Everything you need to know about the PSAT: test format, content, scoring, and proven preparation strategies to help you succeed.
What is the PSAT? The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is a practice test designed to help you prepare for the SAT, one of the most common college entrance exams. By taking the PSAT, you can familiarize yourself with the test format, identify areas for improvement, and build confidence for the actual SAT. Your PSAT scores aren't shared with colleges, making it a low-pressure way to build your knowledge and skills.
The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, serves as a practice exam for the SAT college readiness test. The exam is two hours and 14 minutes long and is typically taken during junior year. It evaluates your skills in three main areas: Reading, Writing, and Math.
High-scoring students can qualify for scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship Program. The qualifying score varies by state, but top performers may be invited to apply for National Merit Scholarships or corporate-sponsored scholarships.
While high school juniors typically take the PSAT, students from eighth through eleventh grade can take the exam. Different versions of the test are available based on your grade level:
Since you need to take the PSAT through your school, contact your school's counseling office to learn which tests they offer and how to register.
The PSAT consists of two main sections: Reading & Writing and Math. Here's a detailed breakdown of what each section covers:
The Reading & Writing section includes passages from literature, social studies, humanities, and science. Each passage is accompanied by a single question. Questions fall into four main categories:
Tests your ability to understand and use words in context, analyze text structure and purpose, and make connections between related topics.
Assesses your skills in finding specific details, using evidence from text and visual aids, and drawing conclusions.
Tests your ability to edit text to follow Standard English conventions for sentence structure, usage, and punctuation.
Evaluates your capacity to revise texts to improve written expression and achieve specific rhetorical goals.
The Math section covers four main domains. You can use a calculator for all questions in this section.
Tests your ability to analyze, solve, and create linear equations and inequalities, as well as solve systems of equations using various techniques.
Covers advanced math topics including exponential, quadratic, rational, radical, and polynomial equations, among other nonlinear equations.
Evaluates your proficiency in applying quantitative reasoning to ratios, rates, and proportional relationships, understanding unit rates, and analyzing 1- and 2-variable data.
Includes questions about area and volume, angles, triangles, circles, and trigonometry.
Your PSAT score is a number between 320 and 1520, which represents your total score. This total is the sum of two section scores:
When you receive your results, you'll see your total score, section scores, and percentile ranks that show how your performance compares to other test-takers.
A PSAT score between 1210 and 1520 represents the top 10 percent of test-takers. The average PSAT score is around 920. Keep in mind that qualifying scores for National Merit recognition vary by state.
The PSAT is designed to reflect how you'd likely perform on the SAT. However, there are some key differences:
The good news is that any preparation you do for the PSAT directly applies to the SAT, since the tests cover the same content areas and use similar question formats.
Effective PSAT preparation involves setting aside regular study time and following a structured approach. Since the exam is typically in October, consider starting your preparation during the summer before you plan to take the test.
Familiarize yourself with the test structure: 64 minutes for Reading & Writing (54 questions) and 70 minutes for Math (44 questions). Even though you can use a calculator for all math questions, practice solving some problems without one to improve your mental math skills and speed.
Before you start studying, take a practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. By analyzing your scores, you can see which sections need the most attention and what types of questions present the greatest challenges. This helps you create a focused study plan.
While your main goal is to earn a high PSAT score, set a specific target to work toward. Research the SAT scores needed for admission to your ideal colleges and use that as your benchmark. This gives you a clear goal and helps you track your progress.
Establish a consistent study routine by scheduling specific dates and times each week for PSAT preparation. Use Study Share's comprehensive PSAT preparation materials and practice tests. Working with an instructor can help you create an effective study plan, provide guidance, and keep you accountable to your schedule.
While you can only take the official PSAT once per year, you can take as many practice exams as you want. Practice tests help you become comfortable with the test format, practice answering questions within time limits, and familiarize yourself with the structure and style of test questions. The more practice tests you take, the more confident you'll feel on test day.
Begin your PSAT prep journey with Study Share's comprehensive resources and practice tests: