The PSAT: Everything You Need to Know About This Key SAT Practice Test

The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is a standardized test in the United States that serves as both practice for the SAT and a qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Here’s everything you need to know:

1. Purpose of the PSAT: Practice for the SAT: It helps students familiarize themselves with the SAT format and question types.

Scholarship Eligibility: The PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is used to identify top students for scholarships.

Skill Assessment: Measures skills in reading, writing, and math, indicating areas where students may need improvement before taking the SAT.

2. Who Takes the PSAT? Typically taken by high school sophomores (10th grade) and juniors (11th grade).

Younger students (like freshmen) may also take it for practice, but it usually counts for scholarships only in the junior year.

Some schools also offer the PSAT 8/9 for students in 8th and 9th grade and PSAT 10 for 10th graders.

3. Test Structure: The PSAT is similar to the SAT but shorter and slightly easier. It consists of three main sections: Reading (60 minutes, 47 questions)

Writing and Language (35 minutes, 44 questions)

Math (70 minutes, 48 questions) - divided into a calculator and a no-calculator section.

Total Duration: About 2 hours and 45 minutes. Scoring Range: 320 to 1520 (compared to the SAT’s 400 to 1600).

4. PSAT Variants:

• PSAT/NMSQT (for 11th graders): Qualifies for scholarships.
• PSAT 10 (for 10th graders): Same as NMSQT but not for scholarship consideration.
• PSAT 8/9 (for 8th and 9th graders): A more straightforward version for younger students.

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5. National Merit Scholarship:

• The PSAT/NMSQT scores are used to determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
• Only scores from the junior year (11th grade) count.
• Top performers may qualify as Commended Students, Semifinalists, or Finalists.

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6. When Is the PSAT Held?

• The PSAT/NMSQT is usually conducted in October each year.
• Schools may choose from a few different test dates.
• The PSAT 10 is generally administered in the spring.
• The PSAT 8/9 can be taken at various times throughout the school year.

7. Why Take the PSAT? Scholarship Opportunities: Especially for juniors aiming for the National Merit Scholarship.

SAT Prep: Gives students a sense of their strengths and areas for improvement.

College Planning: Some colleges and scholarship programs may use PSAT scores for recruiting.

Skill Benchmarking: Helps students understand how well they might perform on the SAT.

8. How to Prepare: Practice Tests: Use official College Board materials.

Prep Courses: Many schools and tutoring centers offer PSAT prep.

Regular Study: Focus on math, critical reading, and writing skills.

Familiarize with Format: Understand the types of questions and practice time management.