PSAT, Preliminary SAT, NMSQT, or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a standardized format of the SAT. Applicants have the freedom to attempt PSAT once a year. In fact, many students tend to take the exam in 10th or 11th grade. And that is because an excellent PSAT score in the junior year means you can practically get a National Merit Scholarship of $180 million.
Currently, the test takes about two hours and forty-five minutes to complete. Mainly, PSAT includes mathematics, reading, and writing. As compared to other standardized tests, you can get the highest score of 1520 on PSAT.
In simple terms, a Pre-SAT allows you the chance to figure out beforehand how you will perform on a test that is almost the same as the SAT. You should think of it as an experience that can guide you to attempt ACT or SAT more successfully. And before you know it, you will be knocking on the doors of the college.
Objective of the Test
The underlying purpose of the test is to prepare you for the real test situation. And if things do go wrong, you can accept the timely failure. It is a learning experience that counts, which would certainly prevent serious consequences related to your SAT or ACT in the foreseeable future.
A Brief History
The first entirely administered PSAT took place in 1959. However, the history of the National Merit Scholarship goes back a little further. It is a private initiative that started in 1955. But its adoption into PSAT came into effect in 1971.
The PSAT contemporarily has more than 3.5 million high-school juniors and sophomores every year. What’s interesting is that the original PSAT had just separate verbal and mathematics sections. However, 1997 saw the change, and the writing section became part of the standardized test as well.
This need for the revision became inevitable due to a complaint that insisted on open and fair Testing. The focus of the complaint was the insistence on a prejudiced judgment against female applicants. In fact, these students felt as if the design of the test was to support male students only.
After that, it was only a matter of time before female students performed exceptionally well on the writing section as compared to male students. In fact, you could say that the inclusion of the writing skills section was largely to maintain the control of the gender biases.
The Fundamental Difference between PSAT and SAT
Although the PSAT is highly significant when it comes to SAT preparation, there are, of course, numerous differences between both standardized tests. The PSAT, for instance, is relatively not as difficult as the SAT.
Verbal exercises, on the other hand, are quite similar to the SAT. But the most significant distinction between the PSAT and SAT is mathematics. The level of difficulty of PSAT math is purposely more manageable. However, students who achieve an excellent score on all PSAT sections are likely to ace most of the SAT portion.
In simple terms, the overall difficulty level of the SAT is higher than PSAT. But the beauty of PSAT is that you can take it repeatedly to assess your weak and strong points. And that’s because college admissions don’t view it as seriously as the SAT exam. The endurance element also works in favor of the PSAT, as it is comparatively shorter than the SAT.
Administration of the PSAT
To simplify, the administration of the test of PSAT 10 and as well as NMSQT allows college admissions to decide scholarship programs for qualified students. Remember, the PSAT is primarily a preparatory test for sophomores in high school. NMSQT/PSAT, on the other hand, is for juniors and sophomores alike.
Nevertheless, the administration of both versions of the exam takes place in spring and fall every year. On the day of the test, do not forget to bring an extra pencil. Simultaneously, you can also bring an approved calculator, which you can use in the specific subsection of the math portion.
PSAT Versions: Don’t Get Confused
There are three versions of the PSAT exam in total (i.e., PSAT 10, NMSQT/PSAT, and the PSAT 8/9). The PSAT 10 is practically identical to the NMSQT/ PSAT format. However, students prefer to attempt these versions at a different time each year. The PSAT 8/9, for instance, serves as a foundational version for college-level readiness.
Conversely, the other two versions act as a “check-in” mechanism to monitor students’ progress. In addition, the PSAT is a relatively shorter and easier format that high-school kids can take with confidence. Frankly, you can call it a warm-up before the real whistle blows.
PSAT Structure
Primarily, PSAT has three main sections (i.e., Mathematics, Reading, and Writing. Students will get each section just once on their PSAT test in a prearranged order:
Moreover, just like the SAT, the PSAT also includes two subsections of Mathematics. The first subsection doesn’t allow you to use a calculator, whereas the second subsection will enable you to use a pre-approved calculator subsection.
Apart from mathematics sections’ grid-related questions, the majority of the PSAT questions are multiple-choice. When it comes to these types of questions, you will have to write in your own words originally. As per the College Board, at least 17% of Mathematics sections contain grid-in questions.
The following table is a typical PSAT breakdown. You can use it to check how much time you will need in a particular section and how many questions that section contains. Furthermore, the time allocation also changes from section to section:
Suitability of the Test
The PSAT 8/9 is ideal for high school students who are in the 8th or 9th grade. But PSAT 10 is preferable for sophomores. Apart from the possibility of getting a National Merit Scholarship, there is a multitude of perks attached to the test.
