Hey guys, I'm just a sophomore but I've been hearing about the PSAT a lot. Can someone give me a quick overview of what the PSAT is and why it's important to take it? Thanks!
The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, is a standardized test administered by the College Board that serves as both a practice test for the SAT and a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. It's typically taken by high school sophomores and juniors. The PSAT is important for a few reasons:
1. Practice for the SAT: Taking the PSAT helps familiarize you with the format, timing, and types of questions you'll encounter on the SAT. The experience gained from taking the PSAT can help you better prepare for the real SAT, as it reveals areas where you may need to improve.
2. National Merit Scholarship Program: For juniors, the PSAT serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). Based on your PSAT score, you may qualify for scholarships offered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. While not every high-scoring student will receive a scholarship, being a National Merit Scholar or Semifinalist can be a valuable distinction on college applications.
3. Identifying strengths and weaknesses: Your PSAT score report gives you a detailed breakdown of your performance, highlighting both your strengths and weaknesses. This information can be used to target your SAT preparation and identify areas in which you may need extra support or practice.
As of 2024, the PSAT is delivered digitally and includes two sections – Reading and Writing, and Math – with the following structure:
- Reading and Writing: two 32-minute modules, to complete 54 questions
- Math: two 35-minute modules, to complete 44 questions
The total duration of the digital PSAT is 134 minutes, with 98 questions in total. The test is administered at a school or testing center, and although the stakes are lower than the SAT, it's still important to take the test seriously and use it as an opportunity to practice and identify areas for improvement.
To prepare for the PSAT, consider using the College Board's free resources, such as their Bluebook™ app, which offers practice questions and a full-length practice test. Additionally, make sure you're consistent with your high school studies, as the content of the PSAT is aligned with the standard high school curriculum in math, reading, and writing.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.