table shows all the scores you’ll receive on the PSAT/NMSQT.
PSAT/NMSQT Score Reported Details Score Range

Total Score Sum of the 2 section scores 320–1520
Section Scores (2) Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 160–760
Math
Test Scores (3) Reading 8–38
Writing and Language
Math
Cross-Test Scores (2) Analysis in History/Social Studies 8–38
Based on selected questions in the Analysis in Science
Reading Test, Writing and Language
Test, and Math Test. These scores
show how well you use your skills to
analyze texts and solve problems in
these subject areas.
Subscores (7) Reading and Writing and Language: 1–15
Command of Evidence and Words in
Context
Writing and Language: Expression
of Ideas and Standard English
Conventions
Math: Heart of Algebra, Problem
Solving and Data Analysis, and
Passport to Advanced Math
NMSC Selection Index Score National Merit Scholarship 48–228
Corporation (NMSC) uses this score
(calculated by doubling the sum of the
Reading, Writing and Language, and
Math Test scores) as an initial screen
of entrants to its National Merit
Scholarship Program.
Your score report will include a total score, section scores, Your score report also includes a message about your
and test scores, and may include cross-test scores and potential for success in AP® courses based on your
subscores as well. You’ll be able to see not only how you scores. There’s also some helpful advice about when to
did overall, but also where your strengths are and where take the SAT®.
you need to improve. Once you get your score report,
Scores will be available online. (If you provide your
visit satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt/scores/
email address on the answer sheet, you’ll receive an
understanding-scores/your-score-report-explained to
email letting you know when your scores are ready.) If
learn more about what these scores mean.
you haven’t received your score report by mid-January,
Your score report will include the NMSC Selection see your counselor. Your school will be able to print a
Index score, which NMSC uses as an initial screen of copy for you.
entrants to its National Merit Scholarship Program. For
We send your scores and other information you
further information about the NMSC Selection Index
provide during testing to our cosponsor, NMSC, which
score, see the National Merit Scholarship Program
conducts the National Merit Scholarship Program. See
section on the flip side of this guide.
the flip side of this guide for more information.

Test-Taking Information Create a College Board Account
Talk to your SSD coordinator or other appropriate

Create a College staff member before test day to confirm what
accommodations you are approved for and any
Board Account additional information you need for testing.
Once you create a free College Board account, you can: Bring your SSD eligibility letter with you on test day
Access your PSAT/NMSQT scores when they in case there are any questions.
become available. If you are interested in participating in the National
Sign up for free, personalized practice through Merit Scholarship Program and do not receive
Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy . Just ® accommodations for which you are approved or
visit collegeboard.org and click Create Account do not receive approval in time for the test, please
to get started. contact NMSC immediately but no later than
November 15, 2022 (see page 3 of the flip side of
IMPORTANT: BigFuture Career Search—Want to learn this guide for contact information).
more about your future career options based on your
interests? Try this engaging, personalized career exploration
tool on BigFuture®. Visit bigfuture.org. Student Search Service
Student Search Service™ is a free, voluntary program
that connects students with information about
If You Need Testing opportunities from nearly 1,900 eligible colleges,
Accommodations scholarships, and other educational programs. By

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Test-Taking Information How to Prepare
How to Prepare What to Do If ...

The same habits and choices that lead to success in You know in advance that you cannot take the test
school will help you get ready for the PSAT/NMSQT. on the date your school offers it: Tell your counselor
The best way to prepare for the test is to take as soon as possible that you have a conflict, such as
challenging courses, do your homework, prepare for a religious observance. You may be able to take the
tests and quizzes, and ask and answer lots of questions. test at a nearby school that has selected a different
This guide includes the following to help you prepare: test date. If you test at another school, be sure to take
Advice, sample passages, and sample questions for your school code and an acceptable photo ID with you,
the Reading Test and the Writing and Language Test keeping your ID with you at all times, especially if you
leave the testing room. (See the PSAT/NMSQT Terms
Advice, sample questions, and calculator and Conditions on page 34 for information about
information for the Math Test
acceptable photo identification.)
PSAT/NMSQT Practice Test #2, a full-length
practice test You are homeschooled and want to take the
PSAT/NMSQT: Make arrangements in advance with
Information about the National Merit Scholarship your local school or another nearby school that is
Program (on the flip side of this guide)
administering the test. (For a list of schools in your
You can also go online for more help and information: area, go to ordering.collegeboard.org/testordering/
Go to collegeboard.org/psatpractice for additional publicsearch.) If this is not possible, contact the
sample questions, practice test answer explanations, PSAT/NMSQT office (see inside front cover).
and another full-length practice test (Practice You will be studying in another country when
Test #1). Practice tests in pre-recorded audio and the test is given: Contact the PSAT/NMSQT office
assistive technology–compatible formats are also and provide the name of the city and country and, if
available on this website. If you are approved for known, the name and address of the school you will be
another format, such as braille, a practice test may be attending when the test is given. The PSAT/NMSQT
sent to your school, or you can call 212-713-8333 to office will send you instructions.
request a practice test in a specific format.
You missed the test but want to enter the National Merit
Go to psat.org/scoring for more information
about scoring and free, personalized practice from Scholarship Program: For information about another
Khan Academy. route of entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program,
see the box on page 7 of the flip side of this guide.
Practice Tests with Scoring Guides
and Answer Explanations Testing Guidelines
Take the PSAT/NMSQT on paper to simulate test day.
Plan ahead and bring equipment that’s in good
1. Use the PSAT/NMSQT Practice Test #2 included working order. Testing staff might not have extra
in this guide or download and print Practice Test batteries or calculators.
#1 from psat.org/practice (select Full-Length
Practice Tests then click Paper Practice Tests When marking answers:
under “Paper-and-Pencil Practice”). Be sure to Use a No. 2 pencil with a soft eraser on all
follow the instructions, and use the official answer parts of the answer sheet. Do not use a pen or
sheet to bubble in your answers. mechanical pencil.
2. After you’ve finished the practice test, get instant Make sure you fill in the entire bubble darkly
feedback and question-by-question results by and completely.
downloading the answer explanations and scoring Erase any changes you make as completely
guide for the test you took. as possible.
Store any snacks or drinks you bring out of sight

Test Day Items in a paper bag under your desk. You may only eat
Refer to the PSAT/NMSQT Terms and Conditions on snacks during breaks. The testing staff will tell you
page 34 for a list of items you’ll need to bring for test day. where you can go to have your snack.
Though not required, consider bringing:

Snacks and drinks (which must be under your desk
during testing)
Extra batteries and backup calculator

Privacy Policies Test-Taking Information
Privacy Policies Additional Information

College Board recognizes the importance of protecting Complete descriptions of the content of the test and
your privacy. Please review our privacy policies at information on test preparation and sample questions
collegeboard.org/privacy-center (“Privacy Policies”) are provided in this guide and online at psat.org.
and the PSAT/NMSQT Terms and Conditions on
page 34 to understand our collection, use, and Additional Information on the SAT
disclosure of your personally identifiable information. A primary purpose of the SAT is to determine how
prepared students are to succeed, both in college and
Telemarketing Scams in career training programs. Extensive research on

the predictive validity of the SAT has established its
We sometimes get reports of phone scams when callers utility and value as a college entrance exam through
posing as employees of College Board or National studies on the relationship between SAT scores and
Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) try to sell test first-year grade point average (“FYGPA”), retention,
preparation products or request sensitive, personally domain-specific course grades, GPA through each year
identifying information, such as credit card and Social of college, as well as completion. A 2019 national SAT
Security numbers. College Board and NMSC do not Validity Study (satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/
make unsolicited phone calls or send emails to students pdf/national-sat-validity-study.pdf), based on data
or families requesting this type of information. This type from more than 223,000 students across 171 four-year
of activity, known as telemarketing fraud, is a crime and colleges and universities, found the following:
should be reported to local law enforcement. SAT scores are strongly predictive of college
performance—students with higher SAT scores are
Test Fairness Review more likely to have higher grades in college.
SAT scores are predictive of student retention to
All new PSAT/NMSQT test questions and complete
their second year—students with higher SAT scores
new editions of the tests are reviewed by independent
are more likely to return for their sophomore year.
educators from throughout the United States. These
reviews help ensure that the questions are unambiguous SAT scores and high school grade point average
and relevant and that the language used is not offensive (“HSGPA”) are both related to academic performance
to, or inappropriate for, any particular group of students in college but tend to measure slightly different
based on race/ethnicity or gender. Assessment staff aspects of academic preparation. Using SAT scores
ensure that the test as a whole includes references to men in conjunction with HSGPA is the most powerful way
and women as well as to individuals from varied racial, to predict future academic performance.
ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Statistical procedures On average, SAT scores add 15% more predictive
are used to identify questions that are harder for a group power above grades alone for understanding how
of students to answer correctly than would be expected students will perform in college.
from their performance on other questions in the test;
these questions are excluded from the tests.
SAT scores help to further differentiate student
performance in college within narrow HSGPA
ranges.
Test Question Inquiries Colleges can use SAT scores to identify students
If you find what you consider to be an error or an who may be in need of academic support before they
ambiguity in a test question, tell the test coordinator start college and throughout their college education
immediately after the test. You may also email by monitoring predicted versus actual performance
[email protected]. and help position these students for success.
In your inquiry, provide your name and mailing address, Visit research.collegeboard.org/reports/sat-suite for
the date you took the PSAT/NMSQT, the name and more updates on the predictive validity of the SAT.
address of the school where you took the test, the test
section, the test question (as well as you can remember), Relationship of SAT Scores to Family Income
and an explanation of your concern about the question. College Board no longer collects information regarding
family income from test takers. Past data indicate that
The PSAT/NMSQT Program will send you a written
students from every income level obtain a full range of
response after your inquiry has been reviewed
SAT scores.
thoroughly by subject-matter specialists.
IMPORTANT: We will not respond via email, so be sure to

include your full name and mailing address.

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Reading Test Overview
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section is What the Reading Test Measures
composed of 2 tests that assess different but related To succeed in college and career, you’ll need to apply
skills and knowledge. The Reading Test gives you a reading skills in all sorts of subjects. You’ll also need
chance to show how well you understand what you those skills to do well on the Reading Test.
read. The Writing and Language Test asks you to
revise and edit text. The Reading Test measures skills and knowledge you’ll
need to apply when reading in college and workforce
training programs. The test will ask you to find and
Reading Test Overview interpret information and ideas, analyze how texts are
put together and why they’re written the way they are,
Total questions: 47 passage-based reading work with data from informational graphics, and make
questions with multiple-choice responses.
connections between paired passages.
Time allotted: 60 minutes.
You’ll be asked questions that require you to draw
Calculators may not be used or be on your desk. on the reading skills and knowledge needed most to
The questions often include references to direct you succeed in the subjects the passages are drawn from.
to the relevant part(s) of the passage(s). For instance, you might read about an experiment and
then see questions that ask you to examine hypotheses,
What the Reading Test Is Like interpret data, or consider implications.
When you take the Reading Test, you’ll read passages
Answers are based only on the content stated in or
and interpret informational graphics. Then you’ll use
implied by the passages and in any supplementary
what you’ve read to answer questions. Some questions
material, such as tables and graphs.
ask you to locate a piece of information or an idea
stated directly. But you’ll also need to understand what Command of Evidence
the author’s words or a graphic’s data imply. Some questions ask you to:
What You’ll Read Find evidence in a passage (or pair of passages)

that best supports the answer to a previous
Reading Test passages range in length from about 500
question or serves as the basis for a reasonable
to 750 words and vary in complexity. The Reading Test
conclusion.
includes:
Identify how authors use (or fail to use) evidence to
1 passage from a classic or contemporary work of support their claims.
U.S. or world literature.
Locate or interpret data in an informational graphic,
1 passage or a pair of passages from either a U.S. or understand a relationship between a graphic and
founding document (such as an essay by James
the passage it’s paired with.
Madison) or a text in the Great Global Conversation
(such as a speech by Nelson Mandela). Words in Context
1 passage on a social science topic from a field such Some questions focus on important, widely used words
as economics, psychology, or sociology. and phrases that you’ll find in texts in many different
2 science passages (or 1 passage and 1 passage subjects. The words and phrases are ones that you’ll
pair) that examine foundational concepts or recent use in college and the workplace long after test day.
developments in Earth science, biology, chemistry, These questions focus on your ability to:
or physics.
Figure out the meaning of words or phrases in
2 passages accompanied by 1 or more informational context.
graphics.
Decide how an author’s word choice shapes
meaning, style, and tone.
Analysis in History/Social
Studies and in Science
You’ll be asked to read and analyze passages about
topics in history/social studies and in science.

Sample Reading Test Materials Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
Tips for the Reading Test

To answer each question, consider what the passage Sample Reading
or passages say directly, and use careful reasoning
to draw supportable inferences and conclusions from Test Materials
the passage(s). The best answer to each question is Following are samples of the kinds of passages and
derived from what is stated or implied in the passage(s) questions that may appear on the Reading Test. For
rather than from prior knowledge of the topics covered. each set of sample materials:
All of the questions are passage based. Read the passage(s) and any supplementary
Reading carefully is the key to finding the best material carefully.
answer to each question. The information you need Decide on the best answer to each question.
to answer each Reading Test question is always in Read the explanation for the best answer to each
the passage(s). Don’t be misled by an answer that question and for the answer you chose (if they are
looks correct but isn’t supported by the actual text different).
of the passage(s).
On the actual test, each passage will be followed
The questions don’t increase in difficulty from easy by questions. The directions that follow match the
to hard. Instead, they are presented as logically
directions on the actual test.
as possible. Questions about central ideas and
themes, point of view, and overall text structure
generally come early in the sequence. After that
come more specific questions about such matters as
facts, details, and words in context.
Stay with a passage until you have answered as
many questions as you can before you proceed
to the next passage. Don’t jump from passage to
passage.
The questions often include references to help
direct you to relevant part(s) of the passage(s).
You may have to look elsewhere in the passage,
however, to find the best answer to the question.
In your test booklet, mark each question you skip so
you can easily go back to it later if you have time.
Remember that all questions are worth 1 point
regardless of the type or difficulty. You don’t lose
points for guessing wrong, so you should try to
answer each question as best you can.