That said, receiving a National Merit Scholarship is easier said than done. On average, more than 1.5 million students partake in the PSAT exam. Surpassingly, barely 8,000 qualify for the Merit National Scholarship.
PSAT: Is it Worth it?
In hindsight, it is perfect for parents who want guidance about the rules and regulations of the exam. Furthermore, they can judge the possible SAT performance objectively. Besides, it is an opportunity for students to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
Ideally, the official admission authorities suggest that students should take the trial version of the PSAT to prepare for the SAT. You would be surprised how many students get corporate sponsors. Most of the students inherently attempt the PSAT with the firm belief that they will achieve the score required to qualify for the scholarship.
Ordinarily, PSAT might not be relevant as other major standardized tests. However, once you opt for the National Merit Scholarship, the low-stakes turn into high-stakes. Here is the thing, those prestigious colleges you want to get in do not make PSAT as part of their admissions standards.
So, take the test to determine your shortcomings in a specific subject matter that requires more attention than you think. Furthermore, it will also reduce your anxiety and stress level for that particular subject. Often, the realization of unpreparedness sets-in late for high school students. Therefore, prepare while you can for the score that can help you unlock your dreams.
Gone are the days when you had to rely on multiple tutors to get the score you want. With the right material (like UGO Prep’s award winning PSAT Prep), you can realize your full potential. It is normal to get confused about the different versions of the exam. What matters is where you stand and your willingness to plan for SAT in the foreseeable future.
If you are serious, you can handle even the most complicated and exhausting SAT exam comfortably. It might sound unrealistic, but that has been the case for a vast majority of students. You can compress PSAT’s easy and as well as medium questions into one portion of the SAT.
Generalized Time Allocation
Well, the length of the test is different for each version of the PSAT. For instance, the PSAT 8/9 version has two hours and twenty-five minutes. You can, on the other hand, expect two hours and forty-five minutes when it comes to NMSQT and PSAT 10 versions.
In the PSAT 8/9, students will get 55 minutes for the reading section, language and writing have reserved 30 minutes. In contrast, mathematics has 60 minutes. Now, throughout the three content sections, you will get 38 questions regarding mathematics, 42 questions related to reading, and 40 concerning writing.
That said, when it comes to NMSQT and PSAT 10, you will receive 70 minutes on mathematics, 60 minutes for reading, and 35 minutes for writing. It might sound like a lot of time, but you will have to be rather quick to take care of as many questions as you can with as little time as possible. In short, you will receive 48 questions in mathematics, 47 questions in reading, and 44 questions related to writing. It is a subtle difference, but it adds up when you complete the test.
What Constitutes a Good PSAT Score?
The good score largely depends on your home state. Every student wants to get a favorable score to become a semifinalist or qualify for that precious National Merit Scholar. For instance, an average score might not amount to much because ultimately it depends on how many (%) applicants are accepted from different states every year.
Since the performance parameters for students also vary, there are different cutoff requirements set forth by the schools every year. However, if you want to achieve a certain score, you will need to align your goals for what you are aiming for in the long run.
For instance, the mean score for 8th graders when it comes to the PSAT 8/9 is 813. The mean score for the 9th graders is slightly higher with 870. Comparatively, the recent data highlights that the average mean score for 10th graders who take NMSQT or PSAT 10 is 934. Similarly, the average mean score for 11th graders who attempt NMSQT is 1014.
In short, these scores represent the strong and weak points of students. And when you become aware of your deficiencies, you can perform even better prior to the SAT. Anyhow, to identify the precise score, you will need to get a National Merit Scholarship is complicated. However, despite the constant annual variation, you should focus on your preparation to get the best score as per your abilities.
Score Report: When You Should Expect It
You should be able to get access to your online score report from Dec.10 to 12 every year. However, several schools also have the policy to explain score reports to selective or all of their students. Conversely, most of the schools, however, mail the score reports to parents directly. In any case, you must get in touch with your counselor if you any questions or feel uncertain when it comes to your score report.
You can expect from your counselor a manual paper copy of your score report. However, the best thing for you would also be to check your online PSAT score report. This online report contains a summarized content of your collective performance.
The performance, for instance, is solely about your scores. Furthermore, the score performance will help you understand how you did on individual questions. The categorization of scores is insightful to find out how you did on complicated topics.
Score Report: What Else?
Well, online score reports are relatively better because they can help you prepare better for the ACT and as well SAT. Detailed feedback, for instance, contains questions with your correct answers and the level of difficulty. Similarly, you can make comparative analysis by cross-referencing sub-score that is related to a particular question.
