What is the PSAT (Preliminary SAT)?

Author: Brighter Prep

The PSAT is a great way to preview and practice for the SAT.

It tests the same skills and knowledge as the SAT.

  • PSAT has Three Section [Critical Reading, Math & Writing]
  • PSAT Math does not Include Higher Level of Math.
  • Student can use Calculator, But in**1ST Math Section it is not allowed.

Graphing calculator (TI83/84...) / Scientific calculator

  • Oct 19, Oct 22, or Nov 2, 2016 Test dates for-PSAT 10th Grader/11th Grader

TEST COST SCHOOLS $15

  • Sept 28, 2015, and Jan 29, 2016, or between Feb 22 and March 4, 2016

8th Grader/9th Grader TEST COST SCHOOLS $10

Format of PSAT

Sections Time # of questions

Reading 60 mins 47 questions

Writing 35 mins 44 questions

Math (1st Section) ** 25 mins 17 questions

(2ND Section) 45 mins 31 questions

Totals 165 mins 138 questions

How and when do I get my scores?

  • PSAT results are usually available in early December
  • Students will be emailed a copy of their results
  • Students must create a College Board account with a valid email address in order to get their results

Comparison of the Major Features: Current SAT and New SAT

Current SAT:

Total testing time: 3 hours and 45 minutes

Components:

  1. Critical Reading
  2. Writing
  3. Mathematics
  4. Essay

Important Features:

  • Emphasis on general reasoning skills
  • Emphasis on vocabulary, often in limited contexts
  • Complex scoring (a point for a correct answer and a deduction for an incorrect answer; blank responses have no impact on scores)

Essay:

  • Required and given at the beginning of the SAT
  • 25 minutes to write the essay
  • Tests writing skill; students take a position on a presented issue

Score Reporting:

  • Scale ranging from 600 to 2400
  • Scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Critical Reading; 200 to 800 for Mathematics; 200 to 800 for Writing
  • Essay results scaled to multiple-choice Writing

Sub score Reporting: None

New SAT:

Total testing time: 3 hours (plus 50 minutes for the Essay [optional])

Components:

1. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

  • Reading Test
  • Writing and Language Test
  1. Math
  2. Essay (optional)

Important Features:

  • Focus on the knowledge, skills, and understandings that research has identified as most important for college and career readiness and success
  • Greater emphasis on the meaning of words in extended contexts and on how word choice shapes meaning, tone, and impact
  • Rights-only scoring (no penalty for guessing)

Essay:

  • Optional and given at the end of the SAT; postsecondary institutions determine whether they will require the Essay for admission
  • 50 minutes to write the essay
  • Tests reading, analysis, and writing skills; students produce a written analysis of a provided source text

Score Reporting:

  • Scale ranging from 400 to 1600
  • Scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing; 200 to 800 for Math; 2 to 8 on each of three dimensions for Essay
  • Essay results reported separately

Sub score Reporting: Sub scores for every test, providing added insight for students, parents, admission officers, educators, and counselors.