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

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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:

  1. Reading (60 minutes, 47 questions)

  2. Writing and Language (35 minutes, 44 questions)

  3. 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.

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.

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.