PSAT 9 - What to Expect?

Yo! I'm taking the PSAT 9 soon and I've got a bit of those pre-test jitters. Can anyone share their experience and what I should really be prepared for?

Hey there! Good on you for tackling the PSAT 9. It's totally normal to feel nervous before any test, especially one tied to college admissions.

First things first, it's crucial to remember that the PSAT 9 serves mainly as a benchmark to see where you are academically. It helps you identify your strengths and areas for improvement, so you can tailor your high school study plan accordingly.

Although it's similar in format to the regular SAT, the PSAT 9 is generally less demanding. It has the same sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. And as of spring 2024, just like the new SAT, the PSAT 9 is digital and has no 'no-calculator' section for Math, so you can use your calculator on both math portions.

In terms of difficulty, the test is designed with 9th graders in mind, so you won't see anything super advanced. It's more of a gauge to help you find your footing. However, you should still familiarize yourself with the question types and test format ahead of time to reduce any surprises on test day.

For the Reading and Writing sections, time management is critical. You'll be faced with passages and related questions, and you'll need to work efficiently to read the passages and answer all the questions in the given time. The Math sections will test your understanding of topics you should have covered in middle or early high school math. Brush up on your algebra, basic geometry, and even some statistics.

Lastly, remember to take a deep breath and approach the test with a positive mindset. Don't stress too much about the outcomes, as this is just the beginning of your high school journey. Use this test as a stepping stone toward your SAT and eventual college admission. Good luck!