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Reading Test Questions
Reading Test Questions

30 in him as a silent ache, veiling with sadness the
DIRECTIONS beauty that evoked it. He did not even know whether
Each passage or pair of passages below is followed any one else in the world felt as he did, or whether
by a number of questions. After reading each he was the sole victim of this mournful privilege.
passage or pair, choose the best answer to each
Then he learned that one other spirit had trembled
35 with the same touch of wonder: that at his side, living
question based on what is stated or implied in the
under his roof and eating his bread, was a creature to
passage or passages and in any accompanying
whom he could say: “That’s Orion down yonder; the
graphics (such as a table or graph).
big fellow to the right is Aldebaran, and the bunch
of little ones—like bees swarming—they’re the
Questions 1-4 are based on the following passage. 40 Pleiades . . .” or whom he could hold entranced before
This passage is adapted from Edith Wharton, Ethan Frome, originally a ledge of granite thrusting up through the fern
published in 1911. Mattie Silver is Ethan’s household employee. while he unrolled the huge panorama of the ice age,
Mattie Silver had lived under Ethan’s roof for a year, and the long dim stretches of succeeding time. The
and from early morning till they met at supper he fact that admiration for his learning mingled with
had frequent chances of seeing her; but no moments 45 Mattie’s wonder at what he taught was not the least
Line in her company were comparable to those when, part of his pleasure. And there were other sensations,
5 her arm in his, and her light step flying to keep time less definable but more exquisite, which drew them
with his long stride, they walked back through the together with a shock of silent joy: the cold red of
night to the farm. He had taken to the girl from the sunset behind winter hills, the flight of cloud-flocks
first day, when he had driven over to the Flats to 50 over slopes of golden stubble, or the intensely blue
meet her, and she had smiled and waved to him from shadows of hemlocks on sunlit snow. When she said
10 the train, crying out, “You must be Ethan!” as she to him once: “It looks just as if it was painted!” it
jumped down with her bundles, while he reflected, seemed to Ethan that the art of definition could go no
looking over her slight person: “She don’t look much farther, and that words had at last been found to utter
on housework, but she ain’t a fretter, anyhow.” But 55 his secret soul. . . .
it was not only that the coming to his house of a bit As he stood in the darkness outside the church
15 of hopeful young life was like the lighting of a fire these memories came back with the poignancy of
on a cold hearth. The girl was more than the bright vanished things. Watching Mattie whirl down the
serviceable creature he had thought her. She had an floor from hand to hand he wondered how he could
eye to see and an ear to hear: he could show her things 60 ever have thought that his dull talk interested her.
and tell her things, and taste the bliss of feeling To him, who was never gay but in her presence, her
20 that all he imparted left long reverberations and gaiety seemed plain proof of indifference. The face
echoes he could wake at will. she lifted to her dancers was the same which, when
It was during their night walks back to the farm she saw him, always looked like a window that has
that he felt most intensely the sweetness of this 65 caught the sunset. He even noticed two or three
communion. He had always been more sensitive gestures which, in his fatuity, he had thought she
25 than the people about him to the appeal of natural kept for him: a way of throwing her head back when
beauty. His unfinished studies had given form to this she was amused, as if to taste her laugh before she
sensibility and even in his unhappiest moments field let it out, and a trick of sinking her lids slowly when
and sky spoke to him with a deep and powerful 70 anything charmed or moved her.
persuasion. But hitherto the emotion had remained

Reading Test Questions Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
1 Choice D is incorrect because while the second

paragraph (lines 22-55) does discuss in depth the
Over the course of the passage, the main focus of the value Ethan attaches to natural beauty, nothing in the
narrative shifts from the passage signifies that he has rejected natural beauty in
favor of human artistry. The closest the passage comes
A) reservations a character has about a person he has
to this is in line 52, in which Mattie is said to have
just met to a growing appreciation that character likened a natural scene to a painting, an assertion with
has of the person’s worth. which Ethan agrees.
B) ambivalence a character feels about his sensitive
nature to the character’s recognition of the 2
advantages of having profound emotions. In the context of the passage, the author’s use of the
C) intensity of feeling a character has for another phrase “her light step flying to keep time with his
person to the character’s concern that that long stride” (lines 5-6) is primarily meant to convey
intensity is not reciprocated. the idea that
D) value a character attaches to the wonders of the A) Ethan and Mattie share a powerful enthusiasm.
natural world to a rejection of that sort of beauty
in favor of human artistry. B) Mattie strives to match the speed at which
Ethan works.
Estimated Difficulty: Medium Key: C C) Mattie and Ethan playfully compete with
each other.
Choice C is the best answer. The first paragraph D) Ethan walks at a pace that frustrates Mattie.
traces the inception of Ethan’s feelings for Mattie:
Ethan “had taken to the girl from the first day” Estimated Difficulty: Easy Key: A
(lines 7-8) and saw her arrival as “like the lighting
of a fire on a cold hearth” (lines 15-16). The second
Choice A is the best answer. The author uses the
paragraph (lines 22-55) focuses on “their night walks
phrase mainly to introduce a topic discussed at length
back to the farm” (line 22) and Ethan’s elation in
in the second paragraph (lines 22-55)—namely, the
perceiving that “one other spirit . . . trembled with the
growing connection Ethan sees himself forming with
same touch of wonder” that characterized his own
Mattie over the course of many evening walks during
(lines 34-35). In other words, the main focus of the
which they share similar feelings for the wonders of
first two paragraphs is the intensity of feeling one
the natural world. In the context of the passage, the
character, Ethan, has for another, Mattie. The last
phrase evokes an image of two people walking eagerly
paragraph shifts the focus of the passage to Ethan’s
and in harmony.
change in perception; he sees Mattie in a social
setting interacting with other men, wonders “how he Choice B is incorrect because while the phrase literally
could ever have thought that his dull talk interested conveys Mattie’s attempts to keep up with Ethan’s
her” (lines 59-60), interprets her seeming happiness pace, the phrase relates to times of leisure during
as “plain proof of indifference” toward him (line 62), which Ethan and Mattie walk arm-in-arm (see lines
and sees betrayal in the “two or three gestures which, 1-7) rather than times of work. Moreover, the phrase
in his fatuity, he had thought she kept for him” is used primarily in a figurative way to suggest shared
(lines 65-67). enthusiasm (see explanation for choice A).
Choice A is incorrect because while Ethan Choice C is incorrect because while the phrase literally
acknowledges that Mattie “don’t look much on describes Mattie’s attempts to keep up with Ethan’s
housework” (lines 12-13), the first paragraph also notes pace, the context makes clear that Mattie and Ethan
that Ethan “had taken to the girl from the first day” are not in competition with each other; instead, they
(lines 7-8); therefore, there is no support for the notion are enjoying times of leisure during which the two
that Ethan’s “reservations” about Mattie lasted for any walk arm-in-arm (see lines 1-7). Moreover, the phrase
length of time or ever constitute the main focus of the is used primarily in a figurative way to suggest shared
narrative. enthusiasm (see explanation for choice A).
Choice B is incorrect because while Ethan does exhibit Choice D is incorrect because while the phrase in
ambivalence about his sensitive nature, seeing it as isolation could be read as conveying some frustration
a “mournful privilege” (line 33), the main focus of on the part of Mattie, who had to expend extra effort
the narrative does not shift to his recognition of the to keep up with Ethan’s pace, the context makes
advantages of having profound emotions. Indeed, in clear that Mattie is not annoyed with Ethan but is
the last paragraph, Ethan’s profound emotions give him instead enjoying times of leisure during which the two
only grief, as he sees Mattie seemingly rejecting him. walk arm-in-arm (see lines 1-7). The phrase is used
primarily to suggest shared enthusiasm
(see explanation for choice A).

3 4
The description in the first paragraph indicates that Which choice provides the best evidence for the
what Ethan values most about Mattie is her answer to the previous question?
A) fitness for farm labor. A) Lines 1-7 (“Mattie . . . farm”)
B) vivacious youth. B) Lines 7-13 (“He had . . . anyhow”)
C) receptive nature. C) Lines 13-16 (“But it . . . hearth”)
D) freedom from worry. D) Lines 17-21 (“She had . . . will”)
Estimated Difficulty: Easy Key: C Estimated Difficulty: Easy Key: D
Choice C is the best answer. Lines 9-16 mention many Choice D is the best answer. Lines 17-21 explain
of Mattie’s traits: she is friendly (“smiled and waved”), that Mattie “had an eye to see and an ear to hear:
eager (“jumped down with her bundles”), easygoing [Ethan] could show her things and tell her things, and
(“she ain’t a fretter”), and energetic (“like the lighting taste the bliss of feeling that all he imparted left long
of a fire on a cold hearth”). However, the trait that reverberations and echoes he could wake at will.” In
appeals the most to Ethan, as suggested by it being other words, Mattie is open, or receptive, to ideas and
mentioned last in the paragraph, is her openness to the experiences, and the placement of this point at the end
world around her: “She had an eye to see and an ear to of the list of traits Ethan admires (“But it was not only
hear: he could show her things and tell her things, and . . .”) suggests that her openness is most important to
taste the bliss of feeling that all he imparted left long him. Therefore, these lines serve as the best evidence
reverberations and echoes he could wake at will” for the answer to the previous question.
(lines 17-21). Choice A is incorrect because lines 1-7 only describe
Choice A is incorrect because the passage suggests Ethan and Mattie’s living situation and indicate that
that Ethan does not actually view Mattie as particularly Ethan enjoys walking with her in the evenings. They
well suited to farm labor. When first seeing Mattie, do not indicate which quality of Mattie’s Ethan values
Ethan thinks to himself, after “looking over her slight the most. Therefore, these lines do not serve as the
person,” that “she don’t look much on housework” best evidence for the answer to the previous question.
(lines 12-13). Choice B is incorrect because lines 7-13 only indicate
Choice B is incorrect because the passage suggests Ethan’s first impression of Mattie. Mattie comes
that Mattie’s youth is not what Ethan values most across as generally friendly and enthusiastic in their
about Mattie. Although the passage does note that “the first encounter, but it is not these qualities that Ethan
coming to his house of a bit of hopeful young values the most. Therefore, these lines do not serve
life was like the lighting of a fire on a cold hearth” as the best evidence for the answer to the previous
(lines 14-16), the narrator goes on to note that “the question.
girl was more than the bright serviceable creature Choice C is incorrect because lines 13-16 only convey
[Ethan] had thought her” (lines 16-17), indicating that that there was something special about Mattie beyond
Ethan values something more in Mattie than simply her friendliness and enthusiasm. They do not indicate
her vivacity. what Ethan values the most about Mattie. Therefore,
Choice D is incorrect because although Ethan these lines do not serve as the best evidence for the
acknowledges that Mattie “ain’t a fretter” (line 13), answer to the previous question.
there is no evidence that Mattie’s freedom from worry
is what Ethan values most about Mattie. The first
paragraph lists several positive traits that Mattie has,
with the most emphasis being placed on her openness
to the world around her (see explanation for choice C).

