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Guide to the PSATs

  • Writer: Abheya Nair
    Abheya Nair
  • Sep 18
  • 3 min read

What is the PSAT? 


The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a standardized exam that is given every year during the fall. The exam has three types: the PSAT 8/9 is given in the eighth or ninth grades, the PSAT 10 is given in 10th grade, and the PSAT/NMSQT is given in 11th grade. The PSAT 10 and the PSAT/NMSQT are the exact same exam in terms of content, the only difference being that the score for the PSAT/NMSQT  counts towards National Merit Scholarships for college.1


At all Philadelphia School District schools, the PSAT is given on a day called SAT day, usually in October,  where all 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students take the exam for free. The PSAT 8/9 is meant to be a benchmark exam, while the PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT are meant to track a student’s progress as they progress through high school and prepare to take the SAT.2  Besides preparation for the SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT is an important exam as scores from this test are used to decide who is awarded National Merit Scholarships. These include the $2,500 scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation itself, as well as corporate sponsored scholarships and direct college scholarships from colleges that are partnered with the National Merit Scholarship program.4 Scores on the PSAT are not used directly as a part of college admissions criteria.3

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What is on the PSAT?

Format: All versions of the PSAT are digital and have a reading/writing section as well as a math section. The test is 2 hours and 14 minutes long, not including a 10 minute break between the Reading/Writing and the Math sections. 1


The Reading/Writing section consists of 54 questions split over two portions, with questions based on short passages. The questions test you on four categories:1

  • Craft and Structure: How words and phrases are used and evaluating the purpose of the text

  • Information and Ideas: Determining main topics and interpreting graphs and tables

  • Standard English Conventions: Editing sentences to have proper grammar

  • Expression of Ideas: Understanding rhetorical strategies and applying them to passages


The Math section consists of 44 questions split over two portions. The Math section covers:1

  •  Algebra

  •  Geometry

  • Trigonometry

  • Nonlinear equations: quadratics, absolute values

  • Problem solving and data analysis: rates, ratios, and percentages.1


All these topics are usually covered in Pre-Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra I classes (although quadratics may be taught in Algebra II). The section also includes word problems where the questions are asked in the form of a real world scenario. 


In 2023 the test was moved to computers. Additionally, the format was slightly altered as the PSAT previously had less questions than the SAT, but they are now the same length. 3 The questions on the PSAT are thought to be slightly easier than those on the SAT and are good practice in preparing for the SAT.3



How to prepare for the PSAT?


Since the PSAT is digital, getting used to the format is an important step. Both the PSAT and the SAT are taken on the Bluebook application which can be downloaded on a computer and a practice test with the same time limits and format is available on the app. Khan Academy also has a SAT preparation section with modules and practice tests that can be used for the PSAT as well. The College Board, the organization that administers the PSAT, also has non-digital practice tests available on its website (linked below). It is recommended to use a practice test first as a benchmark and then to analyze what questions you got wrong and focus on those topics with practice questions either from Khan Academy or your class.


Preparation Schedule: 

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A Few Months Before the Test:6

  • Take a practice test as a benchmark 

  • Make a study schedule focusing on topics you are less familiar with. 

  • Practice a few problems every day to avoid cramming

  • Review old Math and English tests from class

  • Take some timed practice tests

Day Before Exam:5

  • Make sure your device has Bluebook downloaded, and ensure your device is fully charged 

  • Bring both your device and power cord to take the exam. Philadelphia school students can take the exam on their school provided chromebook.

  • You can pack a calculator, but there is a digital calculator on the exam as well

  • Bring a watch, smartwatches are not allowed

  • Pack a drink/snacks for your break

  • Get a good night sleep

For more SAT and PSAT resources, visit https://www.risephiladelphia.com/college-prep/sat-and-act


Citations:


PSAT Resources


 
 
 
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