PSAT Information
What is the PSAT? The PSAT is a standardized test designed to give you firsthand practice for the SAT, the test you’ll take to apply to college.
Why am I taking it? The more practice you get on standardized tests, the better you will do! The questions you’ll see are very similar to those on the SAT. The results of the PSAT will provide you with feedback on your strengths and weaknesses in critical reading, math, and writing. Your scores can also be used to help you see how your SAT scores might compare to those of students who go to a given college (i.e. it will help you see your chances at getting into a school).
What types of questions are there? The PSAT measures three different areas: critical reading; math problem-solving; and writing skills.
Here’s the breakdown:
Critical Reading: Two 25-minute sections with a total of 48 questions
· 13 sentence completion
· 35 critical reading
Math Problem-Solving: Two 25-minute sections with a total of 38 questions
· 28 multiple choice
· 10 grid-ins
Writing Skills: One 30-minute section with 39 questions
· 14 identifying errors
· 20 improving sentences
· 5 improving paragraphs
Can I study? The PSAT isn’t like a regular school test where you’ll have some idea of what the questions will be, so there is no easy way to study. However, you can go to www.collegeboard.com and look at practice questions. You can also sign up for the SAT question of the week and download other valuable tools. Your math and English teachers may also have some useful tips! Remember, the PSAT is testing skills you already have so sharpening your basic math skills and vocabulary would be the best thing you could do.
How long is the test? The PSAT is about 2 ½ hours long, but you’d be surprised at how fast it will go! The sections are fairly short, so being able to calculate quickly will be helpful. Also, knowing what terms like “integer,” “diameter,” and “isosceles” (among others) mean will help you figure out the question faster.
Should I answer every question? You get 1 point for each question you answer correctly. You lose ¼ of a point for each question you get wrong. If you don’t answer a question you neither lose nor gain a point. We recommend that if you have absolutely no idea what the answer could be that you leave it blank (don’t leave too many blank, though!). If you can narrow it down at all it is usually worth a guess. The process of elimination is a great tool to help you decide if you should answer or not.
What is the PSAT scored out of? Each section is scored on a scale of 20-80 (60-240 total). An average score is a 50 for each section (150 total). A 150 on the PSAT is equivalent to a 1500 on the SAT.
What should I bring with me?
· Number 2 pencils
· A calculator (graphing calculators are allowed)
What should I leave at home?
· Cell phone (cannot be used as a calculator)
· Food/drink
Anything else I should know? If you are a junior you will automatically be entered into the National Merit Scholarship Program. The scholarship is based solely on your PSAT score and is awarded to the top 50,000 students in the nation. The score needed and amount of money given varies by year. Past winners from HHS have traditionally scored in the 98th or 99th percentile and have scored in the 70s on each of the three sections. 9th and 10th graders will not be entered until their junior year.
Date of Exam: Wednesday, October 17th
Time: First thing in the morning
Where: Classrooms will be posted on the morning of the exam
Students will also receive a copy of the Official Student Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT (pictured below), which includes study tips and a full length practice test with an answer key!