Questions 5-9 are based on the following passage the west Atlantic near Puerto Rico, the turtles swam
and supplementary material. northeast. If the field matched that on the east
This passage is adapted from Ed Yong, “Turtles Use the Earth’s
Atlantic near the Cape Verde Islands, the turtles
Magnetic Field as Global GPS.” ©2011 by Kalmbach Publishing Co. swam southwest. In the wild, both headings would
50 keep them within the safe, warm embrace of the
In 1996, a loggerhead turtle called Adelita swam
North Atlantic gyre.
across 9,000 miles from Mexico to Japan, crossing the
Before now, we knew that several animal migrants,
entire Pacific on her way. Wallace J. Nichols tracked
from loggerheads to reed warblers to sparrows, had
Line this epic journey with a satellite tag. But Adelita
some way of working out longitude, but no one knew
5 herself had no such technology at her disposal. How
55 how. By keeping the turtles in the same conditions,
did she steer a route across two oceans to find her
with only the magnetic fields around them changing,
destination?
Putman clearly showed that they can use these fields
Nathan Putman has the answer. By testing
to find their way. In the wild, they might well also
hatchling turtles in a special tank, he has found that
use other landmarks like the position of the sea, sun
10 they can use the Earth’s magnetic field as their
60 and stars.
own Global Positioning System (GPS). By sensing
Putman thinks that the turtles work out their
the field, they can work out both their latitude and
position using two features of the Earth’s magnetic
longitude and head in the right direction.
field that change over its surface. They can sense
Putman works in the lab of Ken Lohmann, who has
the field’s inclination, or the angle at which it dips
15 been studying the magnetic abilities of loggerheads
65 towards the surface. At the poles, this angle is
for over 20 years. In his lab at the University of North
roughly 90 degrees and at the equator, it’s roughly
Carolina, Lohmann places hatchlings in a large water
zero degrees. They can also sense its intensity, which
tank surrounded by a large grid of electromagnetic
is strongest near the poles and weakest near the
coils. In 1991, he found that the babies started
Equator. Different parts of the world have unique
20 swimming in the opposite direction if he used the
70 combinations of these two variables. Neither
coils to reverse the direction of the magnetic field
corresponds directly to either latitude or longitude,
around them. They could use the field as a compass
but together, they provide a “magnetic signature” that
to get their bearing.
tells the turtle where it is.
Later, Lohmann showed that they can also use the
Orientation of Hatchling Loggerheads Tested in Magnetic Fields
25 magnetic field to work out their position. For them,
0° 0°
this is literally a matter of life or death. Hatchlings 330° 30° 330° 30°
born off the sea coast of Florida spend their early 300° 60° 300° 60°
lives in the North Atlantic gyre, a warm current that
circles between North America and Africa. If they’re 270° 90° 270° 90°
30 swept towards the cold waters outside the gyre, they 120° 120°
240° 240°
die. Their magnetic sense keeps them safe.
210° 150° 210° 150°
Using his coil-surrounded tank, Lohmann could 180° 180°
mimic the magnetic field at different parts of the West Atlantic
(Puerto Rico)
East Atlantic
(Cape Verde Islands)
Earth’s surface. If he simulated the field at the
Adapted from Nathan Putman, Courtney Endres, Catherine
35 northern edge of the gyre, the hatchlings swam
Lohmann, and Kenneth Lohmann, “Longitude Perception and
southwards. If he simulated the field at the gyre’s Bicoordinate Magnetic Maps in Sea Turtles.” ©2011 by Elsevier Inc.
southern edge, the turtles swam west-northwest.
These experiments showed that the turtles can use Orientation of hatchling loggerheads tested in a magnetic
their magnetic sense to work out their latitude—their field that simulates a position at the west side of the
40 position on a north-south axis. Now, Putman has Atlantic near Puerto Rico (left) and a position at the east
shown that they can also determine their longitude— side of the Atlantic near the Cape Verde Islands (right).
their position on an east-west axis. The arrow in each circle indicates the mean direction that
the group of hatchlings swam. Data are plotted relative to
He tweaked his magnetic tanks to simulate the
geographic north (N = 0°).
fields in two positions with the same latitude at
45 opposite ends of the Atlantic. If the field simulated

5 6
The passage most strongly suggests that Adelita Which choice provides the best evidence for the
used which of the following to navigate her 9,000- answer to the previous question?
mile journey? A) Lines 1-3 (“In 1996 . . . way”)
A) The current of the North Atlantic gyre B) Lines 32-34 (“Using . . . surface”)
B) Cues from electromagnetic coils designed by C) Lines 58-60 (“In the wild . . . stars”)
Putman and Lohmann D) Lines 70-73 (“Neither . . . it is”)
C) The inclination and intensity of Earth’s
magnetic field Estimated Difficulty: Medium Key: D
D) A simulated “magnetic signature” configured
by Lohmann Choice D is the best answer because in lines 70-73
the author indicates that “together, [inclination and
Estimated Difficulty: Easy Key: C intensity] provide a ‘magnetic signature’ that tells the
turtle where it is.” Therefore, these lines serve as the
best evidence for the answer to the previous question.
Choice C is the best answer. The first paragraph
describes the 9,000-mile journey that Adelita made Choice A is incorrect because in lines 1-3 the author
and raises the question, which the rest of the passage establishes that Adelita made a 9,000-mile journey but
tries to answer, of how this loggerhead turtle was does not explain how she navigated it. Therefore, these
able to “steer a route across two oceans to find her lines do not serve as the best evidence for the answer
destination” (lines 6-7). The answer comes most to the previous question.
directly in the last paragraph, which presents Putman’s Choice B is incorrect because in lines 32-34 the author
belief that loggerhead turtles “work out their position indicates that Lohmann is able to “mimic the magnetic
using two features of the Earth’s magnetic field that field at different parts of the Earth’s surface” in his
change over its surface” (lines 61-63): its inclination laboratory but does not explain how Adelita navigated
and its intensity. It is reasonable, therefore, to infer her 9,000-mile journey or suggest that Lohmann had
from the passage that this was the method that any influence over Adelita’s trip. Therefore, these lines
Adelita used. do not serve as the best evidence for the answer to the
Choice A is incorrect because there is no evidence in previous question.
the passage that Adelita used the current of the North Choice C is incorrect because in lines 58-60 the author
Atlantic gyre to navigate her 9,000-mile journey. The notes that loggerhead turtles “in the wild” may make
passage does discuss the North Atlantic gyre but only use of “landmarks like the position of the sea, sun
as the place where loggerhead turtle hatchlings “born and stars” but does not indicate that Adelita used
off the sea coast of Florida spend their early lives” such landmarks to navigate her 9,000-mile journey.
(lines 27-28). Therefore, these lines do not serve as the best evidence
Choice B is incorrect because there is no evidence for the answer to the previous question.
in the passage that Adelita navigated her 9,000-mile
journey with the aid of cues from electromagnetic coils 7
designed by Putman and Lohmann. The passage does
say that Putman and Lohmann use electromagnetic
As used in line 3, “tracked” most nearly means
coils as part of their research on loggerhead turtles, but A) searched for.
the coils are part of tanks used in a laboratory to study B) traveled over.
loggerhead hatchlings (see lines 16-19).
C) followed.
Choice D is incorrect because there is no evidence
in the passage that Adelita navigated her 9,000- D) hunted.
mile journey with the aid of a simulated “magnetic
signature” configured by Lohmann. The passage Estimated Difficulty: Easy Key: C
does describe how Lohmann and Putman manipulate
magnetic fields as part of their research on loggerhead Choice C is the best answer because the context makes
turtle hatchlings (see, for example, lines 16-23), but clear that Nichols followed Adelita’s “epic journey with a
there is no indication that the two scientists used (or satellite tag” (line 4).
even could use) the kind of equipment necessary for
Choice A is incorrect because while “tracked”
this project outside of laboratory tanks or with Adelita
sometimes means “searched for,” it would make little
in the wild.
sense in context to say that Nichols searched for
Adelita’s “epic journey with a satellite tag” (line 4). It
is more reasonable to conclude from the passage that
Nichols knew about Adelita and her journey and used
a satellite tag to help follow it.

Choice B is incorrect because while “tracked” sometimes 9

means “traveled over,” it would make no sense in context
to say that Nichols traveled over Adelita’s “epic journey It can reasonably be inferred from the passage
with a satellite tag” (line 4). and graphic that if scientists adjusted the coils to
Choice D is incorrect because while “tracked” sometimes reverse the magnetic field simulating that in the East
means “hunted,” it would make no sense in context to say Atlantic (Cape Verde Islands), the hatchlings would
that Nichols hunted Adelita’s “epic journey with a satellite most likely swim in which direction?
tag” (line 4).
A) Northwest
8 B) Northeast
C) Southeast
The author refers to reed warblers and sparrows
(line 53) primarily to D) Southwest
A) contrast the loggerhead turtle’s migration Estimated Difficulty: Hard Key: B
patterns with those of other species.
B) provide examples of species that share one of the Choice B is the best answer. The passage notes that
loggerhead turtle’s abilities. Lohmann, who studied loggerhead turtle hatchlings
C) suggest that most animal species possess some “in a large water tank surrounded by a large grid
of electromagnetic coils” (lines 17-19) capable of
ability to navigate long distances.
manipulating the magnetic field around the turtles,
D) illustrate some ways in which the ability to discovered that the hatchlings would start “swimming in
navigate long distances can help a species. the opposite direction” when he “reverse[d] the direction
of the magnetic field around them” (lines 20-22). The
Estimated Difficulty: Easy Key: B graphic (whose caption establishes that geographic
north is represented by 0 degrees) indicates that
Choice B is the best answer because the author loggerhead hatchlings tested in a magnetic field that
indicates that reed warblers and sparrows, like simulates a position at the east side of the Atlantic
loggerhead turtles, had previously been known to have near the Cape Verde Islands would normally travel in
“some way of working out longitude” (line 54). a southwesterly direction (around 218 degrees). Given
the above information, it is reasonable to infer that if the
Choice A is incorrect because although the author notes magnetic field were reversed, the turtles would travel in a
that loggerhead turtles, reed warblers, and sparrows are northeasterly direction.
all “animal migrants” (line 52), he offers no specifics
about the migration patterns of reed warblers and Choice A is incorrect because information in the
sparrows, and the only connection he draws among the passage and graphic suggests that the loggerhead
three animals is their recognized ability of somehow turtle hatchlings would travel in a northeasterly, and
“working out longitude” (line 54). not a northwesterly, direction if scientists reversed the
magnetic field simulating a position at the east side of
Choice C is incorrect because the author only mentions the Atlantic near the Cape Verde Islands.
three “animal migrants” by name (loggerhead turtles,
reed warblers, and sparrows) and indicates that Choice C is incorrect because information in the
“several” such migrants had previously been known to passage and graphic suggests that the loggerhead
have “some way of working out longitude” (lines 52-54). turtle hatchlings would travel in a northeasterly, and
He makes no claim in the passage that most animal not a southeasterly, direction if scientists reversed the
species have some long-distance navigation ability. magnetic field simulating a position at the east side of
the Atlantic near the Cape Verde Islands.
Choice D is incorrect because although the author
indicates that reed warblers and sparrows, like Choice D is incorrect because information in the
loggerhead turtles, are “animal migrants” (line 52), he passage and graphic suggests that the loggerhead
offers no specifics about how the ability to navigate turtle hatchlings would travel in a northeasterly, and
long distances might help reed warblers and sparrows not a southwesterly, direction if scientists reversed the
(nor, for that matter, much information about how this magnetic field simulating a position at the east side of
ability might help loggerhead turtles). the Atlantic near the Cape Verde Islands. The graphic
indicates that the hatchlings travel southwesterly under
the normal (nonreversed) simulated conditions.

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Writing and Language Test Overview
What the Writing and

Writing and Language Language Test Measures
Test Overview The Writing and Language Test measures the skills
and knowledge you use to spot and fix problems
The Writing and Language Test asks you to be in writing—the same skills and knowledge you’ve
an editor and improve passages that were written been acquiring in high school and that you’ll need
especially for the test—and that include deliberate for success in college and career. All questions are
errors. multiple choice and based on passages and any
Total questions: 44 passage-based questions with supplementary material, such as tables and graphs.
multiple-choice responses.
Command of Evidence
Time allotted: 35 minutes. Questions that test command of evidence ask you to
Calculators may not be used or be on your desk. improve the way passages develop information and
ideas. For instance, you might choose an answer that
What the Writing and sharpens an argumentative claim or adds a relevant
Language Test Is Like supporting detail.
When you take the Writing and Language Test, you’ll
Words in Context
do things that people do all the time when they edit:
Some questions ask you to improve word choice. You’ll
read, find mistakes and weaknesses, and fix them.
need to choose the best words to use based on the text
The good news: You do these things every time you surrounding them. Your goal will be to make a passage
revise your own schoolwork or workshop your writing more precise or concise or to improve syntax, style, or
with a friend. tone.
You’ll revise the passages on the test for development, Expression of Ideas
organization, and effective language use as well as edit
Some questions ask about a passage’s topic
the passages to ensure they follow the conventions
development, organization, and language use. For
of standard written English grammar, usage, and
instance, you may be asked which words or structural
punctuation.
changes improve how a point is made or which phrase
or sentence provides the most effective transition
What You’ll Read between ideas.
Writing and Language passages range in length from
about 400 to 450 words and vary in complexity. The Standard English Conventions
passages you’ll read will be informative/explanatory Some questions relate to aspects of the mechanics of
texts, nonfiction narratives, or arguments and will cover writing: sentence structure, usage, and punctuation.
topics in the areas of careers, history/social studies, the You’ll be asked to edit text so that it conforms to the
humanities, and science. One or more passages will be conventions of standard written English.
accompanied by one or more informational graphics.
Analysis in History/Social
Studies and in Science
You’ll be asked to read and analyze passages about
topics in history/social studies and in science and to
make decisions that improve the passages (such as
revising a paragraph to be more consistent with the
data presented in an informational graphic).

Sample Writing and Language Test Materials Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
Tips for the Writing and

Language Test Sample Writing and
To answer some questions, you’ll need to look closely
at a single sentence. Others require thinking about the
Language Test Materials
entire passage or interpreting a graphic. For instance, Following are samples of the kinds of passages
you might be asked to choose where a sentence should and questions that may appear on the Writing and
be placed or to correct a misinterpretation of a scientific Language Test. For each set of sample materials:
table or graph. Read the passage carefully.
To make decisions that improve the passages, read Decide on the best answer to each question.
the passages carefully. Read the explanation for the best answer to each
Rote recall of language rules isn’t tested, nor are question and for the answer you chose (if they are
any questions based on short snippets of text taken different).
out of context. The best answer to each question On the actual test, the passages and questions will be
represents how a writer should develop, organize, in side by side columns, with each passage (spread over
and use language in a multiparagraph passage. You multiple pages) in the left column and associated multiple-
are demonstrating that you can make context-based choice questions in the right column. The directions that
improvements to the text. follow match the directions on the actual test.
The most common format for the questions offers
3 alternatives to an underlined portion of the
passage along with the option of not changing the
passage’s original wording. Remember to answer
these questions in the context of the whole passage.
Stay with a passage until you have answered as
many questions as you can before you proceed
to the next passage. Don’t jump from passage to
passage.
In your test booklet, mark each question you skip so
you can easily go back to it later if you have time.
Remember that all questions are worth 1 point
regardless of the type or difficulty. You don’t lose
points for guessing wrong, so you should try to
answer each question as best you can.

