I'm prepping for the PSAT and trying to figure out time management for the actual test. How long do you typically have for each section or the test as a whole?
Hi! It's fantastic that you're planning ahead for your PSAT. Managing your time effectively is a key strategy for success. The PSAT/NMSQT is structured into four sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Math (without a calculator), and Math (with a calculator). Here's how the time is allocated:
- Reading: 60 minutes for 47 questions
- Writing and Language: 35 minutes for 44 questions
- Math – No Calculator: 25 minutes for 17 questions
- Math – Calculator: 45 minutes for 31 questions
The test as a whole is 2 hours and 45 minutes long, and it includes breaks between some sections, which are not counted as part of the testing time.
A strategy that students find helpful is to spend less than a minute per question on the Reading and Writing sections, leaving a bit of time at the end to review your answers. For Math, the questions tend to increase in difficulty as you progress, so pace yourself accordingly and try to leave some extra time for the last few questions on each math segment. Don't forget to practice with this timing using official PSAT practice tests to build your endurance and get a realistic feel for the pace. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best on your PSAT!
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