PSAT Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test
The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a standardized eligibility testing exam conducted by the College Board. The exam prepares you for the SAT and also acts as an entrance exam for the esteemed National Merit Scholarships. Students who aspire to take the PSAT test can enroll in PSAT preparation classes for guidance from professional PSAT tutors.
Several states mandate the PSAT as a college readiness benchmark. Because colleges don’t use the PSAT in admissions, taking the test can be less stressful for students, a valuable practice opportunity, and a way to identify subjects in which students need extra preparation.
The PSAT is required in several states as a standard of college preparedness. Although colleges do not use the PSAT for admissions, students may find the test to be less stressful, a great opportunity for practice, and a means to determine in which subjects they would need more preparation. Moreover, if your child takes PSAT coaching classes, then the journey of preparing for the test will be far easier.
The Levels of the Test
The test is available in three levels:
The PSAT 8/9 is for 8th and 9th graders. It is a 2-hour and 25-minute test and covers:
- Reading (55 min, 42 questions)
- Writing & Language (30 min, 40 questions)
- Math (60 min, 38 questions)
The PSAT 10 is for high school students and the duration of the test is slightly longer at 2 hours and 45 minutes. It covers:
- Reading section (60 min, 47 questions)
- Writing & Language (35 min, 44 questions)
- Math sections (70 min, 48 questions)
The subjects are the same as those in the actual PSAT/NMSQT test.
The PSAT/NMSQT is for juniors who want to enter the National Merit Scholarship competition. To obtain the scholarship, students should take the PSAT/NMSQT test at the start of Junior year. The PSAT/NMSQT is usually held in the months of October or November.
What is the Registration Process for PSAT?
Students can register through high schools as it is not available directly through the College Board. Many school districts pay for everyone so that the maximum number of pupils can take this test. Homeschoolers should register at the secondary school in their locality. For the PSAT 8/9 or PSAT 10, fee waivers are unavailable, but low-income juniors can apply for one through their high school for the PSAT/NMSQT.
What is the scoring method for the PSAT test?
While the scoring method for every test is comparable, the score ranges, criteria, and mean scores differ. The qualifying score varies from year to year for each state. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation creates a Selection Index based on test results each year. Once the test is over, results are normally made available online 4-6 weeks later.
To determine whether children are prepared for college, the SAT provides grade-level criteria for each part. For each exam level, score ranges and mean composite scores are shown:
|
Range |
ERW |
Math |
Mean |
| PSAT 8/9 (8th) |
240-1440 |
406 |
401 |
807 |
| PSAT 8/9 (9th) |
240-1440 |
434 |
423 |
857 |
| PSAT 10 |
320-1520 |
460 |
448 |
908 |
| PSAT/NMSQT |
320-1520 |
486 |
469 |
952 |
How Can CrunchGrade Help Your Child Prepare for the PSAT Test?
Only high school students who are academically strong should take the PSAT (which can be applied directly only through high schools) or SAT. If a student can score 1300 and higher, it means he/she has the potential to win a prestigious National Merit Scholarship junior year. High school students with potential should practice often during the summer before junior year. Take the SAT/PSAT Prep course and do lots of practice questions. There are free practice tests from the College Board too. However, if you are looking for private PSAT tutors, CrunchGrade is the place for you.
CrunchGrade will allow you to choose your time and schedule at your convenience to start your PSAT test preparation. Our PSAT tutors will also provide you with all necessary PSAT tips and PSAT prep courses in person. You will also learn to manage your time during your practice test so you can answer the paper well in time. PSAT online classes at CrunchGrade offer you a great chance to prepare for the SAT. Our PSAT tutoring and PSAT prep online also prepare you to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship—and other scholarships and merit-based aid.
At CrunchGrade, you can get access to all practice materials to make sure your child clears the PSAT test easily!
Frequently Asked Questions
A: If you want to get a scholarship for the PSAT or plan to take and prepare for the SAT, taking PSAT prep classes is worth it.
A: Here are some study tips for PSAT test prep
- Familiarize yourself with the PSAT test format.
- Take a self-assessment test
- Set a goal for yourself
- Create a study schedule
- Practice mock tests regularly
- Attend test PSAT prep classes
- Give yourself enough time to prepare
A: If students want to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship or any other scholarship, they should take the PSAT/NMSQT in 11th grade.
A: Steps you can follow for the PSAT study preparation:
- Be sincere in your efforts
- Understand the test structure
- Familiarize yourself with the questions
- Practice regularly like you are sitting for the exam
- Read the topics that you do not like
- Practice common algebra, geometry, statistics, and precalculus
- Follow a strict study schedule.
A: No exam is easy if you are not prepared. So, you will need to put in a lot of effort to prepare for the PSAT test.
A: If they are interested in qualifying for the PSAT test, they will have to prepare for the test.
A: The PSAT/NMSQT means Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The purpose of this test is to help you practice for the SAT, qualify for scholarships, and stand out among the rest of the students. The PSAT is conducted every year in mid-October at your high school.
