Most people are familiar with the SAT, as many universities require students to take the exam prior to enrollment. However, you may not be as familiar with the PSAT, or “preliminary” SAT. Try out a free PSAT practice test to prepare for your exam.
While the PSAT and SAT are scored differently, they both have similar structures and questions. This way, students can get an accurate picture of how they will perform on the real exam. To get a better idea of how the PSAT works, we breakdown everything you need to know about this important test.
We'll also provide you with free PSAT practice tests to help you do your best on this important exam.
Summary: Use a free PSAT practice test below to prepare for your upcoming exam.
Free PSAT Practice Tests
Practice tests are one of the best ways to prepare for the PSAT. Students will be able to learn what they need to work on and focus on that when they study.
These tests all include answer explanations. It is important to go over the explanations when scoring your exam. These will help you learn more information and get a better score on the PSAT.
| Resource | Notes | Provider |
| PSAT/NMSQT Practice Test 1 | Questions Answer Explanations Scoring Answer Sheet | Official PSAT practice test from the College Board. |
| PSAT/NMSQT Practice Test 2 | Questions Answer Explanations Scoring Answer Sheet | Official PSAT practice test from the College Board. |
| PSAT 10 Practice Test 1 | Questions Answer Explanations Scoring Answer Sheet | Official PSAT 10 practice test from the College Board. |
| PSAT 10 Practice Test 2 | Questions Answer Explanations Scoring Answer Sheet | Official PSAT 10 practice test from the College Board. |
When it comes to studying, everyone has different needs and habits. That said, there are plenty of great PSAT resources to get you started out on the right foot. If you’re searching for ways to prepare for the PSAT, check out some of the following resources:
Other PSAT Study Resources
When it comes to studying, everyone has different needs and habits. That said, there are plenty of great PSAT resources to get you started out on the right foot. If you’re searching for ways to prepare for the PSAT, check out some of the following resources:
| Resource | Notes | Provider |
| PSAT Vocab Flashcards | Review 100+ PSAT vocab flashcards. | Quizlet |
| PSAT Math Flashcards | Review 75 PSAT math flashcards. | Quizlet |
| Princeton Review PSAT Practice Test | Try Princeton Review's free practice test. | Princeton Review |
Official PSAT Resources
One of the best ways to prepare for an exam is to get information directly from the test administrators. For the PSAT, this means consulting the College Board, a non-profit organization that has been developing and administering standardized tests for over a century. Here are a few helpful links provided by the College Board:
Exam Outline - What’s On the PSAT?
Needless to say, there are plenty of ways to prepare for the PSAT, but it is extremely important that you know what to expect on the day of the test. In addition to knowing the types of questions on the exam, you will also want to know how the PSAT is administered, your allotted time, and all of the DO’s and DON’Ts for the test day.
Just like the SAT, the PSAT is broken down into 3 sections: the Reading Test, the Writing and Language Test, and the Math Test.
![Free PSAT Practice Tests [2022] | 500+ Questions | Test-Guide (1)](https://i0.wp.com/www.test-guide.com/images/PSAT_FPT_Article.png "Free PSAT Practice Tests [2022] | 500+ Questions | Test-Guide (1)")
PSAT Reading Test
The Reading Test is comprised of passages taken from literature, historical documents, and other similar sources. Each passage is followed by multiple-choice questions that test your ability to extract meaning, understand complex wording, find the main idea, and interpret the author’s intention. In some cases, you will need to compare and contrast two passages written on the same topic.
Allotted Time: 60 minutes
Number of Questions: 48
Type of Questions: Multiple-choice
PSAT Writing and Language Test
The Writing and Language Test (sometimes just called the “Writing Test”) is made up of multiple-choice questions that test your understanding of grammar, writing style, word choice, and context. It may seem strange to test your writing skills with multiple-choice questions, but this section uses many pre-written sentences to see how well you can spot errors, improve wording, and edit for optimal coherence. You will not be given as much time to complete the Writing and Language Test, as it has fewer questions and does not require you to spend a lot of time reading or analyzing long passages.
Allotted Time: 35 minutes
Number of Questions: 44
Type of Questions: Multiple-choice
PSAT Math Test
The Math Test is split into two distinct sections: No-Calculator and Calculator-Allowed. Needless to say, the “No-Calculator” section will require you to solve math problems using pen and paper only, while the “Calculator-Allowed” section involves more complex math questions that necessitate a calculator. In both sections, you can expect to see problems involving Algebra I and II, Geometry, and Trigonometry. Additionally, the Math Test is the only part of the PSAT that includes questions that are not multiple-choice.
