High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors take the PSAT in October, and this exam is more than simply a practice SAT! It can actually have big implications for your college applications if you score high enough. But scoring well means understanding the test inside and out. Below, we break down the PSAT format and content to help give you an advantage on the exam.
Flickr user Laddir Laddir
What is the PSAT?
The PSAT, also known as the Preliminary SAT or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) is a sort of practice SAT that is open to high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in October, though most will take it in their sophomore or junior years.
For juniors who score high on the PSAT, they could become eligible for a National Merit Scholarship and be named National Merit Finalist, Semi-Finalist, or Commended Student. This achievement looks amazing on college applications and can help set you apart from other students. Plus, you could get some cash that helps you afford tuition.
PSAT Format
As of 2023, the PSAT has undergone some changes. It is currently 2 hours and 14 minutes long (down from 2 hours and 45 minutes), gives you more time per question, and is completely digital. And instead of having to bring your own approved calculator to the test, the exam comes with a built-in calculator.
A majority of the questions on the PSAT are multiple-choice, but some in the Math section require you to write in your answer. Questions are arranged from easiest to hardest in both sections.
What Can You Expect on the PSAT?
The PSAT has two sections: Reading and Writing Section and Math Section.
Reading and Writing
The Reading and Writing Section contains 54 questions and tasks broken up into two modules that take 32 minutes each. The sections will quiz you on your ability to read, comprehend, and utilize the information that is given to you in the supplied texts. The passages cover a number of different subjects including literature, history, social studies, science, and the humanities, and can include graphics.
Students are expected to answer questions on vocabulary, analysis, reasoning, the central ideas of the texts, inferences, English language, grammar, and the expression of ideas.
Math
The Math section is also broken down into 2 modules. Each 35-minute module contains 22 questions (44 total). Students taking the PSAT will have to answer questions on algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, data analysis, geometry, and trigonometry.
How Can You Improve Your PSAT Score?
With the SAT, you can take the test several times to keep improving your score. But when it comes to qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship, students only have a single chance to get a high score on the PSAT. These three tips can help you prepare for your exam and aim for that scholarship.
Study
One of the most important steps you can take to prepare for the PSAT is to study! This means brushing up on math skills that are required for the exam, reading, and analyzing texts. Many SAT prep tools will work perfectly for PSAT prep, too, so you’ll want to break out study apps for your phone, flashcards, and resources like Khan Academy for Official Digital SAT Prep.
Take Practice PSATs
As with the SAT, taking practice PSATs can prove to be truly beneficial for your score. This helps you get familiar with the content and the format before the real deal, and is likely necessary if you want to score high on the PSAT. Taking the exam in your sophomore year (or freshman year if it’s available) is a good start, but likely isn’t enough.
To get the full benefit of these practice PSATs, be sure to make the experience as real as possible. Set aside the 2 hours and 14 minutes to dedicate to the exam with no distractions. Take the exam as if you’re taking the real PSAT. Once you’ve finished, go over your results. This will showcase your strengths and weaknesses and you can focus on your weaker areas to improve your results for your next practice exam (and, of course, the real PSAT).
Have a Strategy for Tackling the Questions
Did you know that the PSAT and SAT no longer have a penalty for guessing incorrectly on questions? That’s right! It’s actually beneficial to guess blindly rather than to simply leave the question blank.
This helps students devise a strategy for tackling the PSAT questions. First, you’ll want to focus on the easiest questions to start with. This is rather simple as the PSAT is designed to feature the easiest questions before the harder ones. While you might be thinking you could dedicate more time to those hard questions if you start there, you can ensure you’re getting those easy questions right instead. If you pace yourself correctly, you should have plenty of time to dedicate to those harder questions, too (this is really where those practice PSATs come in handy).
If you do find yourself running out of time or you’re really not sure of the answer, guess. Don’t leave those questions blank! If you can, use the process of elimination. Cross out the answers that are obviously wrong so you have a better chance of getting it right. When pressed for time or you’re really unsure which is right or wrong, take a random stab at it. You still have a 25% chance of getting it correct!
More Than Just a Practice Test
The PSAT is essentially a practice test for the SAT, but it can be so much more. Understanding the format and content breakdown by taking practice PSAT tests helps you prepare to give it your best shot on your test day in October. And all this prep will pay off big time when you need to take the SAT in your junior and senior years of high school.
Aiming for a particular SAT or ACT score can help you improve your chances of getting accepted into your dream school. With College Match from College Raptor, you can have more insight into the scores your peers are getting. Sign up for free to get started.