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Writing and Language Test Questions
Writing and Language Test Questions

where Kingman completed his schooling, teachers
DIRECTIONS
at that time customarily assigned students a formal
Each passage below is accompanied by a number
“school name.” [3] His interest was so keen, in fact,
of questions. For some questions, you will consider
how the passage might be revised to improve that he was named after it. [4] The young boy who
the expression of ideas. For other questions, you had been Dong Moy Shu became Dong Kingman.
will consider how the passage might be edited [5] The name Kingman was selected for its two
to correct errors in sentence structure, usage, or parts: “king” and “man,” Cantonese for “scenery”
punctuation. A passage or a question may be
accompanied by one or more graphics (such as a
and “composition.” [6] As Kingman developed as a
table or graph) that you will consider as you make painter, his works were often compared to
revising and editing decisions. 1 paintings by Chinese landscape artists dating
Some questions will direct you to an underlined back to CE 960, a time when a strong tradition of
portion of a passage. Other questions will direct landscape painting emerged in Chinese art.
you to a location in a passage or ask you to think
[7] Kingman, however, 2 vacated from that
about the passage as a whole.
tradition in a number of ways, most notably in that
After reading each passage, choose the answer to
he chose to focus not on natural landscapes, such as
each question that most effectively improves the
quality of writing in the passage or that makes the mountains and rivers, but on cities. 3
passage conform to the conventions of standard In his urban landscapes, Kingman captures the
written English. Many questions include a “NO vibrancy of crowded cities. His fine brushwork
CHANGE” option. Choose that option if you think
conveys detailed street-level activity: a peanut vendor
the best choice is to leave the relevant portion of
the passage as it is. pushing his cart on the sidewalk, a pigeon pecking
for crumbs around a fire 4 hydrant, an old man
Questions 1-5 are based on the following passage. tending to a baby outside a doorway. His broader
Dong Kingman: Painter of Cities brush strokes and sponge-painted shapes create
majestic city skylines, with skyscrapers towering in
A 1954 documentary about renowned watercolor
the background, bridges connecting neighborhoods
painter Dong Kingman shows the artist sitting on a
on either side of a river, and enormous ships docking
stool on Mott Street in New York City’s Chinatown.
at busy urban ports. To art critics and fans alike,
A crowd of admiring spectators watches as Kingman
these city scenes represent the innovative spirit of
squeezes dollops of paint from several tubes into
twentieth-century urban Modernism.
a tin watercolor box. From just a few primary
During his career, Kingman exhibited his
colors, Kingman creates dozens of beautiful hues
work 5 internationally. He garnered much acclaim.
as he layers the translucent paint onto the paper on
In 1936, a critic described one of Kingman’s solo
his easel. Each stroke of the brush and dab of the
exhibits as “twenty of the freshest, most satisfying
sponge transforms thinly sketched outlines into
watercolors that have been seen hereabouts in many
buildings, shop signs, and streetlamps. The street
a day.” Since Kingman’s death in 2000, museums
scene Kingman begins composing in this short film
across the United States and in China have continued
is very much in keeping with the urban landscapes
to ensure that his now-iconic landscapes remain
for which he is best known.
available for the public to enjoy.
[1] Kingman was keenly interested in landscape
painting from an early age. [2] In Hong Kong,

Writing and Language Test Questions Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
1 3
A) NO CHANGE To make this paragraph most logical, sentence 3
B) Chinese landscape artists should be placed
C) painters of Chinese landscapes A) where it is now.
D) artists B) before sentence 1.
C) after sentence 1.
Estimated Difficulty: Medium Key: A
D) after sentence 4.
Choice A is the best answer because it creates a Estimated Difficulty: Easy Key: C
comparison between like terms: “works” by Kingman
and “paintings by Chinese landscape artists.”
Choice C is the best answer because placing sentence 3
Choice B is incorrect because it creates a comparison after sentence 1 makes the paragraph most cohesive.
between unlike terms: “works” by Kingman and Sentence 3 refers to Kingman’s “interest” being “so
“Chinese landscape artists.” keen,” a continuation of the idea in sentence 1, which
Choice C is incorrect because it creates a comparison says that “Kingman was keenly interested in landscape
between unlike terms: “works” by Kingman and painting from an early age.”
“painters of Chinese landscapes.” Choice A is incorrect because leaving sentence 3
Choice D is incorrect because it creates a comparison where it is now creates a sequence of sentences that
between unlike terms: “works” by Kingman and lacks sufficient cohesion. Keeping sentence 3 in its
“artists.” current location disrupts the link between sentence 2
(which describes the concept of “school names” in
2 Hong Kong) and sentence 4 (which reveals that Dong
Kingman was the school name of Dong Moy Shu).
A) NO CHANGE
Choice B is incorrect because placing sentence 3
B) evacuated before sentence 1 creates a sequence of sentences
C) departed that lacks sufficient cohesion. Putting sentence 3 at
D) retired the beginning of the paragraph would offer a poor
introduction to the paragraph, in large part because
sentence 3 builds directly on a point made in
Estimated Difficulty: Hard Key: C
sentence 1.
Choice D is incorrect because placing sentence 3 after
Choice C is the best answer because “departed” is sentence 4 creates a sequence of sentences that lacks
the most contextually appropriate way to indicate that sufficient cohesion. Putting sentence 3 after sentence 4
Kingman had deviated from the tradition of Chinese would disrupt the link between sentence 4 (which
landscape painting in a number of ways. mentions that Dong Moy Shu was given the school
Choice A is incorrect because while “vacated” does name Dong Kingman) and sentence 5 (which explains
offer some sense of “leaving,” it would be awkward and what the two parts composing the name Kingman
unconventional to say that a person was vacating from a mean in Cantonese).
tradition in a number of ways.
Choice B is incorrect because while “evacuated” does
offer some sense of “leaving,” it would be awkward and
unconventional to say that a person was evacuating from
a tradition in a number of ways.
Choice D is incorrect because while “retired” does offer
some sense of “leaving,” it would be awkward and
unconventional to say that a person was retiring from a
tradition in a number of ways.

4 Questions 6-12 are based on the following

passage and supplementary material.
A) NO CHANGE
B) hydrant— A Life in Traffic
C) hydrant: A subway system is expanded to provide service
D) hydrant
to a growing suburb. A bike-sharing program is
Estimated Difficulty: Easy Key: A adopted to encourage nonmotorized transportation.
6 To alleviate rush hour traffic jams in a congested
Choice A is the best answer because a comma after the
word “hydrant” separates the phrase “a pigeon pecking downtown area, stoplight timing is coordinated. When
for crumbs around a fire hydrant” from the phrase any one of these changes occurs, it is likely the result of
“an old man tending to a baby outside a doorway.” A
comma is also consistent with the punctuation choice careful analysis conducted by transportation planners.
made to separate the first two phrases in the series The work of transportation planners generally
following the colon in the sentence.
includes evaluating current transportation needs,
Choice B is incorrect because a dash is not a
conventional choice for punctuating items in a series. assessing the effectiveness of existing facilities, and
Choice C is incorrect because although a colon can improving those facilities or 7 they design new ones.
be used to introduce a series, it is not a conventional
choice for separating items within a series. Most transportation planners work in or near cities,
Choice D is incorrect because it fuses together two but some are employed in rural areas. Say, for example,
items in the series. Separating the phrases “a pigeon
a large factory is built on the outskirts of a small town.
pecking for crumbs around a fire hydrant” and “an old
man tending to a baby outside a doorway” requires Traffic to and from that location would increase at the
punctuation (and could also involve a coordinating
beginning and end of work shifts. The transportation
conjunction).
8 planner’s job, might involve conducting a traffic
5 count to determine the daily number of vehicles
Which choice most effectively combines the traveling on the road to the new factory. If analysis
sentences at the underlined portion?
of the traffic count indicates that there is more traffic
A) internationally, and Kingman also garnered
than the current design of the road can efficiently
B) internationally; from exhibiting, he garnered
accommodate, the transportation planner might
C) internationally but garnered
D) internationally, garnering recommend widening the road to add another lane.
Transportation planners work closely with
Estimated Difficulty: Medium Key: D
a number of community stakeholders, such as
Choice D is the best answer because it combines the government officials and other interested organizations
sentences logically and efficiently, with the original and individuals. 9 Next, representatives from the
second sentence becoming a participial phrase
describing Kingman. local public health department might provide input
Choice A is incorrect because it creates a wordy and in designing a network of trails and sidewalks to
awkward construction and because it fails to link the
encourage people to walk more. 10 According to
acclaim Kingman received with the exhibition of his
work. the American Heart Association, walking provides
Choice B is incorrect because it creates a repetitive and numerous benefits related to health and well-being.
awkward construction.
Members of the Chamber of Commerce might share
Choice C is incorrect because “but” suggests contrast
or exception, neither of which makes sense in the suggestions about designing transportation and
context of the sentence.
parking facilities to support local businesses.
11 People who pursue careers in transportation
planning have a wide variety of educational
backgrounds. A two-year degree in transportation

technology may be sufficient for some entry-level 6

jobs in the field. Most jobs, however, require at least a Which choice best maintains the sentence pattern
bachelor’s degree; majors of transportation planners already established in the paragraph?
are varied, including fields such as urban studies, A) NO CHANGE
civil engineering, geography, or transportation and B) Coordinating stoplight timing can help
alleviate rush hour traffic jams in a congested
logistics management. For many positions in the field, downtown area.
a master’s degree is required. C) Stoplight timing is coordinated to alleviate rush
Transportation planners perform critical work hour traffic jams in a congested downtown area.
within the broader field of urban and regional D) In a congested downtown area, stoplight timing is
coordinated to alleviate rush hour traffic jams.
planning. As of 2010, there were approximately
40,300 urban and regional planners employed in the Estimated Difficulty: Medium Key: C
United States. The United States Bureau of Labor

Choice C is the best answer because it most closely
Statistics forecasts steady job growth in this field, maintains the sentence pattern established by the
12 projecting that 16 percent of new jobs in all two preceding sentences, which begin with noun and
passive verb phrases (“A subway system is expanded,”
occupations will be related to urban and regional “A bike-sharing program is adopted”).
planning. Population growth and concerns about Choice A is incorrect because it does not maintain the
sentence pattern established by the two preceding
environmental sustainability are expected to spur the sentences. Rather, it begins the sentence with an
need for transportation planning professionals. infinitive phrase.
Urban and Regional Planners Choice B is incorrect because it does not maintain the
Percent Increase in Employment, Projected 2010 –2020 sentence pattern established by the two preceding
sentences. Rather, it begins the sentence with a gerund
Social Scientists and phrase.
Related Workers
Choice D is incorrect because it does not maintain the
Urban and
Regional Planners
sentence pattern established by the two preceding
sentences. Rather, it places a prepositional phrase, “in
Total, All Occupations a congested downtown area,” at the beginning of the
sentence.
0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16% 18% 20%
7
Adapted from United States Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Employment Projections program. “All occupations” includes all A) NO CHANGE
occupations in the United States economy.
B) to design
C) designing
D) design
Estimated Difficulty: Easy Key: C
Choice C is the best answer because “designing”

maintains parallelism with “evaluating,” “assessing,”
and “improving.”
Choice A is incorrect because “they design” does not
maintain parallelism with “evaluating,” “assessing,”
Choice B is incorrect because “to design” does not
Choice D is incorrect because “design” does not

8 10
A) NO CHANGE The writer is considering deleting the underlined
B) planner’s job sentence. Should the sentence be kept or deleted?
C) planners job, A) Kept, because it provides supporting evidence
D) planners job about the benefits of walking.
B) Kept, because it provides an additional example
Estimated Difficulty: Easy Key: B of a community stakeholder with whom
transportation planners work.
Choice B is the best answer because it correctly uses C) Deleted, because it blurs the paragraph’s focus
an apostrophe to indicate possession and does not on the community stakeholders with whom
introduce any unnecessary punctuation.
transportation planners work.
Choice A is incorrect because while it correctly
indicates the possessive relationship between
D) Deleted, because it doesn’t provide specific
“transportation planner” and “job,” it introduces an examples of what the numerous benefits of
unnecessary comma after the word “job.” walking are.
Choice C is incorrect because it does not indicate
Estimated Difficulty: Medium Key: C
the possessive relationship between “transportation
planner” and “job” and because it introduces an
unnecessary comma after the word “job.” Choice C is the best answer because it identifies the
Choice D is incorrect because it does not indicate best reason the underlined sentence should not be
the possessive relationship between “transportation kept. At this point in the passage and the paragraph,
planner” and “job.” a general statement about the benefits of walking only
serves to interrupt the discussion of the community
9 stakeholders with whom transportation planners work.
Choice A is incorrect because the underlined sentence
A) NO CHANGE should not be kept. Although the sentence theoretically
B) For instance, provides supporting evidence about the benefits of
C) Furthermore, walking, the passage has not made a claim that needs
to be supported in this way, and including such a
D) Similarly, statement only serves to interrupt the discussion of
the community stakeholders with whom transportation
Estimated Difficulty: Medium Key: B planners work.
Choice B is incorrect because the underlined sentence
Choice B is the best answer because the transitional should not be kept. Although the American Heart
phrase “For instance” logically indicates that what Association could theoretically be an example of “other
follows provides an example related to the previous interested organizations” with which transportation
sentence. “Representatives from the local public health planners work, the sentence does not suggest that
department” is an example of the kinds of people with this is the case. Instead, the association is merely the
whom transportation planners work. source for the general statement about the benefits of
Choice A is incorrect because the transitional word walking, a statement that only serves to interrupt the
“Next” indicates sequence, which is not logical given discussion of the actual community stakeholders with
that what follows provides an example related to the whom transportation planners work.
previous sentence. Choice D is incorrect because although the underlined
Choice C is incorrect because the transitional word sentence should be deleted, it is not because the
“Furthermore” indicates addition, which is not logical sentence lacks specific examples of the numerous
given that what follows provides an example related to benefits of walking. Adding such examples would only
the previous sentence. serve to blur the focus of the paragraph further with
general factual information, as the paragraph’s main
Choice D is incorrect because the transitional word
purpose is to discuss the community stakeholders with
“Similarly” indicates comparison or likeness, which is
whom transportation planners work.
not logical given that what follows provides an example
related to the previous sentence.

