About the PSAT
The PSAT is a multiple-choice test taken by an estimated 3.4 million high school juniors, sophomores and younger students every year. Though it is a great primer for the SAT and ACT, keep in mind the PSAT is shorter and has no essay section or Algebra II. The PSAT includes math, critical reading and writing questions.
Why Take It?
The PSAT is essentially a practice test. After taking it, students should have a good sense of their strengths and weaknesses. However, keep in mind that the PSAT is also a qualifying test for National Merit Scholarships and Letters of Commendation, and a high score can help secure scholarship money for college.
How Is It Scored?
There are three sections: Critical Reading; Math; and Writing. Each section is worth 20 to 80 points.
How Long Is It?
2 hours and 10 minutes.
When Should You Take It?
Although more and more students are taking the PSAT as sophomores and even freshmen, you should plan to take the PSAT in October of your junior year at the very latest. That will still give you time to enroll in one of our SAT prep courses in the winter and be ready to take the SAT the following spring. If you need help planning for these tests, check out our suggested SAT and PSAT timelines.
2009 PSAT test dates are Wednesday, October 14 and Saturday, October 17.
How to Register
Sign up at your high school or at a school in your community.
Getting Your Scores
Typically, your guidance counselor will have your score, usually in December or January.
What's on the PSAT Test?
Math | - Multiple-choice questions, grid-in questions
- 50-minute section
- Some higher level math problems; no quantitative comparisons
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Critical Reading | - Multiple-choice questions
- 50-minute section
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Writing | - Multiple-choice questions
- 30-minute section
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Still have questions? Please call us at 800-2Review (800-273-8439) and speak with a PSAT advisor.
