PSAT PRACTICE TEST

  • PSAT stands for Preliminary SAT and is offered by the College Board. It serves as practice for the SAT and helps students prepare.
  • The PSAT is typically taken by 10th and 11th graders to help them identify areas for improvement on the SAT. It's also used by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation to determine eligibility for scholarships.
  • The format and content is very similar to the SAT. It covers critical reading, math and writing skills. Both exams are multiple choice and use the same scoring scale of 240-760 per section.
  • Total score is out of 1520. Scores are reported separately for reading, writing/language, and math sections plus an overall composite score.
  • PSAT scores can help predict how a student may score on the SAT. Colleges also look at PSAT results for National Merit consideration in junior year.
  • Taking the PSAT provides feedback on weaknesses to focus on for the SAT. It familiarizes students with SAT timing, question types and test-taking strategies.
  • The test is typically offered once in October each year for sophomores and juniors. It takes about 3 hours total to complete.
  • Sample PSAT questions are widely available online to help students prepare for the format and rigor. Official tests are also released by the College Board after each exam administration.
  • Scoring and structure: It has the same 3 sections as the SAT - Math, Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (combined Reading and Writing/Language sections). Each section is scored on a scale of 160-760.
  • National Merit qualifications: Juniors in the top 1.5% of scorers in each state qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, as determined by their PSAT/NMSQT Selective Index score.
  • Test content: Math covers Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, & Passport to Advanced Math. Reading focuses on command of evidence, ideas, and words in relation to passage purpose. Writing addresses expression of ideas and conventions of standard written English.
  • Timing: Each section has different time limits - Math 55 minutes, Reading 65 minutes, Writing 45 minutes. There is also optional extra time at the end of Math and Reading.
  • Question types: Multiple choice format similar to SAT. Math includes grid-ins. Reading includes dual passage sets. Writing addresses development, organization, language use and conventions.
  • Test preparation: Taking full-length practice tests, reviewing error responses, and practicing strategies really helps. Khan Academy also offers official PSAT practice.
  • Score reporting: Typically 6-8 weeks after test date students receive an online score report and breakdown. Colleges also receive scores for National Merit consideration.