11 12
A) NO CHANGE Which choice completes the sentence with accurate
B) People, who pursue careers in transportation data based on the graph?
planning, A) NO CHANGE
C) People who pursue careers, in transportation B) warning, however, that job growth in urban and
planning, regional planning will slow to 14 percent by 2020.
D) People who pursue careers in transportation C) predicting that employment of urban and
planning, regional planners will increase 16 percent
between 2010 and 2020.
Estimated Difficulty: Easy Key: A
D) indicating that 14 to 18 percent of urban and
regional planning positions will remain unfilled.
Choice A is the best answer because “who pursue
careers in transportation planning” is, in context, Estimated Difficulty: Hard Key: C
a restrictive clause that should not be set off with
punctuation. “Who pursue careers in transportation
planning” is essential information defining who the Choice C is the best answer because it completes the
“people” are. sentence with an accurate interpretation of data in the
graph. The graph displays projections of how much
Choice B is incorrect because it incorrectly sets off the
growth in employment there is expected to be between
restrictive clause “who pursue careers in transportation
2010 and 2020 for “social scientists and related
planning” with commas as though the clause were
workers,” for “urban and regional planners,” and in “all
nonrestrictive or not essential to defining who the
occupations” in the U.S. economy. According to the
“people” are.
graph, the employment of urban and regional planners
Choice C is incorrect because it incorrectly sets off is expected to increase 16 percent between 2010 and
the essential sentence element “in transportation 2020.
planning” with commas as though the phrase were
Choice A is incorrect because the data in the graph do
not essential to the meaning of the sentence. “In
not support the claim that 16 percent of new jobs in
transportation planning” is essential information
all occupations will be related to urban and regional
defining what the “careers” are.
planning.
Choice D is incorrect because it introduces an
Choice B is incorrect because the data in the graph do not
unnecessary comma after the word “planning,”
support the claim that job growth in urban and regional
incorrectly setting off the subject of the sentence
planning will slow to 14 percent by 2020.
(“people who pursue careers in transportation
planning”) from the predicate (“have a wide variety of Choice D is incorrect because the data in the graph do
educational backgrounds”). not support the claim that 14 to 18 percent of urban and
regional planning positions will remain unfilled.

Math Math Test Overview
Math
The PSAT/NMSQT Math Test covers math practices, What the Math Test Measures
emphasizing problem solving, modeling, using tools
strategically, and using algebraic structure. The Fluency
questions test your ability to solve problems and use The Math Test is a chance to show that you:
appropriate approaches and tools strategically. Carry out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently,
and strategically.
Solve problems quickly by identifying and using the
Math Test Overview most efficient solution approaches.
The Math Test includes a portion that allows the use of a This might involve solving a problem by inspection,
calculator and a portion that does not. finding a shortcut, or reorganizing the information
Total questions: 48 (17 questions on the no-calculator you’ve been given.
portion; 31 questions on the calculator portion).
Conceptual Understanding
40 standard multiple-choice questions. You’ll demonstrate your grasp of math concepts,
8 student-produced response questions. operations, and relations. For instance, you might be
Time allotted for Math Test – No Calculator: 25 minutes; asked to make connections between properties of linear
time allotted for Math Test – Calculator: 45 minutes. equations, their graphs, and the contexts they represent.
What the Math Test Is Like Applications

Some real-world problems ask you to analyze a situation,
Instead of testing you on every math topic, the
determine the essential elements required to solve the
PSAT/NMSQT asks you to use the math that you’ll rely
problem, represent the problem mathematically, and
on most in all sorts of situations. Questions on the Math
carry out a solution.
Test are designed to mirror the problem solving and
modeling you’ll do in:
College math, science, and social science courses Calculator Use
Jobs that you hold Calculators are important tools, and to succeed after
Your personal life high school, you’ll need to know how—and when—to
For instance, to answer some questions you’ll need to use them. In the Math Test – Calculator portion of the
use several steps because in the real world, a single test, you’ll be able to focus on complex modeling and
calculation is rarely enough to get the job done. reasoning because your calculator can save you time.
Most math questions will be multiple choice, but However, using a calculator, like any tool, isn’t always
some—called student-produced responses—ask you the best way to solve a problem. The Math Test includes
to come up with the answer rather than select the some questions that it’s better not to use a calculator for,
answer. even though you’re allowed to. With these questions,
you’ll probably find that the structure of the problem or
Some parts of the test include several questions your reasoning skills will lead you to the answers more
about a single scenario.
efficiently.
Calculator Smarts
Bring your own calculator. You can’t share one.
Don’t bring a calculator you’ve never used before.
Bring one you know. Practice for the test using the
same calculator you’ll use on test day.
It may help to do scratch work in the test book. Get
your thoughts down before using your calculator.
Make sure your calculator is in good working order
with fresh batteries. The testing staff might not have
batteries or extra calculators. If your calculator fails
during testing and you have no backup, you can
complete the test without it. All questions can be
answered without a calculator.

Answering Student-Produced Response Questions Math
Answering Student-Produced Sample Math Test Materials

Response Questions The sample math questions that follow show the kinds of
questions that may appear on both portions of the Math
You’ll see directions in the test book for answering Test. For these sample materials:
student-produced response questions. (See page 29
for an example.) Take the time to be comfortable with the Review the notes at the beginning of each portion.
They match the notes on the actual test.
format before test day. Carefully read the directions for
answering these questions. The directions explain what Decide on the correct answer to each multiple-choice
you can and can’t do when entering your answers on the question, then read the explanation for the correct
answer sheet. answer to each question and for the answer you
chose (if they are different).
Follow the directions for the student-produced
Tips for the Math Test response questions shown later in this guide. The
directions match the directions on the actual test.
Familiarize yourself with the directions ahead of time.
You don’t have to memorize formulas. Commonly
used formulas are provided with the test directions
at the beginning of each Math Test portion. Other
formulas that are needed are provided with the test
questions themselves. It’s up to you to decide which
formula is appropriate to a question.
Read the problem carefully. Look for key words that
tell you what the problem is asking. Before you solve
each problem, ask yourself these questions: What is
the question asking? What do I know?
With some problems, it may be useful to draw a
sketch or diagram of the given information.
Use the test booklet for scratch work. You’re not
expected to do all the reasoning and figuring in your
head. You won’t receive credit for anything written
in the booklet, but you’ll be able to check your work
easily later.
In the portion of the test that allows calculator use,
be strategic when choosing to use your calculator.
If you don’t know the correct answer to a multiple-
choice question, eliminate some of the choices. It’s
sometimes easier to find the wrong answers than the
correct one. On some questions, you may even be able
to eliminate all the incorrect choices. Remember that
you won’t lose points for incorrect answers, so plan to
make your best guess if you don’t know the answer.
Check your answer to make sure it’s a reasonable
reply to the question asked. This is especially true
for student-produced response questions, where no
answer choices are given.

3 Math Math Test – No Calculator Questions
3
Math Test – No Calculator
2 5 MIN UTES , 17 Q UES TI O NS
Math Test
Turn to Section – No
3 of your Calculator
answer sheet to answer theQuestions
questions in this section.
DIRECTIONS
For questions
For questions 1-13,
1-4,solve
solveeach
eachproblem, choose
problem, the best
choose the answer from the
best answer choices
from provided,
the choices provided, and fill in the
and fill in the corresponding circle on your answer sheet. For questions 14-17,
corresponding bubble on your answer sheet. For questions 5-6, solve the problem solve the and enter your answer
problem and enter your answer in the grid on the answer sheet. Please refer to the
in the grid on the answer sheet. Please refer to the directions before question 5 on how to enter your
directions before question 14 on how to enter your answers in the grid. You may use any
answers in the grid. You may use any available space in your test booklet for scratch work.
available space in your test booklet for scratch work.
NOTES
1.1. The use
useofofaacalculator
calculator is not
is not permitted.
permitted.
2.2. All variablesand

All variables andexpressions
expressions used
used represent
represent real numbers
real numbers unlessunless otherwise
otherwise indicated.
indicated.
3.3. Figures
Figures provided
providedinin
this test
this areare
test drawn to scale
drawn unless
to scale otherwise
unless indicated.
4.4. All
All figures
figureslie
lieinina aplane unless
plane otherwise
unless indicated.
5.5. Unless
Unless otherwise
otherwiseindicated, thethe
indicated, domain of a given
domain function
of a given f is thef set
function of all
is the setreal
ofnumbers x for
all real numbers x for which f(x)
which f (x) is a real number.
is a real number.
REFERENCE

r c 2x 60° s 45° s√2
w h b x
30° 45°
b a x√3 s
A = pr 2 A = w 1
A = bh c 2 = a2 + b 2 Special Right Triangles
2
C = 2pr
h r r h h
h
w r w

V = wh V = pr 2h 4
V = pr 3
1
V = pr 2h V = 1 wh
3 3 3
The number of degrees of arc in a circle is 360.
The numberofofradians
The number degrees of in
of arc arca in a circle
circle is 2p. is 360.
The number
The sum of theofmeasures
radians in
ofdegrees
arc in aof
circle is 2π. of a triangle is 180.
the angles
The sum of the measures in degrees of the angles of a triangle is 180.
Unauthorized copying or reuse of any part of this page is illegal. 32 CO NTI N U E

Math Test – No Calculator Questions Math
1 2
5(k + 2) - 7 13 - (4 - k) 4x – y = 3y + 7
=
6 9 x + 8y = 4
In the equation above, what is the value of k? Based on the system of equations above, what is the
value of the product xy?
A) 9
17
A) – 3
B) 9 2
13
B) 1
C) 33 4
17
C) 1
D) 33 2
13
D) 11
Estimated Difficulty: Medium Key: B 9
Choice B is correct. Simplifying the numerators
5k + 3 9 + k Choice C is correct. There are several solution
yields = , and cross-multiplication gives methods possible, but all involve persevering in solving
6 9
9 for the two variables and calculating the product. For
45k + 27 = 54 + 6k. Solving for k yields k = 13 . example, combining like terms in the first equation
Choice A is incorrect. This value may result from not yields 4x – 4y = 7 and then multiplying that by 2
correctly applying the distributive property on the right- gives 8x – 8y = 14. When this transformed equation
hand side, resulting in the expression 13 – 4 − k in the is added to the second given equation, the y-terms are
numerator. Correctly applying the distributive property eliminated, leaving an equation in just one variable:
yields 13 – (4 – k) = 13 – 4 + k in the numerator. 9x = 18, or x = 2. Substituting 2 for x in the second
Choice C is incorrect. This value may result from not equation (one could use either to solve) yields
correctly applying the distributive property on the
1
2 + 8y = 4, which gives y = 4 . Finally, the product xy
left-hand side, resulting in the expression 5k + 2 – 7. 1 1
Correctly applying the distributive property yields is 2 ¥ = .
4 2
5(k + 2) – 7 = 5k + 3 in the numerator. Choice A is incorrect. Students who select this
Choice D is incorrect. This value may result from option have most likely made a calculation error in
not using the appropriate order of operations when transforming the second equation
simplifying either numerator. (using –4x – 8y = –16 instead of –4x – 32y = –16)
and used it to eliminate the x-terms.
Choice B is incorrect. This is the value of y for the
solution of the system, but it has not been put back into
the system to solve for x to determine the product xy.
Choice D is incorrect. Not understanding how to
eliminate a variable when solving a system, a
student may have added the equations.
4x – 4y = 7 and x + 8y = 4 to yield 5x + 4y = 11. From
here, a student may mistakenly simplify the left-hand
side of this resulting equation to yield
9xy = 11 and then proceed to use division by 9
on both sides in order to solve for xy.

