The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) is a practice test designed to help students prepare for the SAT. Administered by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, it familiarizes students with the SAT format and question types. The PSAT helps identify strengths and areas needing improvement, boosting confidence for the real exam. Additionally, high scorers may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, providing recognition and financial support for college. Serving as a valuable early step in college preparation, the PSAT helps students gain experience with standardized testing and improves readiness for academic success.
The PSAT acts as an important precursor to the SAT, helping students practice and familiarize themselves with the test format. It measures college readiness by identifying academic strengths and weaknesses, allowing students to focus their SAT preparation effectively. Scores from junior students are compared with peers nationwide to determine eligibility for scholarships, including the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. This test serves as a valuable tool to assess progress, build confidence, and plan academic goals, ensuring students are better prepared for college admissions and scholarship opportunities.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Reading and Writing Section | 54 questions, 64 minutes — tests reading comprehension and writing skills. |
| Math Section | 44 questions, 70 minutes — covers algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, data analysis, and geometry. |
| Registration Type | Online |
| Nature of Exam | Adaptive test with multiple-choice questions. Tests reading, writing, and math skills. |
The exam consists of two main sections — Reading & Writing (54 questions, 64 minutes) and Math (44 questions, 70 minutes). Both sections test analytical and language skills through adaptive questioning.
Yes. The exam adjusts the difficulty level of questions based on your responses, ensuring an accurate measure of your skill level.
Absolutely. The registration and the test itself are conducted online, so you can take it from anywhere with a stable internet connection.
The Math section includes algebra, geometry, advanced math, data analysis, and problem-solving questions designed to assess logical reasoning.
The total exam duration is around 2 hours and 15 minutes, including both sections and short breaks between them.
No. There is no negative marking. However, unanswered questions can affect your adaptive score, so it’s best to attempt all questions.