PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, comes in three forms: the PSAT 8/9, the PSAT/NMSQT and the PSAT 10. The PSAT 10 is the same test as the PSAT/NMSQT, though students take these exams at different times of year. The PSAT 8/9 acts as a baseline for college readiness, according to the College Board, the test-maker, while the other two allow “check-in on student progress.

The PSAT is a slightly shorter and slightly easier version of a test kids will be taking their junior and senior years. It’s a warm-up. It gives students and parents guidance in terms of how they’ll perform on the SAT.