✏️PSAT Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PSAT?

• Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test administered by the College Board
• Serves as a practice test for the SAT, a widely used college admissions exam in the United States
• Typically taken by high school sophomores and juniors (10th and 11th grade students)
• Measures skills in reading, writing, and math that are important for success in college and career
  • Reading section assesses comprehension and reasoning skills, understanding of words in context
  • Writing and Language section tests grammar, vocabulary, and editing skills
  • Math section covers algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and data analysis
• Scores provide feedback on strengths and areas for improvement, helping students prepare for the SAT
• Used by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to identify and recognize high-achieving students
• Shorter and slightly less challenging than the SAT, designed to provide a low-stakes introduction to the test format

Why Take the PSAT?

• Familiarizes students with the format, content, and timing of the SAT, reducing anxiety and increasing confidence
• Provides personalized feedback on academic strengths and weaknesses, helping students focus their study efforts
• Allows students to compare their performance to that of other college-bound students nationwide
• Qualifies high-scoring 11th grade students for National Merit Scholarship consideration and other recognition programs
  • Semifinalist status is awarded to the top 1% of test-takers in each state
  • Finalist status is based on academic record, school recommendations, and an essay
• Helps students identify potential college majors and career paths based on their skills and interests
• Many schools use PSAT scores to identify students for AP courses, dual enrollment, or other advanced academic programs
• Can lead to increased access to college and scholarship information from the College Board and partner organizations
• Taking the PSAT in 10th grade allows for more preparation time and growth before the junior year test

Test Structure and Content

• Divided into three main sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math (with and without a calculator)
• Total testing time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, plus breaks
  • Reading: 60 minutes, 47 questions
  • Writing and Language: 35 minutes, 44 questions
  • Math (No Calculator): 25 minutes, 17 questions
  • Math (Calculator): 45 minutes, 31 questions
• All questions are multiple-choice, with four answer options each
• Reading section includes passages from literature, social studies, and science, focusing on comprehension and analysis
• Writing and Language section tests understanding of grammar, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills in the context of passages
• Math sections cover a range of topics, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and data analysis
  • Calculator section allows the use of an approved calculator, while the No Calculator section focuses on mental math and estimation skills
• Scores are reported on a scale of 320-1520, combining the Reading/Writing and Math sections
  • Reading/Writing: 160-760
  • Math: 160-760

Scoring and Interpretation

• Scores are reported on a scale of 320-1520, with separate scores for the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math sections
  • EBRW score combines the Reading and Writing and Language sections and ranges from 160-760
  • Math score ranges from 160-760
• Total score is the sum of the EBRW and Math scores, ranging from 320-1520
• Scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly; there is no penalty for incorrect answers
• Percentiles show how a student's score compares to other test-takers (e.g., 90th percentile means a student scored higher than 90% of test-takers)
• Subscores and cross-test scores provide more detailed feedback on specific skills and knowledge areas
  • Subscores include Command of Evidence, Words in Context, Expression of Ideas, Standard English Conventions, Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Passport to Advanced Math
  • Cross-test scores show performance on history/social studies and science questions across all sections
• Scores can be used to estimate SAT performance and track growth over time
• National Merit Scholarship Corporation uses PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index (calculated from test scores) to determine Semifinalist and Commended Student recognition
• Colleges do not typically use PSAT scores in the admissions process, but they can be used for recruitment and scholarship identification

Preparation Strategies

• Familiarize yourself with the test format, question types, and timing by taking practice tests
• Review content and skills tested in each section, focusing on areas of weakness
  • Reading: practice active reading, annotating passages, and identifying main ideas and supporting details
  • Writing and Language: review grammar rules, sentence structure, and rhetorical strategies
  • Math: practice problem-solving techniques, algebra, geometry, and data analysis skills
• Develop effective time management strategies, such as skipping difficult questions and returning to them later
• Build vocabulary through reading a variety of challenging texts and using flashcards or word lists
• Utilize free resources from the College Board, such as the PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide and online practice materials
• Consider using a study guide or enrolling in a test preparation course for additional support and structure
• Set realistic goals and create a study plan that allows for consistent, manageable progress
• Collaborate with peers or form a study group to share strategies and provide mutual support
• Maintain a balanced approach to preparation, allowing time for rest, relaxation, and other activities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to read questions and answer choices carefully, leading to misinterpretation or overlooking key details
• Spending too much time on difficult questions, leaving insufficient time for easier ones
• Guessing randomly instead of using process of elimination or making an educated guess
• Neglecting to review answers and check for errors, especially in the Math sections
• Focusing too heavily on one section or skill at the expense of others, leading to an unbalanced preparation approach
• Cramming or waiting until the last minute to start preparing, which can increase stress and decrease retention
• Relying solely on memorization instead of developing a deep understanding of concepts and problem-solving strategies
• Ignoring the context of passages in the Reading and Writing and Language sections, leading to misinterpretation of questions
• Failing to manage test anxiety through relaxation techniques, positive self-talk, or other coping strategies
• Neglecting physical and mental well-being leading up to the test, such as skipping meals, sacrificing sleep, or overloading on caffeine

Test Day Tips

• Get a good night's sleep before the test to ensure you are well-rested and mentally alert
• Eat a balanced breakfast to provide energy and sustain focus throughout the testing period
• Arrive at the testing site early to allow time for check-in, settling in, and relaxing before the test begins
• Bring required materials, such as an approved calculator, sharpened pencils, and a valid photo ID
• Read all instructions carefully and listen attentively to any verbal directions from the proctor
• Pace yourself throughout the test, keeping an eye on the clock and adjusting your speed as needed
  • If you encounter a difficult question, make an educated guess and move on to avoid getting stuck
  • If you finish a section early, use the remaining time to review your answers and check for errors
• Use process of elimination to narrow down answer choices and increase your chances of selecting the correct one
• Maintain a positive attitude and don't dwell on questions you found challenging or may have answered incorrectly
• Take advantage of breaks to stretch, relax, and refocus your mind for the next section
• Trust in your preparation and skills, remembering that the PSAT is an opportunity for growth and learning

After the Test: Next Steps

• Celebrate your completion of the PSAT and acknowledge the hard work you put into preparing
• Expect to receive your score report online through your College Board account within a few weeks of the test date
• Review your score report carefully, noting your strengths and areas for improvement in each section and subscore
• Use the feedback from your score report to adjust your study plan and focus your preparation for the SAT
  • Consider retaking the PSAT in 11th grade if you feel you can significantly improve your scores and want to compete for National Merit recognition
• Research colleges and scholarships that align with your interests, goals, and academic profile
  • Utilize College Board resources, such as BigFuture and the Scholarship Search tool, to explore options and requirements
• Continue to challenge yourself academically by taking rigorous courses, participating in extracurricular activities, and seeking leadership opportunities
• Begin planning for the SAT by registering for a test date, setting a target score, and creating a study schedule
• Seek guidance from teachers, counselors, or mentors regarding your college and career aspirations
• Reflect on your PSAT experience and identify strategies that worked well for you, as well as areas where you can improve your test-taking skills