What Should I Expect on the PSAT?

What should you be prepared for on the PSAT?

1. Guessing allowed. Remember, no deductions are made for incorrect answers on the PSAT. So – guess away!
2. Prepare to read for content. PSAT uses long reading passages, with questions based on content not vocabulary. Be ready to read and understand the passages.
3. The PSAT scoring is the same as the SAT- almost. The PSAT scale ranges from 160-760 for each section: 320-1520 total for 2 sections. The SAT score range is 200-800 per section.
4. Prepare for a long test! The test is 2 hours 45 minutes.
5. Remember your formulas and history. Don’t be surprised to find questions about science or the founding fathers. PSAT test questions are evidence based.
6. Scores, scores, and more scores. The PSAT has multiple ways to look at what you were tested on and how you fared on the test. Go over test scores with your school counselor.

Practice Made Easy

The College Board offers different types of practice.  Select the one that works best for you.

• Sample Questions
• Practice PSAT Test
• SAT Practice on Khan Academy

Take Action

• Create a folder on your computer named Test Schedule. Add the PSAT to the Test Schedule file.
• Use the College Board link on your dashboard to access test preparation information.
• Set up assignments to schedule test preparation.
• Sign up for “Question a day” on the College Board website.