Once you click on the question you want to see the details of, you will get a window of explanation about your performance. And this is the part where you will notice “Potential and Coursework” that has its table listing for each subject matter. It allows you the information about how better you can perform in different courses. It practically shows you the school offered courses that you can select later on.
Now, before you set aside your score report for good, devise a plan of action to prepare for your college admission test. No one said it is going to be easy, but with enough research and preparation, you can get the average score you need to apply for an undergraduate program.
You can even compare your current PSAT score with the average score. The idea is to set a timeframe to reach the desired score and get accepted into one of your favorite schools. Generally, you can expect to spend at least 2 or 3 months in preparation for the ACT and SAT. However, the vast majority of the students try out the test at least once before starting rigorous preparation.
Time is of the essence when it comes to PSAT, and the score report will help you understand exactly how much you will need for the next attempt. Several students succeed because they stick to single-source material or book for preparation, while others struggle with multiple books or contradictory source material.
That said, if you intend to start an intensive preparation, make sure you have a private tutor that would save you plenty of time. In fact, working with a private tutor can improve your level of motivation. You can converse with the individual online or in-person.
But the correct preparation for you will ultimately depend on your existing PSAT score. And how you divide the time in a learning environment will help you prepare better. So, if you want to cross the finish line of your desired score, jump into the rabbit hole of the PSAT test.
What’s the Ideal Score?
Technically, there is no standard score that you have to get to make the final cut. And that is because every state has a different preset requirement for semifinalist candidates. It means the selection process of an admissions office in your state is likely the score that resembles your score.
The good news is that after a state determines the standard cutoff score, the applicants from that specific state who may have required or higher score can be the semifinalists. Remember, the cutoff number can change from state to state each year. But if you managed to earn above-average score, you can mark your spot as one of the semifinalists.
Here’s a preparation guideline one week before the PSAT takes place:
One-Week Before the Test Starts.
Yes, seven days prior to your PSAT exam date, you can still take advantage of evaluating test questions and content material. Logically, you don’t want to get overwhelmed with the unexpected subject matter. Therefore, it would be better if you concentrate on three or maybe four weak areas.
Now, this is the time where you should restrict your practice to these types of questions. However, make sure to select topics or subject matter that you face the most in practice tests of PSAT. For instance, you might struggle to determine evidence regarding solving linear-based equations or reading passages in the mathematics section. So, concentrate on your topic of interest to improve your score altogether.
The final week before the test is of utmost importance. You should take this time to practice using our PSAT simulated exams, which mimic all the exam behaviours of the PSAT exam. We time and grade our simulated PSAT exams the same way as the real Exam. make some lengthy PSAT practice tests. Consequently, practicing with our simulated exams will enable you to increase your test performance.
PSAT: Standard Tips for Every Test-Taker
Here are some practical PSAT tips that every test-takers should bear in mind:
No Calculator Policy
It is true – there’s a lot of uproar and confusion among students when it comes to the usage of a calculator. But if you are entirely new to the PSAT test format, there are two portions of the mathematics. The No Calculator section includes number sense and mathematical fluency. It checks your skill to arrange and utilize quantitative information in real-life scenarios.
Typically, answers have two broad categories, such as grid-in and multiple-choice questions. Multiple choice-based answers, however, account for most of the exam. Your recorded responses are in a grid box. When you record or fill an answer into a grid box, it is vital to fill-in only a single circle for each column. And that’s because answers that do not correspond in the circles won’t get any credit.
Each grid contains four different decimal points, zero value, and positive numbers. You should convert mixed numbers to unfitting fractions. After that, you can repeat the gridded decimals to get the best possible answer. Again, the record of all answers is in the form of either fractions or decimals.
Your over-dependence on a calculator can become a problem if you don’t know how to evaluate a real-world scenario. Similarly, learn to memorize straightforward facts and mathematics terminology to speed up your process to answer questions.
The College Board wants students to evolve their post-secondary education skills and learn the practicality of mathematics. It is one of the main reasons each section of the exam tests your practical learning skills. It means you should be able to demonstrate your skills as per available evidence and understand the context of the information to solve a wide variety of problems.
Registration
First, you have to figure out whether or not your high school provides PSAT. And if it does, also find out if it intends to administer the test. Mostly, students can use their College Board’s online search application to find out this information.
In simple terms, all you need to do is write the name of your high school, city, state, and zip code. After you click on the “Search” button, you will register your entrance with the name and address of your choice. You can also see the date of the assessment on the same dialog box.