Math Math Test – No Calculator Questions
3 Choice D is incorrect. The student may have correctly

1
1 2 1 seen that the value on the right side refers to the
+ = 5
x x 5 portion of the job completed, but not seen that in this
context, the rates (that is, the work completed in a fixed
Anise needs to complete a printing job using both
time) of the printers can be added to get the combined
of the printers in her office. One of the printers is rate, but the times it takes each printer to complete the job
twice as fast as the other, and together the printers cannot be added to get the time for both printers working
can complete the job in 5 hours. The equation together. Hence the terms in the sum cannot refer to
above represents the situation described. Which hours worked. In fact, the time it takes the
1 1 x
of the following describes what the expression slower printer to complete of the job is hours.
x 5 5
represents in this equation?
4
A) The time, in hours, that it takes the slower
printer to complete the printing job alone The graph of y = (2x – 4)(x – 4) is a parabola in
the xy-plane. In which of the following equivalent
B) The portion of the job that the slower printer
equations do the x- and y-coordinates of the vertex
would complete in one hour
of the parabola appear as constants or coefficients?
C) The portion of the job that the faster printer
would complete in two hours A) y = 2x2 – 12x + 16
D) The time, in hours, that it takes the slower B) y = 2x(x – 6) + 16
1 C) y = 2(x – 3)2 + (–2)
printer to complete of the printing job
5 D) y = (x – 2)(2x – 8)
Estimated Difficulty: Hard Key: B
1
Choice B is correct. From the description given, is the Choice C is correct. The equation y = (2x – 4) (x – 4)
5
portion of the job that the two printers, working together, can be written in vertex form, y = a(x – h)2 + k,
can complete in one hour, and each term in the sum on to display the vertex, (h, k), of the parabola.
1 To put the equation in vertex form, first multiply:
the left side is the part of this of the job that one of the
5 (2x – 4)(x – 4) = 2x2 – 8x – 4x + 16. Then, add like terms,
printers contributes. Since one of the printers is twice as 2x2 – 8x – 4x + 16 = 2x2 – 12x + 16. The next step is
2 completing the square.
fast as the other, describes the portion of the job that
x 1
the faster printer is able to complete in one hour and
x y = 2x2 – 12x + 16
describes the portion of the job that the slower printer is
y = 2(x2 – 6x) + 16 Isolate the x2 term by
able to complete in one hour. factoring.
Choice A is incorrect. The student may have not
y = 2(x2 – 6x + 9 – 9) + 16 Make a perfect square in
seen that in this context, the rates (that is, the work
the parentheses.
completed in a fixed time) of the printers can be added
to get the combined rate, but the times it takes each y = 2(x2 – 6x + 9) – 18 + 16 Move the extra term out
printer to complete the job cannot be added to get the
of the parentheses.
time for both printers working together, since the time
for printers working together is less than, not greater y = 2(x – 3)2 – 18 + 16 Factor inside the
than, the times for each printer alone. Hence the terms
parentheses.
in the sum cannot refer to hours worked. In fact, the
time it would take the slower printer to complete the y = 2(x – 3)2 – 2 Simplify the remaining
whole job is x hours. terms.
Choice C is incorrect. The student may have seen Therefore, the coordinates of the vertex, (3, –2), are
that
1 is the smaller term in the sum, wrongly both revealed only in choice C. Since you are told that
x all of the equations are equivalent, simply knowing
concluded that the smaller term must apply to the form that displays the coordinates of the vertex
the faster printer, and then assumed the 2 in the will save all of these steps—this is known as “seeing
numerator of the second term implies the equation structure in the expression or equation.”
describes work completed in 2 hours. In fact, the
portion of the job that the faster printer could
complete in 2 hours is ( 2 ) ( x2 ) = x4 .

Math Test – No Calculator Questions Math
Choice A is incorrect; it is in standard form, displaying 7

Answer: 12 Answer: 2.5
the y-value of the y-intercept of the graph (0, 16) as a
constant. Write
answer 7 / 12 2 . 5
Choice B is incorrect; it displays the y-value of the in boxes. Fraction
line Decimal
y-intercept of the graph (0, 16) as a constant. point
Choice D is incorrect; it displays the x-value of one of
the x-intercepts of the graph (2, 0) as a constant.
Grid in
result.
Student-Produced Response
Math Questions
For some questions in the Math Test, you will
be asked to solve the problem and enter your
answer in the grid, as described below, on the
answer sheet. 2
Acceptable ways to grid 3 are:
1. Although not required, it is suggested that you . .

write your answer in the boxes at the top of the
columns to help you fill in the bubbles accurately.
You will receive credit only if the bubbles are filled
in correctly.
2. Mark no more than one bubble in any column.
3. No question has a negative answer.
4. Some problems may have more than one correct
answer. In such cases, grid only one answer.
1
5. Mixed numbers such as 3 must be gridded as Answer: 201– either position is correct
2
NOTE: You
31 / 2 may start your
3.5 or 7/2. (If is entered into the grid, it answers in any
column, space
31 1 permitting.
will be interpreted as , not 3 .) Columns you
2 2
don’t need to
use should be
6. Decimal answers: If you obtain a decimal answer left blank.
with more digits than the grid can accommodate,
it may be either rounded or truncated, but it must
fill the entire grid.
5 6
1 1 x2 + y2 – 6x + 8y = 144
If 2 x + 3 y = 4, what is the value of 3x + 2y?
The equation of a circle in the xy-plane is shown
Estimated Difficulty: Medium Key: 24 above. What is the diameter of the circle?
Using the structure of the equation allows you to Estimated Difficulty: Hard Key: 26
quickly solve the problem if you see that multiplying
both sides of the equation by 6 clears the fractions and Completing the square yields the equation
yields 3x + 2y = 24. (x – 3)2 + (y + 4)2 = 169, the standard form of an
equation of the circle. Understanding this form results
in the equation r 2 = 169, which when solved for r gives
the value of the radius as 13. The diameter is twice the
value of the radius; therefore, the diameter is 26.

3 Math Math Test – Calculator Questions
3
Math Test – No Calculator
2 5 MIN UTES , 17 Q UES TI O NS
Math Test
Turn to Section – Calculator
3 of your Questions
answer sheet to answer the questions in this section.
DIRECTIONS
For questions 1-13,
For questions 1-5,solve
solveeach
eachproblem,
problem,choose the best
choose answer
the best from the
answer choices
from provided,
the choices provided, and fill in the
and fill in the corresponding circle on your answer sheet. For questions
corresponding bubble on your answer sheet. For question 6, solve the problem 14-17, solve the and enter your answer in the grid
problem and enter your answer in the grid on the answer sheet. Please refer to the
on the answer sheet. Please refer to the directions before question 5 on page 29 on how to enter your answers
directions before question 14 on how to enter your answers in the grid. You may use any
inavailable
the grid. You may use any available space in your test booklet for scratch work.
space in your test booklet for scratch work.
NOTES
1.1. The useofofaacalculator
The use calculator is permitted.
is not permitted.
2.2. All variablesand

All variables andexpressions
expressions used
used represent
represent real numbers
real numbers unlessunless otherwise
indicated.
3.3. Figures
Figures provided
providedinin
this test
this areare
test drawn to scale
drawn unless
to scale otherwise
unless indicated.
4.4. All
All figures
figureslie
lieinina aplane unless
plane otherwise
unless indicated.
5.5. Unless
Unless otherwise
otherwiseindicated, thethe
indicated, domain of a given
domain function
of a given f is thef set
function of all
is the setreal
ofnumbers x for
all real numbers x for which f(x) is a
which f (x) is a real number.
real number.
REFERENCE

r c 2x 60° s 45° s√2
w h b x
30° 45°
b a x√3 s
A = pr 2 A = w 1
A = bh c 2 = a2 + b 2 Special Right Triangles
2
C = 2pr
h r r h h
h
w r w

V = wh V = pr 2h 4
V = pr 3
1
V = pr 2h V = 1 wh
3 3 3
The number of radians of arc in a circle is 2p.
The
The number
sum of radians
of the measures of arc inofa the
in degrees circle is 2π.
angles of a triangle is 180.
The sum of the measures in degrees of the angles of a triangle is 180.
Unauthorized copying or reuse of any part of this page is illegal. 32 CO NTI N U E

Math Test – Calculator Questions Math
1 2
Aaron is staying at a hotel that charges $99.95 per Bacteria Growth
night plus tax for a room. A tax of 8% is applied to 10
9
the room rate, and an additional onetime untaxed Dish 1
Area Covered (sq cm)

8
fee of $5.00 is charged by the hotel. Which of the 7
following represents Aaron’s total charge, in dollars, 6
Dish 2
for staying x nights? 5
4
A) (99.95 + 0.08x) + 5 3
2
B) 1.08(99.95x) + 5 1
C) 1.08(99.95x + 5) 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
D) 1.08(99.95 + 5)x Time (h)
Estimated Difficulty: Easy Key: B A researcher places two colonies of bacteria into
two petri dishes that each have an area of 10 square
Choice B is correct. The total charge that Aaron will centimeters. After the initial placement of the bacteria
pay is the room rate, the 8% tax on the room rate, and a (t = 0), the researcher measures and records the
fixed fee. If Aaron stayed x nights, then the total charge area covered by the bacteria in each dish every ten
is (99.95x + 0.08 × 99.95x) + 5, which can be rewritten
as 1.08(99.95x) + 5.
minutes. The data for each dish were fit by a smooth
curve, as shown in the graph, where each curve
Choice A is incorrect. The expression includes only
one night’s stay in the room and does not accurately represents the area of a dish covered by bacteria as a
account for tax on the room. function of time, in hours. Which of the following is a
Choice C is incorrect. The expression includes tax correct statement about the data above?
on the fee, and the hotel does not charge tax on the A) At time t = 0, both dishes are 100% covered
$5.00 fee. by bacteria.
Choice D is incorrect. The expression includes tax on B) At time t = 0, bacteria covers 10% of Dish 1 and
the fee and a fee charge for each night.
20% of Dish 2.
C) At time t = 0, Dish 2 is covered with 50% more
bacteria than Dish 1.
D) For the first hour, the area covered in Dish 2 is
increasing at a higher average rate than the area
covered in Dish 1.
Estimated Difficulty: Medium Key: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Each petri dish

has area 10 square centimeters, and so at time
t = 0, Dish 1 is 10% covered 1 and Dish 2 is

10 ( )
20% covered
2
10 ( )
. Thus the statement in B is true.
Choice A is incorrect. At the end of the observations,
both dishes are 100% covered with bacteria, but at time
t = 0, neither dish is 100% covered.
Choice C is incorrect. At time t = 0, Dish 1 is covered
with 50% less bacteria than is Dish 2, but Dish 2 is
covered with 100% more, not 50% more, bacteria than
is Dish 1.
Choice D is incorrect. After the first hour, it is still
true that more of Dish 2 is covered by bacteria than is
Dish 1, but for the first hour the area of Dish 1 that is
covered has been increasing at a higher average rate
(about 0.8 sq cm/hour) than the area of Dish 2 (about
0.1 sq cm/hour).

Math Math Test – Calculator Questions
3 Estimated Difficulty: Hard Key: B

If k is a positive constant different from 1, which of Choice B is correct. Manipulating the equation
( 11 +- kk )x
the following could be the graph of y – x = k(x + y)
in the xy-plane? to solve for y gives y = , revealing that
y the graph of the equation must be a line that passes

A) through the origin. Of the choices given, only the graph
6
5 shown in choice B satisfies these conditions.
4
3 Choice A is incorrect. If you selected this answer, you
2 may have seen that the term k(x + y) is a multiple of
1 x + y and wrongly concluded that this is the equation
x
–6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 O 1 2 3 4 5 6 of a line with slope 1.
–1
–2 Choice C is incorrect. If you selected this answer, you
–3 may have made incorrect steps when simplifying the
–4
–5 equation or may have not seen the advantage that
–6 putting the equation in slope-intercept form would give
in determining the graph, and thus wrongly concluded
y the graph has a nonzero y-intercept.
B)
6 Choice D is incorrect. If you selected this answer, you may
5 not have seen that term k(x + y) can be multiplied out and
4
3 the variables x and y isolated, and wrongly concluded
2 that the graph of the equation cannot be a line.
1
x
–6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 O
–1
1 2 3 4 5 6 4
–2
–3
y
–4
–5 3
–6
2
y x2 + y2 = 5 1
C)
6 y = x2 – 3 x
5 –3 –2 –1 O 1 2 3
4 x–y=1 –1
3
2 –2
1
x –3
–6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 O 1 2 3 4 5 6
–1
–2 A system of three equations and their graphs
–3 in the xy-plane are shown above. How many
–4
–5 solutions does the system have?
–6
A) One
y B) Two
D)
6 C) Three
5
4 D) Four
3
2 Key: B
Estimated Difficulty: Easy
1
x
–6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 O 1 2 3 4 5 6
–1 Choice B is correct. The solutions to the system of
–2 equations are the points where the circle, parabola, and
–3
–4
line all intersect. These points are (–1, –2) and (2, 1),
–5 and these are the only solutions to the system.
–6
Choice A is incorrect. This answer may reflect the
misconception that a system of equations can have
only one solution.

Math Test – Calculator Questions Math
Choice C is incorrect. This answer may reflect the Choice B is incorrect. If you selected this answer, you
misconception that a system of equations has as many may have made a sign error while subtracting partial
solutions as the number of equations in the system. quotients in the long division.
Choice D is incorrect. This answer may reflect the Choice C is incorrect. If you selected this answer, you
misconception that the solutions of the system are may have misunderstood how to work with fractions
represented by the points where any two of the curves and may have tried the incorrect calculation
intersect, rather than the correct concept that the
solutions are represented only by the points where all 4x 2
=
( )
(1) 4x 2
=
1
+ 4x 2 .
three curves intersect. 2x - 1 2x - 1 2x - 1
Choice D is incorrect. If you selected this answer, you
5 may have misunderstood how to work with fractions
4x 2 and may have tried the incorrect calculation
If the expression is written in the equivalent
2x - 1
1 4x 2 1 + 4x 2 - 1 1
form 2x - 1 + A, what is A in terms of x? = = + 4x 2 - 1.
2x - 1 2x - 1 2x - 1
A) 2x + 1
B) 2x – 1
Student-Produced Response
C) 4x2
Math Question
D) 4x2 − 1
For question 6, solve the problem and enter your answer
Estimated Difficulty: Hard Key: A in the grid, as described on page 29 of this guide.
Choice A is correct. The form of the equation suggests 6

2
4x The table shown classifies 103 elements as metal,
performing long division on :
2x - 1 metalloid, or nonmetal and as solid, liquid, or gas at
2x + 1
2x - 1 4x 2 standard temperature and pressure.
4x 2 - 2x Solids Liquids Gases Total

2x Metals 77 1 0 78
2x - 1 Metalloids 7 0 0 7
1
Nonmetals 6 1 11 18
Since the remainder 1 matches the numerator in Total 90 2 11 103
1
,
2x - 1 it is clear that A = 2x + 1. What fraction of solids and liquids in the table
A short way to find the answer is to use the are metalloids?
structure to rewrite the numerator of the
expression as (4x2 – 1) + 1, recognizing the term in 7
parentheses as a difference of squares, making the Estimated Difficulty: Easy Key: .076,
expression equal to 92
(2x - 1)(2x + 1) + 1 1
= 2x + 1 +
2x - 1 2x - 1 . From this, There are 7 metalloids that are solid or liquid,
the answer 2x + 1 is apparent. Another way to find the and there are 92 total solids and liquids.
answer is to isolate A in the form Therefore, the fraction of solids and liquids that are
7
4x 2 1 metalloids is , or .076.
A= - and simplify. As with the first 92
2x -1 2x -1
approach, this approach also requires you to
recognize 4x2 – 1 as a difference of squares that factors.

PSAT/NMSQT Terms and Conditions
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING TERMS AND CONDITIONS

You will be asked to agree to the PSAT/NMSQT Terms and Conditions on your answer sheet on
test day. Please review these carefully. Prior to test day, you must review any updates to these
Terms and Conditions, which will be clearly communicated to you at cb.org/pn-terms.

Introduction · Earphones, only if you’re approved for assistive
technology–compatible or pre-recorded audio
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms and Conditions” accommodations
or “Agreement”) are a legal contract between you and · Epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen) in a clear
College Board (“College Board” or “we”). They set forth plastic bag if you need one
important rules and policies you must follow related to
b. You may not bring prohibited items to the test. Prohibited
taking the PSAT/NMSQT®. Please read these carefully.
items include but aren’t limited to:
Additional COVID-19 related requirements may be
· Mobile phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, or other
communicated to you prior to or on test day. You agree to wearable technology (simple digital non-smartwatches
abide by such requirements. or analog watches are acceptable)
All disputes between you and College Board will be · Audio players or recorders, tablets, laptops, notebooks,
resolved through binding arbitration in accordance Bluetooth devices (e.g., wireless earbuds/headphones),
with Section 8 of this Agreement. You understand that or any other personal computing devices
by agreeing to arbitration, you are waiving your right
to resolve disputes in a court of law by a judge or jury
· Separate timers of any type
except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement. · Cameras or any other photographic equipment
· Pens, highlighters, or mechanical or colored pencils
CONTENTS:
· Books or references of any kind
Section 1. Required and Prohibited Items for Testing
· Compasses, rulers, protractors, or cutting devices
Section 2. Prohibited Behaviors
· Papers of any kind, including scratch paper
Section 3. Score Cancellation and Disciplinary Measures
· Earplugs
Section 4. Privacy
· Unacceptable calculators that have computer-style
Section 5. Miscellaneous (QWERTY) keyboards, use paper tape, make noise, or
Section 6. Policies and Requirements use a power cord
Section 7. Intellectual Property Rights · Weapons or firearms
Section 8. ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES AND CLASS NOTE: Some exceptions to the above may apply if a test taker
ACTIONS WAIVER has received a College Board–approved accommodation.
Section 9. Venue and Waiver of Jury Trial
Section 10. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY c. Acceptable Calculators. A battery-operated, handheld
calculator can be used for testing on the PSAT/NMSQT
Section 11. Severability Math with Calculator section only. No power cords are
Section 12. Restricted Registrations allowed. If you have a calculator with characters that
Section 13. Accessibility of These Terms and Conditions are 1 inch or higher, or if your calculator has a raised
display that might be visible to other test takers, you
Section 1. Required and Prohibited will be seated at the discretion of the testing staff.
All scientific calculators, which can perform complex
Items for Testing mathematical functions but don’t have a graphing feature,
a. You must bring the following items to the PSAT/NMSQT are acceptable as long as they don’t have any prohibited
in accordance with satsuite.collegeboard.org/ features. For a list of acceptable graphing calculators,
psat-nmsqt/taking-the-test/what-to-bring-leave: see satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt/taking-the-
· Valid school or government issued photo ID (for test/what-to-bring-leave/calculator-policy. No other
students not testing at their own school) calculators are permitted.
· Two No. 2 pencils that have erasers d. If you do not bring the required items, or if you bring
· Acceptable calculator (as set forth later in this section) prohibited items, you may be denied admission to or
for math sections where they are allowed be dismissed from the testing site; in addition, we may
decline to score your test, or cancel your score.

Section 2. Prohibited Behaviors · Deliberately attempt to and/or take the test for someone
else or attempt to have someone else impersonate you
You may not engage in the prohibited behaviors
to take the test
set forth below:
· Attempt to cheat or otherwise obtain an unfair · Deliberately create fake or multiple College Board
student accounts
advantage on the PSAT/NMSQT
· Remove or attempt to remove any test questions or · Provide false information to College Board
responses or any notes from the testing room, including · Disturb others
through memorization, give them to anyone else, or · Consume food or drink in unauthorized areas
discuss them with anyone else through any means,
· Exhibit or engage in confrontational, threatening, or
including, but not limited to, email, text messages, or
unruly behavior, conduct, or communication toward or
the internet
concerning any test taker, test administrator, proctor,
· At any time, improperly access the test area, the test (or employee of College Board or College Board contractor
any part of the test), an answer key, or any information
· Allow an alarm or a personal item to sound in the
about the test
testing room
· Refer to, look through, or work on a test section in the
· Fail to follow any of the test administration rules set
test book or answer sheet, other than during the testing
forth in these Terms and Conditions or directions given
period for that test section
by the testing staff
· Refer to, or look through, any test section while leaving
the answer sheet blank Section 3. Score Cancellation and
· Attempt to give or receive assistance, including by
Disciplinary Measures
copying or through the use of an answer key
a. Score Cancellation and Disciplinary Measures. In the
· Discuss or share information about the test including event that College Board and/or its contractors determine
questions, answers, identifying information about that your scores are invalid under Section 3(b) below,
the version or form of a test, or any other information or you have engaged in Misconduct under Section 3(c)
that might compromise the security of the test at any below, we may, in our sole discretion, take 1 or more of the
time (including before the test, during the test, during following measures (“Measures”): deny you entry to a test
breaks, or after the test) administration, dismiss you from the test, decline to score
· Communicate with other test takers or other individuals your test, cancel your scores, ban you from taking future
in any form while testing is in session College Board assessments (including without limitation
· Allow anyone to see the test questions or your answers the SAT®, Advanced Placement® (AP®) and CLEP®
or attempt to see or copy others’ test questions or Exams), and/or share information with others as set forth
answers in Section 3(f) below.
· Consult notes, other people, electronic devices, b. Invalid Scores. We may cancel your scores and/or take any
textbooks, or any other resources during the test or of the other Measures described above, if after following the
during breaks procedures set forth in this section, we determine, in our
sole discretion, that there is substantial evidence that your
· Have subject-related information on your clothing,
scores are invalid (“Invalid Scores”). Examples of evidence
shoes, or body
of Invalid Scores include, without limitation, discrepant
· Use or access any prohibited items including devices handwriting, unusual answer patterns, or other evidence
or aids such as, but not limited to, mobile phones, that indicates these Terms and Conditions have been
smartwatches, fitness trackers, other oral or written violated. Before canceling your scores under this Invalid
communication devices or wearable technology, Scores section, we will notify you in writing (via email if an
cameras, notes and reference books, etc., during or in email address is available) and offer you 3 options: voluntary
connection with the test, including during breaks score cancellation, a free retest under closely monitored
· Fail to turn in or store away a mobile phone in conditions (during the following 2 administrations after such
accordance with the testing staff’s collection process review), or an opportunity to submit additional information
and request a further review by a College Board panel. If
· Share a calculator with another person
you opt for a further review by a College Board panel, and it
· Use a calculator on any test section other than the Math confirms, in its sole discretion, that your scores are invalid,
with Calculator section unless approved by College we will offer you 3 options: voluntary score cancellation, a
Board as an accommodation free retest under closely monitored conditions (during the
· Use a prohibited calculator following 2 administrations after such review), or arbitration.
· Leave the testing room without permission and prior to This process is referred to as the “Score Validity Process.”
the conclusion of all sections of the test Additional information about security measures and
consequences of violating security policies is set forth in
· Go to a locker or leave the building at any time during
sat.org/test-security. The arbitration option is available
the test administration, including during breaks
only for tests administered in the United States and U.S.
territories.

c. Misconduct. Notwithstanding Section 3(b) above, if we e. Test Taker Reporting Violations or Suspicious
determine, in our sole discretion, that there is overwhelming Behavior. You may confidentially report any suspected
evidence that you violated these Terms and Conditions violation of the PSAT/NMSQT Terms and Conditions, or
(“Misconduct”), the Score Validity Process will not apply, any suspicion concerning the security of PSAT/NMSQT
and we may cancel your scores and/or take any of the test administration, by immediately reporting this
Measures described above. Examples of Misconduct might information to College Board by emailing us at
include overwhelming evidence that you used or attempted [email protected].
to use an answer key or mobile phone. Misconduct may be f. College Board Sharing Information with Third
established in various ways including, without limitation, Parties. We may share the results of test security
through observations during an administration or by investigations (including without limitation those relating
evidence discovered afterward. If your scores are canceled to Misconduct and Invalid Scores described above and
due to Misconduct, you will forfeit test and registration fees. other disciplinary-related information), with third parties,
d. Testing Irregularities. We may cancel your scores if including with your school, any score recipient, college,
we determine, in our sole discretion, that any testing higher education institution or agency, scholarship
irregularity occurred (collectively “Testing Irregularities”). organization, potential score recipient, government
Examples of Testing Irregularities include problems, agency in the United States or abroad, parents, legal
irregular circumstances, or events associated with the guardians, or law enforcement. College Board may also
administration of a test that may affect 1 test taker or share such information with third parties that have a
groups of test takers. Such problems include, without legitimate reason for knowing the information or who
limitation, administrative errors (e.g., improper timing, may be able to assist College Board in its investigation or
improper seating, improper admission to a testing site, who may be conducting their own investigation. College
providing accommodations not approved by College Board, Board may respond to inquiries from any institution to
defective materials, and defective equipment), evidence which you submitted a score. If you publicize any review,
of possible preknowledge of secure test content, and investigation, or decision of College Board, College Board
disruptions of test administrations caused by events such may make any and all details of such matter public.
as natural disasters, epidemics or pandemics, wars, riots,
civil disturbances, or other emergencies. When Testing Section 4. Privacy
Irregularities occur, we may cancel an entire administration a. Privacy Policies. College Board recognizes the importance
or individual registrations, decline to score all or part of the of protecting your privacy. Our privacy policies located
test, or cancel scores. We may do this regardless of whether at collegeboard.org/privacy-center (“Privacy Policies”)
or not you caused the Testing Irregularities, benefited from are part of these Terms and Conditions. You consent to
them, or violated these Terms and Conditions. We may, in collection, use, and disclosure by College Board of your
our sole discretion, give you the opportunity to take the test personally identifiable information described in the Privacy
again within a reasonable time frame, and without charge. Policies and in these Terms and Conditions. College Board
This is the sole remedy that may be available to you as a may update its Privacy Policies from time to time, and they
result of Testing Irregularities. You may not review scores are subject to change up to 1 week prior to your test date
from an affected administration before choosing the option and any subsequent test dates. You are required to review
of taking a makeup test. the Privacy Policies located at collegeboard.org/privacy-
In some instances, scores may be issued for guidance center prior to each test administration.
purposes only. This means that the test was not b. Voluntary Student Search Service™. If you decide
administered in accordance with testing policies to opt in to our voluntary Student Search Service
described in the PSAT/NMSQT Coordinator Manual. (“Student Search Service”), then:
Therefore, the resulting scores cannot be considered for · We will share information about you that you provide
some scholarship competitions. When scores are provided to College Board (including without limitation your
for guidance purposes only, a message will appear below personally identifiable information, score ranges,
the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) questionnaire responses, and information you provide
Selection Index score on your score report directing you on the college planning website of College Board) with
to follow up with the test coordinator at your school to participating accredited colleges, universities, nonprofit
learn more about the reason for the “guidance purposes scholarship programs, and nonprofit educational
only” report. Students who are otherwise eligible and who organizations (“Education Organizations”). If you
are interested in entering the National Merit® Scholarship opt in to Student Search Service, we may share
Program should turn to page 7 of the National Merit information you provided prior to and after opting in
Scholarship Program section of this guide to learn how to Student Search Service, but we will not share any
to request information about another route of entry to the information until you opt in.
2024 competition. College Board will forward all reports
· Education Organizations may use this information to send
of misconduct or testing irregularities to NMSC, which you, or your parent, email and postal mail with information
reserves the right to make its own independent judgment about educational, financial aid, and scholarship
about a student’s participation in the National Merit opportunities. Being contacted by Education Organizations
Scholarship Program. doesn’t mean you have been admitted. You must submit an
application to be considered for admission.

