For more up-to-date information about the PSAT, visit our PSAT site here.
About The PSAT
Preliminary SAT (PSAT), also known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) is a simplified version of the SAT for students in the 10th and/or 11th grade. Taking the PSAT is the best way to get you familiarized with the SAT. The test is a little shorter and easier overall and is taken by students across the world who want to get an idea of the SAT format and difficulty level.
For students in the US, the junior year scores are counted towards the National Merit Scholarship Program. Find out more about whether international students should take it on our College blog.
PSAT Test Dates
The PSAT is offered in October each year. High schools, not individual test centres, are responsible for administering the PSAT, and each school make individual decision about when to offer the test to its students.
Unlike the SAT, students don’t sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT directly through the College Board. Instead, it is up to individual schools and districts to decide if and when they will administer the exam. To learn about PSAT/NMSQT availability at your school, reach out to your principal or school counselor.
The PSAT Format
PSAT includes four timed sections: Evidence-Based Reading, Writing and Language, Math (no calculator), and Math (calculator allowed).
Evidence Based Reading
The section consists of 47 multiple choice questions that the students need to answer in 60 minutes. There will be 5 passages on topics, such as World Literature, Social Science, Natural Science, and History. The section tests the students’ ability to read a passage, think critically about its main ideas and key details, and answer related questions.
Writing & Language
The section includes 44 multiple choice questions, and time allocated in 35 minutes. The passages used in this section cover a wide range of topics, including history, social studies, natural science, and the humanities. The section requires the students to think like editors and identify errors and weaknesses in the passages by reading.
Math
The section is divided into two portions, Calculator and No Calculator. The No Calculator portion comprises 17 questions and is 25 minutes long. The Calculator portion presents 31 questions and is 45 minutes long. Most are multiple choice questions, but some are student-produced response questions, or ‘grid-in’ questions. The section tests algebra I and II, geometry, and some trigonometry.
For detailed information on the format of each section, please refer to our PSAT site here.
PSAT Score Guide
PSAT scores are not used by colleges for academic admissions, but it is still a very important test. It’s a really good practice for the SAT and could also get the scholarship dollars. Leverage the PSAT as warm up for the SAT as this could be a crucial step in the right direction on the college admissions journey.
Our PSAT Preparation Classes
Prep Zone Academy has helped hundreds of International School and top Junior College students over the last 10 years with their SAT/ACT preparation and admissions to top US Colleges. Getting started with the PSAT can help students get familiarized with the format and thinking skills required of a standardized test.
Getting started with the PSAT
Ready to start preparing for the PSAT? Contact us at +65 6812 9999 if you have any queries. Alternatively, you can also provide us with your contact details below & we will reach out to you.
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