You can also see from the main drop-down menu whether or not your schools administered the PSAT exam last year. However, if you’re a homeschooling student, you will need to search for the schools in your area that administer or offer the PSAT exam. The search can, in fact, narrow down your choices. Once you select a convenient school, you can go ahead and register for the test.
Now, if you don’t want to register via an online search tool, feel free to consult with your school counselor about the registration process of the PSAT. Once you complete the online registration, make sure to find out essential deadlines and exam dates.
Unfortunately, the cancellation of specific standardized tests, including SAT, ACT, and PSAT due to Coronavirus pandemic can be confusing. To avoid that dilemma, note down the current official deadlines and follow the updates each month.
Cost Structure
The PSAT exam costs around $17. However, the price changes from school to school. Several schools, for instance, may cover part or all of your PSAT fee. Conversely, some schools need students to pay the fee for proctor services. You can, on the other hand, also get a fee waiver on your PSAT waiver.
The school you plan to attempt the PSAT must provide you all the payment instructions you need. Mostly, schools request students to pay the fee somewhere around mid-September. That said, don’t forget that you won’t have to directly pay the College Board, which is your school’s responsibility.
When You Should Take the Test?
Most of the students view the PSAT exam as a trial test to get ready for the SAT. However, students comparatively tend to study less for the PSAT than SAT. So, if you want to boost your PSAT performance, spend more time during the summer vacation for thorough preparation.
Retake Criteria
Ultimately, retake criteria will depend on whether or not you fulfill the requirements set forth by the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students who want to attempt NMSQT/ PSAT during the junior year need to start preparation now. Sophomores, on the other hand, will need to retake the PSAT during the start of the junior year.
Although an excellent PSAT score is a good SAT predictor, it is still not the same as the iconic 1600 score. Retake criteria also depends on your score system. You can use your official PSAT scores as a predictor for your SAT scores. After that, you can set your objectives.
If your current performance on the PSAT is extraordinary, you need to prepare for the SAT as a sophomore. However, if it isn’t going well, you can retake the test in your junior or even senior year to boost your scores.
PSAT: Summary
The Preliminary SAT or NMSQT/PSAT is one of the most renowned standardized tests with three different versions. Apart from the apparent similarities with the SAT, it primarily checks your knowledge, reading writing, and mathematics. PSAT preparation ultimately makes you ready to take the SAT and ACT.
In essence, it can open new doors of opportunities that include rewards and a National Merit Scholarship. Students can attempt the NMSQT/PSAT in junior year to establish their National Merit scholarship criteria and essentially get ready for the SAT exam.
The two common variations of the PSAT, however, are the PSAT 10, which is for sophomores. The PSAT 8/9, on the other hand, is more suitable for eighth graders or freshmen. The format of the PSAT 10 is similar to the NMSQT/ PSAT, whereas the PSAT 8/9 format is relatively shorter and includes less complicated questions.
17 questions within 25 minutes. This section will focus on math areas such as problem-solving, data analysis, algebra, and manipulations of equations. It will also test your skills in trigonometry, geometry, and theorems.
31 questions within 45 minutes. This section will focus on math areas such as problem-solving, data analysis, algebra, and manipulations of equations. It will also test your skills in trigonometry, geometry, and theorems.
47 questions within 60 minutes. The format of the section comes with informational graphics like charts and tables. Students can expect passages from American and global contemporary or classic works of literature. The genre of passages can revolve around economics, sociology, psychology, social science, biology, physics, chemistry, or Earth science.
47 questions within 60 minutes. It asks students to have a mindset similar to editors to pinpoint passage weaknesses and errors. The passages focus on social studies, humanities, science, and history.
Conclusion
Preparation for a standardized test can be exhausting in an already busy schedule. However, an excellent PSAT reflects your knowledge of subject matter and how you analyze the information. The majority of the students have a theoretical understanding of the subject matter but don’t know how to apply that information to solve problems.
UGO Prep offers the best strategic solutions for students to practice the PSAT test and thoroughly memorize its format and structure. Every student has his or her learning speed. Therefore, UGO Prep wants you to divide the questions into more subsections to answer questions more easily.
In hindsight, students will need an objective viewpoint to judge their strengths and weaknesses in three major sections. The more you practice from reliable study material, the better you can predict the right answers. Deconstruction of questions is almost like an art-form where you can figure out the correct answers.
Students should only get familiar with the study material that matters the most. Extraneous information can put a burden that can affect your current knowledge of the subject matter. Meet the challenges you fear the most and see what you’re capable of. With rigorous preparation and time-management skills, you can improve your chances of getting scholarships and pursue your dream of higher education.
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