PSAT/National Merit Qualifying Test Information
This fall Batavia High School will host the PSAT on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 for junior students. This is an optional test (not intended as a practice test for all juniors) for those students seeking to qualify to compete in the National Merit Scholarship Program. This test is approximately 2 hours and 14 minutes long and takes place during the school day. This test will determine if students qualify for National Merit Scholarships. This is the only time and date this test will be given. This test is completely optional for students and you must register and pay ($25) to take the exam. Registration will close on September 22, 2025.
Seats are limited and will be offered to JUNIOR BHS students on a first come, first served basis. Once all the seats are filled, a wait list will open for any interested juniors, sophomores or freshman. Junior BHS students will be given priority for seats.
Who benefits from the PSAT/NMSQT?
- This PSAT is primarily for high achieving junior students who would like to earn National Merit Scholarships. This is the ONLY opportunity students will get to qualify.
- Students who do not take this PSAT will still be given other opportunities to practice for the SAT.
What type of score is needed to qualify for National Merit Scholarships?
- Juniors will need to score in the top 1% in the nation to be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship competition. Students who do well on standardized tests are good candidates to compete.
How the PSAT/NMSQT is Structured
| Category | PSAT/NMSQT |
| Total Testing Time | 2 hours and 14 minutes |
| Reading and Writing Section | 64 minutes, 54 questions |
| Math Section | 70 minutes, 44 questions |
| Scoring | Scores will be reported on a shared common score scale with the SAT: The scale ranges for the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 scores are 320–1520 for the total score, 160–760 for each of two section scores, and 8–38 for test scores. |
| Subscore Reporting | Subscores for every test, providing added insight for students, parents, educators, and counselors |
This sounds perfect for me! What are the details?
- Registration will open on September 1st and close September 22nd. It will be available here. Only students will be able to complete the form while logged into their BPS101.net account.
- A $25 fee will be assessed after September 23rd for all that have registered. Once the fee is assessed, families will need to pay by September 29th to retain their seat.
If you are currently a homeschooled student in Batavia, you may register to take this test by emailing Mrs. Hack at erin.hack@bps101.net. You can mail or drop off a check at Batavia High School, attention Erin Hack.
Before the Test
- All students must bring their Chromebook to complete their required Digital Readiness Check on October 15th at 9:30 am in room A101. You will be sent a pass.
Day of Test
- Students should report to their assigned testing location by 7:15 am.
- Students should bring their fully-charged Chromebook and charger, a pen or pencil, approved calculator and their BHS student ID. We encourage students to wear layers of clothing due to temperature fluctuations.
- Students will not be allowed to bring any cell phones or smart watches into the testing room.
- Food or drink is not allowed in the testing room.
- Please alert your first and second block teachers of your absence.
(only BHS students can access this link beginning 9/1/25)