Yes, just like the old PSAT, the redesigned PSAT is the first step in the National Merit Competition. A student is eligible as long as the student meets all of the following criteria:

a) A full-time high school student
b) Has attended four years of high school grades 9-12
c) Either is a US Citizen or applying for US Citizenship
d) In the 11th grade
e) Planning to apply to college in 2016