What is the PSAT?

The PSAT measures the critical reading, math problem-solving, and writing skills that you have been developing throughout your life. It does not measure things like creativity and motivation, and it does not recognize those special talents that may be important to colleges.

The PSAT is a little bit more than two hours long. The whole test consists of two twenty-five minute Verbal sections, two twenty-five minute Math sections, and one half-hour Writing skills section.

The PSAT is a great practice for the SAT. Although the PSAT is much shorter than the SAT, it has all the same type of questions and tests the same knowledge. Essentially all of the techniques and strategies that apply to the PSAT also apply to the SAT.

Why take the PSAT?

So you can…..

• Compare yourself with other college-bound students around the country.
• Find out what the SAT is like.
• Assess your Verbal, Math, and Writing skills.
• Forecast your SAT scores.
• Participate in the Student Search Service to get mail from colleges.
• Scholarships

When should I take the PSAT?

You should take the PSAT during October of your junior year of high school. There are many students who take the PSAT just so that they can practice it. By doing this, they get a risk-free look into what the questions, directions, and overall test is like.

When you get your PSAT scores, you can compare them to the scores achieved by those students who attend the colleges that are on your wish list. If your scores are low compared to the college students' averages, this gives you a great opportunity to begin some kind of preparation for both the PSAT and SAT. Since the exam is designed to test the skills you have acquired over your whole life, perhaps the best way to increase your scores would be early preparation.

Talk to your guidance counselor about how to sign up for the test. The PSAT is administered by high schools. Score Reports are mailed to high school principals and are usually available to students after Thanksgiving.

Sections of the PSAT

The PSAT is composed of five sections: two math sections, two verbal sections, and one writing skills section.

There are three types of questions in the math section: regular math, quantitative comparisons, and grid-ins, which is the only part of the test that you actually have to come up with an answer without having several choices. This section tests your ability to solve problems and make quantitative comparisons between equations and numbers. The PSAT is also designed to test your grasp of the basic principles of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Perhaps the best way to prepare for this section is by taking challenging pre-college math classes throughout high school and review all the basics at least the night before.

There are also three types of questions in the verbal section of the test: sentence completion, analogies, and critical reading.

This section tests your vocabulary, thinking, and reading skills. The best way to prepare for the verbal section is to read actively and work hard to build a great vocabulary. The best way to build your vocabulary will be by reading as many books, newspapers, and magazines as possible in your spare time. Also, it might be a good idea to keep a small notebook nearby when you read so that you can write down words you do not know the meaning of and later look them up in the dictionary.

Recently, the 30-minute writing section was added to the PSAT. The test includes 39 multiple-choice questions. The questions deal with identifying and correcting grammatical errors such as usage, sentence correction, and revision-in-context questions. Even though it seems like there would be some kind of writing within the test, the section only deals with grammar.

The PSAT Breakdown

The PSAT is offered in October exclusively. The test registration and administration is handled by your high school. Generally, most students take the test on a Saturday at the beginning of their junior year. Your high school will determine which date you should take the test and provide you with all the necessary registration information. See your guidance counselor for more information regarding when the test will be.

The PSAT fees include the basic fee set by the College Board (see window above) plus an additional fee added by your school to cover administrative costs. There are fee waivers available for juniors who meet the requirements. Talk to your guidance counselor if you think you might qualify for a waiver.

What to bring to the test:

• One or more #2 pencils with erasers
• A calculator
• Social Security number (optional)
• A watch would be helpful