Allotted Time: 70 minutes (25 for No-Calculator, and 45 for Calculator-Allowed)
Number of Questions: 48 (17 for No-Calculator, and 31 for Calculator-Allowed)
Type of Questions: Multiple-choice and grid-in questions
*Note: While the SAT does include an optional essay section, the PSAT does not.
PSAT Registration
PSAT Test Dates
The PSAT is administered once a year in October. While the primary test day always takes place during the school week, there is also an opportunity to take the test on the following Saturday. If you are unable to take the test on either of these days, there is also one alternative test date that is predetermined by the test administrators. You can find the exact dates for the next testing period right here.
At many high schools, PSAT registration is mandatory for every student, and the registration fees are covered by the school. However, this is not always the case. If your school does not offer registration for the PSAT, you may need to register and pay for the test through a nearby school. In any case, the fee for registration is generally around $16. You can register online at this link. The deadline for test registration is usually about one month prior to the test dates, though the exact deadline varies each year.
What Happens During the PSAT?
When you arrive on the test day, you will need to make sure you have everything you need. Since you will be seated for an extended period of time, you should remember to wear comfortable clothing. It is always advisable to bring a watch to help keep track of time and an extra jacket in case you get cold. However, you should not wear any clothing or jewelry that is noisy or distracting. In addition to proper attire, there are a few items that you must have ready for the test:
- Photo ID (generally a school ID)
- No. 2 pencils with erasers
- Calculator with extra batteries (you can find a list of accepted PSAT calculators here)
Since many schools require their students to take the PSAT, the test is often administered in a large cafeteria or auditorium. Every student will be given pieces of blank paper to make notes, and there will be various administrators walking among the test-takers. You are not allowed to talk during the exam, and you must quietly notify an administrator and secure permission if you have any reason to leave your seat.
Who is Eligible to Take the PSAT?
While many students take the PSAT during their junior year of high school, this is by no means a requirement. Freshman and sophomore students are also eligible to take the PSAT. There are no specific requirements for PSAT eligibility, except that you must register for the PSAT before the registration deadline.
PSAT Scores - How Are They Calculated?
The PSAT is scored a little differently than the SAT. On the SAT, the Reading and Writing Tests are scored on a scale from 200 to 800, and the Math Test is scored on its own using the same scale. So, the SAT scores can range anywhere between 400-1600, with the optional essay graded separately.
Alternatively, the PSAT is scored out of a possible 1520, with Reading/Writing and Math both scored out of 760. Each test is scored in 10-point increments. Since the PSAT and SAT scoring systems are quite similar, your overall PSAT score will give you a relatively accurate idea of what to expect on the SAT (and may predict your ACT scores).
It generally takes about 6 weeks from the test date to receive your PSAT scores, and the average national score is 920. However, if you want to score within the top 10% of test-takers, you will need to score somewhere between 1200-1520. Getting a perfect score on the PSAT is rare; less than 1% of test-takers answer every question correctly.
PSAT FAQS
Can universities see my PSAT score?
No, colleges and universities cannot see how you scored on the PSAT. However, if you are enrolled in the Student Search Service, educational institutions can see your test results within a certain range.
Is the PSAT the same as the SAT?
While the PSAT and SAT are very similar, they do have a few important differences. As stated above, the two tests are scored differently. With the exception of the optional essay section, both exams cover the same test subjects and include the same types of questions. However, the PSAT has fewer questions and allows less time per section.
Do I have to take the PSAT?
While some high schools make PSAT registration mandatory, it is not always a requirement to take the test. That said, if you would like to be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program, you are required to take the PSAT.
Last Updated: 1/10/2022
FAQs
What is the best answer to guess on the PSAT? ›
- GUESSING STRATEGY: PICK A “LETTER OF THE DAY” ...
- Guess if a question becomes time consuming or confusing. ...
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers whenever possible. ...
- Guess a simple integer for grid-in questions on SAT and PSAT Math.
Even though there's a 75 percent chance of selecting the incorrect answer, you won't lose any points for doing so. The worst that can happen on the PSAT is that you'll earn zero points on a question, which means you should always at least take a guess, even when you have no idea what to do.
Is it better to answer all questions on the PSAT? ›Since there is no penalty for selecting the wrong answer on the PSAT, never leave an answer blank. Here are a few rules to optimize your guessing strategy. First, unless you have run out of time, try to use the process of elimination to get rid of at least one answer choice.
Where can I practice PSAT? ›The easiest way to do this is through Official SAT Practice at Khan Academy. If you took one of the PSAT-related assessments, you can link your College Board and Khan Academy accounts.
Is C usually the correct answer? ›Myth 2: C is the best guess letter and is right more often than any other letter. C or H are right (and wrong) as often as any other answer choice. The only guess letter you don't want to use when you are completely guessing is E or K because they only show up on the math test.
