The tests you take today determine the scholarships and scores you earn tomorrow. ConnectPrep's expert coaches help you build real skills, beat the curve, and qualify for National Merit — before the stakes get high.
Score in the top percentile and qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program — access to over $180 million in annual scholarships.
Mirrors the full ACT across all four subjects. Includes predicted future ACT score ranges and a career interest inventory to guide your path.
Both tests are designed to prepare you for the real thing. The right choice depends on whether you're aiming for SAT or ACT, and what other goals — like scholarship eligibility — matter most to you.
| Category | PSAT / NMSQT | PreACT |
|---|---|---|
| Grades Tested | 8, 9 & 11 (11th grade score used for National Merit) | 9, 10 |
| Test Format | Digital (adaptive) | Paper or digital |
| Sections | Reading & Writing, Math | English, Math, Reading, Science |
| Score Scale | 320–1520 | 1–36 |
| Test Duration | ~2 hours 14 min | ~2 hours 10 min |
| Scholarship Eligibility | ✓ National Merit (11th grade score) | Not applicable |
| Predicts Future Score | ✓ SAT score prediction | ✓ ACT score prediction |
| Science Section | No separate science | ✓ Full science reasoning |
| Career Inventory | Not included | ✓ ACT Interest Inventory |
| When Administered | October (school-scheduled) | Flexible (school chooses date) |
| Fee | $18 (fee waivers available) | Varies by school |
The PSAT is more than a practice run. For 11th graders especially, a top score can unlock the National Merit Scholarship Program — one of the most prestigious and financially significant academic recognitions in the country.
Over $180 million awarded annually. Top PSAT scorers in 11th grade are named Commended Students, Semifinalists, and Finalists.
The PreACT is the only preliminary test that covers all four ACT subjects — including science reasoning. It tells you exactly where you'll score on the ACT before you even register, and maps your interests to potential career paths.
Predicted ACT score — see your projected 1–36 range before taking the real test
Science reasoning included — the one section the PSAT doesn't test at all
Flexible testing dates — schools administer on their own schedule, not a single national date
Career & college alignment — ACT Interest Inventory connects scores to potential majors and paths
Full accommodations — Braille, large print, reader scripts, and audio versions available
45 questions · 30 min. Grammar, usage, rhetorical skills.
36 questions · 40 min. Algebra, geometry, statistics.
25 questions · 30 min. Comprehension, inference, analysis.
25 questions · 30 min. Not on the PSAT — data interpretation & reasoning.
Every ConnectPrep student gets a personalized prep plan. We don't use generic curriculum — we build your program around your current scores, your goals, and the exact test you're taking.
Schedule a Free ConsultationWe start with a full-length timed practice test to establish your baseline score, identify specific weak areas, and determine which test — PSAT or PreACT — aligns best with your goals.
Your specialist builds a week-by-week plan targeting your exact gaps — whether that's math fundamentals, science data interpretation, or reading speed and precision.
Focused one-on-one coaching sessions that drill skills, review mistakes, and build test-taking strategies — pacing, elimination, guessing protocols, and stress management.
Regular full-length timed practice tests with detailed score analysis. We track your progress precisely and adjust the program when a strategy isn't working.
Final session focuses on day-of strategy: what to bring, pacing guidelines for each section, how to handle difficult questions, and how to stay composed under pressure.
"I went from a 980 to a 1290 on the PSAT after working with ConnectPrep for two months. My coach knew exactly where I was losing points in math. I'm now a National Merit Commended Student."
"The PreACT prep was incredible. I didn't even know what the science section was about before we started. Three months later I scored a 31 on the real ACT. The preparation translated directly."
"My daughter started PSAT prep in 9th grade. By 11th grade she was a National Merit Semifinalist. The early start made all the difference. ConnectPrep built a multi-year plan that actually worked."
Don't wait until junior year. The students who excel on the SAT and ACT started preparing early — with a plan, a coach, and consistent practice. Let's build yours today.