· Education Organizations pay a license fee to d. College Board or its designee may use methods to capture
College Board to license (use) your information. images, video, or audio at any or all testing sites to help
College Board uses these license fees to help support ensure test security. The resulting images or recordings,
its mission-driven work. Students do not pay a fee for which may permit College Board to identify specific
Student Search Service. individuals, may be collected, stored, reviewed, and used
· Education Organizations may only use your information for the purposes of (i) identifying, collecting evidence
for the purpose of sending you information about the of, and/or investigating possible PSAT/NMSQT test
opportunities they provide. They (i) may not share your security incidents; and (ii) enhancing PSAT/NMSQT test
information with others except to their contractors such security. These images and/or recordings are maintained
as direct mail service providers, and (ii) may only keep following the test administration for as long as reasonably
your information for a limited time period. necessary for the purposes specified. Thereafter, the
images and recordings are securely destroyed. College
· Opt-out: You can opt out of Student Search Service
at any time at my.collegeboard.org/profile/privacy Board will not use or disclose such information except
or by contacting us at SearchCustomerService@ as described earlier in this section, as requested by law
collegeboard.org or 866-825-8051. enforcement, and/or as reasonably necessary to protect
the rights and property of College Board or third parties.
· More information on Student Search Service is available
at studentsearch.collegeboard.org. e. College Board occasionally pretests new questions
to determine if they should be included in a future
c. Educational Reporting. We send your scores, data
PSAT/NMSQT. These questions may appear in any of
derived from your scores, and other information you
the test sections, and testing time will be appropriately
provide during testing to your school and district. In
extended so you have time to answer them. They will not
addition, your scores may be sent to your state for
be included in computing your scores. Scored test items
educational, diagnostic, and/or reporting purposes.
(questions) and entire test forms may be used in more
(Homeschooled students’ scores won’t be shared with the
than 1 test administration.
school that administers the test.)
d. National Merit Scholarship Program. We send your f. After the PSAT/NMSQT, we may send you an email
scores and other information you provide during testing invitation requesting you to participate in a test
to our cosponsor, National Merit Scholarship Corporation experience survey or to answer sample test questions. If
(“Cosponsor” or NMSC) for it to consider your eligibility you provide us with an email address, you may receive an
for its National Merit Scholarship Program in invitation via email. Participation is optional and will not
accordance with the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide and affect your scores.
www.nationalmerit.org. NMSC may in turn share your g. College Board takes steps to ensure that answer sheets
name, address, and birth date with your high school if are properly handled and scored. In the unlikely event of
you qualify for entrance to the National Merit Scholarship a problem with shipping or processing answer sheets, or
Program. score reports, or with scoring the test, or score reporting,
College Board will correct the error, if possible, and may
Section 5. Miscellaneous schedule a makeup test for impacted test takers. This is
a. In the event of a test security related concern, public your sole remedy in relation to such issues. College Board
health threat including without limitation an epidemic or has sole discretion in determining whether to score lost
pandemic, natural disaster, terrorist act, civil unrest, or answer sheets that are eventually recovered.
other unexpected events or circumstances, College Board h. All personal property brought into the testing site, such as
may cancel testing for all or a specific group of test takers. purses, bags, backpacks, mobile phones, and calculators
When this occurs your school or testing location will work and other electronic devices, may be subject to search at
with College Board to request an alternate test date or the discretion of College Board and testing staff. College
provide other options for testing if feasible. Board and testing staff may confiscate and retain for a
b. To ensure the integrity of the PSAT/NMSQT, for security reasonable period of time any personal property suspected
reasons, or for other reasons in our sole discretion, of having been used, or capable of being used, in violation
College Board reserves the right to bar any individual or of our test security and fairness policies, for further
group of individuals from registering for and/or taking any investigation.
College Board assessment. i. College Board and the testing site will not be responsible
c. If College Board becomes aware that you or someone for personal property, including prohibited items, brought
else may be in imminent danger, we reserve the right to to the testing site on test day that becomes lost, stolen, or
contact the appropriate individuals or agencies, including damaged.
your parents, guardians, high school, or law enforcement j. Each College Board contractor and Cosponsor is a third-
agencies. party beneficiary and is entitled to the rights and benefits
under this Agreement and may enforce the provisions of
this Agreement as if it were a party to this Agreement.

Section 6. Policies and Requirements · This arbitration will be conducted as a documents-only

arbitration (i.e., there will be no in-person or telephone
a. All College Board policies and requirements (i) referenced
hearing) unless otherwise agreed by the parties or
in these Terms and Conditions and (ii) relating to taking
required by the arbitrator. Should the parties agree to
the PSAT/NMSQT located at satsuite.collegeboard.org/
or the arbitrator require proceedings, such proceedings
psat-nmsqt/taking-the-test, what to bring and what to leave
should be conducted at a location which is reasonably
home on test day located at satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-
convenient to both parties with due consideration of
nmsqt/taking-the-test/what-to-bring-leave, and scores
their ability to travel and other pertinent circumstances.
located at satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt/scores.
If the parties are unable to agree on a location, the
b. College Board may update its policies and requirements parties agree that the proceedings will be conducted via
from time to time, and they are subject to change up to a video or telephonic call or, in the event that face-to-
1 week prior to your test date. You are required to review face proceedings are agreed to by the parties or required
these prior to each test administration. by the arbitrator, at a location that is reasonably
convenient to both parties in accordance with the AAA
Section 7. Intellectual Property Rights Consumer Arbitration Rules.
a. All College Board tests, test-related documents and · The parties agree that the Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”)
materials, and test preparation materials are copyrighted 9 U.S.C. § 1 et seq. governs this provision, and it is the
works owned by College Board and protected by the laws intent of the parties that the FAA shall preempt all State
of the United States and other countries. laws to the fullest extent permitted by law.
b. College Board owns all answers and answer documents · No arbitration may be maintained as a class or
you submit, and these may be used by College Board for collective action, and the arbitrator shall not have
any purpose, subject to College Board Privacy Policies the authority to combine or aggregate the disputes of
located at collegeboard.org/privacy-center and these more than 1 individual, conduct any class or collective
Terms and Conditions. proceeding, make any class or collective award, or
make an award to any person or entity not a party to
Section 8. ARBITRATION OF the arbitration, without the express written consent of
DISPUTES AND CLASS ACTIONS College Board.
WAIVER · By agreeing to arbitration in accordance with this section,
a. General Arbitration Rules (“General Arbitration Rules”) you are waiving your right to have your dispute heard by a
judge or jury except as set forth below.
· Any dispute regarding the enforceability of these
arbitration provisions, or whether a dispute is subject · To commence arbitration, you must pay the AAA filing
to these arbitration provisions, shall be resolved by the fee (unless AAA agrees to waive the fee for you) and
arbitrator. follow the AAA Consumer Arbitration Rules. The filing
fee will be reimbursed by College Board if you prevail
· All disputes between you and College Board and/or any or in arbitration. Each party will be responsible for its own
all of its contractors or Cosponsor that relate in any way to attorney’s fees and expenses. College Board generally
registering for, participating in, or taking the PSAT/NMSQT, pays the arbitrator’s compensation but the arbitrator
including but not limited to requesting or receiving test may require you to pay those fees if the arbitrator
accommodations, score reporting, the use of your data, test determines that your claim was filed for purposes of
security issues, or the Score Validity Process, but excluding harassment or is patently frivolous, as per the AAA
all claims that a party violated the intellectual property Consumer Arbitration Rules.
rights of the other party, shall exclusively be resolved by
a single arbitrator through binding, individual arbitration b. Supplemental Arbitration Rules for the Score Validity
administered by the American Arbitration Association Process (“Supplemental Arbitration Rules”)
(“AAA”) under the AAA Consumer Arbitration Rules in · If you receive a notice from us that your scores are
effect at the time a request for arbitration is filed with the subject to the Score Validity Process, you may be
AAA. Copies of the AAA Consumer Arbitration Rules are provided with the option to choose arbitration. In
located at adr.org. addition to the General Arbitration Rules, the below
rules will apply.
· Disputes relating to the Score Validity Process (defined
in the “Invalid Scores” section herein) are subject · The sole issue for the arbitrator to decide is whether
to both these General Arbitration Rules and the College Board acted in good faith and followed the
Supplemental Arbitration Rules defined below. If there Score Validity Process.
is a conflict between the General Arbitration Rules and · This arbitration will be based only on (i) the documents
the Supplemental Arbitration Rules, the Supplemental you submitted to College Board pursuant to the Score
Arbitration Rules will control. Validity Process and (ii) College Board documents
unless otherwise agreed by the parties or required by
the arbitrator.

· If the arbitrator finds that College Board did not act Section 11. Severability
in good faith in deciding to cancel your scores, your
If any provision or part of this Agreement is held to be
scores will not be canceled (or they will be reinstated, if
invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions
applicable).
will nevertheless continue in full force without being
· All other disputes with College Board will be resolved impaired or invalidated in any way, and, to the extent
solely by the General Arbitration Rules in Section 8(a) possible, the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision shall
above. be modified so that it is valid, legal, and enforceable and, to
c. Notwithstanding the foregoing arbitration provisions in the fullest extent, reflects the intention of the parties.
Sections 8(a) and 8(b) above, either party may take a claim
to small claims court instead of arbitration if the party’s Section 12. Restricted Registrations
claim is within the jurisdiction of the small claims court, College Board, along with our service providers overseas, is
as permitted in the AAA Consumer Arbitration Rules. If subject to U.S. economic sanctions, laws, and regulations
either party institutes an action in small claims court, and is prohibited from providing testing services to,
you and College Board agree to accept the findings of or accepting registrations from, persons residing in
the small claims court as a final resolution of the parties’ certain areas or designated by the U.S. government as
dispute and not to appeal the small claims court’s decision Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons
or pursue any other claim (including a claim asserted in (collectively, “Sanctioned Persons”), unless specifically
arbitration) relating to that dispute. licensed or otherwise authorized by the U.S. government.
If a Sanctioned Person attempts to register despite
Section 9. Venue and Waiver of U.S. sanctions that prohibit College Board from doing
business with such Sanctioned Person, College Board or
Jury Trial
a U.S. financial institution may block the registration or
All disputes arising from or related to these Terms and
payments submitted by or for such Sanctioned Persons.
Conditions that are not subject to arbitration under
If payment is not blocked, College Board is required to
Section 8 shall be resolved exclusively in the state and
cancel the registration and may not be able to refund the
federal courts located in New York County, New York State,
payment. Please contact PSAT/NMSQT Customer Service
and each party to these Terms and Conditions irrevocably
at 866-433-7728 (+1-212-713-8105 internationally) or
consents to the jurisdiction of such courts. Each party
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Fall 2022

Take the Preliminary

2 2022 PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition

• Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October 2022.

Important information about the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program:

Student Guide 2022 PSAT/NMSQT 3

PARTICIPANTS WHO QUALIFY FOR NATIONAL MERIT PROGRAM RECOGNITION

15,000 Finalists. In February 2024, Semifinalists who

4 2022 PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide

Students Attending High School Outside the United States

Student Guide 2022 PSAT/NMSQT 5

6 2022 PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide

Student Guide 2022 PSAT/NMSQT 7

8 2022 PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide

A Total of 8,050 Scholarships Offered

Who selects A committee of NMSC’s professional NMSC’s professional Officials of each

Student Guide 2022 PSAT/NMSQT 9

Over two-thirds of the program’s corporate sponsors Scholarship Sponsors

* Ameren Corporation Charitable Trust–6 awards

* This corporate sponsor offers Special Scholarships

10 2022 PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide

American Air Liquide Holdings, Inc–5 awards B

Student Guide 2022 PSAT/NMSQT 11

12 2022 PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide

* FedEx Ground Package System, Inc.– * Gates Industrial Corporation Foundation–Up to

Student Guide 2022 PSAT/NMSQT 13

I * LANXESS Corporation–5 awards for children of

14 2022 PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide

M * New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company–

National Distillers Distributors Foundation– * Novartis US Foundation–20 awards for children of

* Nationwide Foundation–10 awards for children of

Student Guide 2022 PSAT/NMSQT 15

* Putnam Investments, LLC–2 awards for children

* The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company– R

The PepsiCo Foundation, Inc.–Every Finalist * Reynolds American Foundation–Up to 20 awards

16 2022 PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide

* Schindler Elevator Corporation–5 awards for

* Siemens Foundation–60 awards for children of T

Student Guide 2022 PSAT/NMSQT 17

* 3M Company–40 awards for children of employees * Vulcan Materials Company Foundation–

* The UPS Foundation–180 awards—150 awards X–Z

18 2022 PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide

College Merit Scholarship® sponsors. The higher F–H

Student Guide 2022 PSAT/NMSQT 19

O–R University of Cincinnati (3)

20 2022 PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide

Student Guide 2022 PSAT/NMSQT 21

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About National Merit Scholarship

PSAT/NMSQT Customer Service

ii 2022 PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide

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Student Guide 2022 PSAT/NMSQT 1

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 Required and prohibited items for testing Math 70 48

PSAT/NMSQT Test questions will not be included in computing your scores.

Here are the test dates for 2022:

2 2022 PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide

2223-PN-062-PSAT-NMSQT-Student-Guide.indd 2 4/20/22 4:50 PM

* This corporate sponsor offers Special Scholarships

Required and prohibited items for testing Math 70 48

Talk to your SSD coordinator or other appropriate

How Student Search Service Works Daniels Fund (danielsfund.org)

Store any snacks or drinks you bring out of sight

What You’ll Read Find evidence in a passage (or pair of passages)