Is C the most common answer on tests? ›Remember, the expected likelihood of each option being correct is 25%. And on tests with five choices (say, A, B, C, D, and E), E was the most commonly correct answer (23%). C was the least (17%).
Can I do well on the PSAT without studying? ›You may need to take it seriously depending on your goals. The PSAT 10 doesn't require studying. The PSAT/NMSQT®, however, could qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship program and serve as a great indicator of how well prepared you are for a possible winter SAT and/or ACT.
What happens if you fail the PSAT? ›Your acceptance or rejection into college is much more dependent on the SAT or ACT , so the short answer is “no,” colleges don't care at all about the PSAT. An abysmal score on the PSAT will not have any direct effect on your chances of getting into a college.
How do I ace my PSAT? ›- Take a practice test.
- Figure out your kryptonite – your biggest weaknesses.
- Drill your weaknesses, review your strengths.
- Check in with more practice tests.
Before test day, use official PSAT/NMSQT practice tests. These practice tests are available for free, both online and on paper.
When should I start preparing for the PSAT? ›
We recommend that students start their prep for the SAT (and/or ACT) during the spring or summer before junior year. Summer prep is a particularly smart move if you're planning to take the August SAT. Our comprehensive SAT prep programs will help you prep for both the PSAT and the SAT, so you can excel on both exams.
Is there a study guide for the PSAT? ›Barron's PSAT/NMSQT Study Guide Premium 2023 includes everything you need to be prepared for exam day with comprehensive review and practice from experienced educators. This edition also includes the most up-to-date information on the new digital exam to be administered in the US in fall 2023.
What should I do the day before the PSAT? ›Put down the books
At this point, any studying you do won't likely be retained and will be counterproductive in achieving your best score. The night before the PSAT, you want to focus on all the non-test related ways you can prepare yourself to perform at your very best, both physically and mentally.
It is also important to take a timed, full-length practice test roughly one week prior to the real PSAT. Simulate testing conditions as closely as possible so that you can become more comfortable with the true PSAT exam experience. Set a timer, put away your cellphone, go to a quiet area and get working.
What letter should I guess on the SAT? ›Every answer choice on the SAT will have a statistically even distribution of 1 in 4 for each answer choice letter, A, B, C, or D. In other words? There is no most common answer on the SAT. Ultimately, guessing C (or any letter!) will give you the correct answer only a statistical 25% of the time.
How do I always get 100 on a test? ›- Know the test format. Don't forget to ask your professor what you can expect for the layout of the exam. ...
- Create a study schedule. ...
- Utilize materials from the professor. ...
- Eat breakfast. ...
- Chew gum. ...
- Get a good night's sleep. ...
- Manage your time. ...
- Answer the questions you know first.
Look for patterns in true or false questions, and go with false if a question includes absolutes, such as "all" or "none." When guessing on multiple choice questions, use processes of elimination, look for grammatical clues and, when in doubt, go with the most detailed choice.
How can I pass a math test without knowing anything? ›- 1) Ask someone what are the essential things.
- 2) Right down equations in a paper.
- 3) Do a couple of problems that are mostly guessing.
- 4) Remind equations by writing another paper.
- 5) Be relax and confident to pass math exam without studying.
The idea that C is the best answer to choose when guess-answering a question on a multiple choice test rests on the premise that ACT answer choices are not truly randomized. In other words, the implication is that answer choice C is correct more often than any other answer choice.
What is the best answer for multiple-choice? ›7 Tips and Strategies for Answering Multiple Choice Questions - YouTube
How can I pass any test? ›
- Get informed. Don't walk into your test unprepared for what you will face. ...
- Think like your teacher. ...
- Make your own study aids. ...
- Practice for the inevitable. ...
- Study every day. ...
- Cut out the distractions. ...
- Divide big concepts from smaller details. ...
- Don't neglect the “easy” stuff.
Practice Your Passages
There are 35 passage-based reading questions on the PSAT, and so you'll want to practice these the night before the test. Answer at least 15 from a practice exam to get yourself into critical reading mood, but then change strategies. Start by reading the answers to the question.
Many high school students take the PSAT to prepare for the SAT and to qualify for scholarships. The PSAT uses a scoring scale of 320-1520. You can calculate your total score using an official PSAT scoring chart. In general, you can miss up to one question on each PSAT section and still earn a perfect score.
What is a low score on the PSAT? ›Students receive a scaled score ranging from 160 to 760 for each of the sections, with 160 being the lowest possible score and 760 being the highest possible score. The two scaled scores are added together to get the student's total PSAT score, with a total score range from 320 to 1520.
Do colleges look at PSAT score? ›College Board does not send PSAT/NMSQT scores to colleges. These scores are not intended to be part of college admission decisions.
How many questions do you need to get right on the PSAT? ›To get 640 on Math, you'll need to score around 34-38 raw points, or get 34-38 questions right. (We calculated this estimated raw score range using the official conversion tables for PSAT Practice Test #1 and #2.)
Why is the PSAT so hard? ›The PSAT is very slightly easier on average, but typically seems harder to students because they haven't prepped for it to the same extent that they do for the SAT proper. There are a few math skills that show up on the SAT but not the PSAT as well, but the curriculum is almost exactly the same.
How long should I study for PSAT? ›Juniors taking the exam should start studying after the winter break. Research also done by the College Board suggests that between six to eight hours of official PSAT practice can gain a student up to 90 more points, and 20 hours of studying can result in a 115 points increase.
How hard is PSAT math? ›How Hard Is the PSAT? The PSAT is a tad easier than its big brother, but the difference is pretty minimal. It's all toned down slightly, though. Questions that would be on the easy end of SAT math show up more frequently on the PSAT.
What is the most common answer on the SAT? ›Sometimes it seems like “C”—or its equivalent, “H”—is the most common answer choice, but this is merely a myth. In fact, the answer choice orders on the ACT and SAT are generated by a computer and are entirely random.
How do you get a perfect PSAT score? ›
- Take a practice test.
- Figure out your kryptonite – your biggest weaknesses.
- Drill your weaknesses, review your strengths.
- Check in with more practice tests.
- Improve your timing. ...
- Find a balance when reading. ...
- Read college-level texts. ...
- Practice advanced vocabulary. ...
- Stay engaged when reading a passage. ...
- Take notes as you read! ...
- Start with the questions. ...
- Don't fall for traps.
On all questions, there's no penalty for guessing: if you're not sure of the answer, it's better to guess than leave the response blank.
What is the best way to guess on a multiple choice test? ›Eliminate the highest and lowest options. Certain questions have answers that are closely related or almost identical, except for one detail. This should be your clue to choose one of the two similar answers. The similar choices cannot both be correct, but either of them may be the correct answer.
Whats the most common multiple choice answer? ›The idea that C is the best answer to choose when guess-answering a question on a multiple choice test rests on the premise that ACT answer choices are not truly randomized. In other words, the implication is that answer choice C is correct more often than any other answer choice.
What is the best way to guess on the SAT? ›- Eliminate answers you know can't be correct. ...
- Work backward with your answers. ...
- Don't ignore visuals and diagrams. ...
- Don't immediately run for the most appealing answer. ...
- Eliminate answers that you know are incorrect. ...
- Make predictions to help lead you to the correct answers.
Your acceptance or rejection into college is much more dependent on the SAT or ACT , so the short answer is “no,” colleges don't care at all about the PSAT. An abysmal score on the PSAT will not have any direct effect on your chances of getting into a college.
Why is the PSAT so hard? ›The PSAT is very slightly easier on average, but typically seems harder to students because they haven't prepped for it to the same extent that they do for the SAT proper. There are a few math skills that show up on the SAT but not the PSAT as well, but the curriculum is almost exactly the same.
What should I do the day before the PSAT? ›Put down the books
At this point, any studying you do won't likely be retained and will be counterproductive in achieving your best score. The night before the PSAT, you want to focus on all the non-test related ways you can prepare yourself to perform at your very best, both physically and mentally.
Many high school students take the PSAT to prepare for the SAT and to qualify for scholarships. The PSAT uses a scoring scale of 320-1520. You can calculate your total score using an official PSAT scoring chart. In general, you can miss up to one question on each PSAT section and still earn a perfect score.
Does Khan Academy help with PSAT? ›
The PSAT now serves as your diagnostic—all you need to do is link your Khan Academy and College Board accounts, and we'll automatically recommend practice based on your PSAT results. We recommend that you link your accounts so that you can get started more quickly!
Does it hurt to guess on the SAT? ›First things first: There is no guessing penalty, so you've got nothing to lose by guessing. That wasn't always the case. Prior to March 2016, the SAT did have a guessing penalty; a quarter of a point was subtracted from your raw score for every wrong answer.
How often is no answer changed on SAT? ›Falling for the 'No Error' Trap
In any given SAT Writing test, you should expect that the Answer A: “NO CHANGE” will only be the correct answer around 20% of the time, with small variations from test to test.
Students can take the SAT as many times as they want. We recommend that they take it at least twice—in the spring of their junior year and the fall of their senior year. Most students get a higher score the second time, and most colleges consider a student's highest SAT score when making admission decisions.