Your 2025 Guide to the PSAT

Everything you need to know about the PSAT: test format, content, scoring, and proven preparation strategies to help you succeed.

What is the PSAT? The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is a practice test designed to help you prepare for the SAT, one of the most common college entrance exams. By taking the PSAT, you can familiarize yourself with the test format, identify areas for improvement, and build confidence for the actual SAT. Your PSAT scores aren't shared with colleges, making it a low-pressure way to build your knowledge and skills.

What is the PSAT?

The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, serves as a practice exam for the SAT college readiness test. The exam is two hours and 14 minutes long and is typically taken during junior year. It evaluates your skills in three main areas: Reading, Writing, and Math.

Key Details:

  • Test length: 2 hours and 14 minutes total
  • Typical timing: Usually taken during junior year, typically in October
  • Location: Usually administered at your high school
  • Cost: $18 as of the 2024-25 school year (some schools cover all or part of the cost)
  • Also known as: PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)

High-scoring students can qualify for scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship Program. The qualifying score varies by state, but top performers may be invited to apply for National Merit Scholarships or corporate-sponsored scholarships.

Who Should Take the PSAT?

While high school juniors typically take the PSAT, students from eighth through eleventh grade can take the exam. Different versions of the test are available based on your grade level:

  • Eighth grade: You can take the PSAT 8/9, which is designed for your grade level.
  • Ninth grade: You can take either the PSAT 8/9 or the PSAT, though you won't be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program yet.
  • Tenth grade: You can take the PSAT 10 or the PSAT.
  • Eleventh grade: You take the PSAT (this is when National Merit eligibility begins).

Since you need to take the PSAT through your school, contact your school's counseling office to learn which tests they offer and how to register.

What's on the Test?

The PSAT consists of two main sections: Reading & Writing and Math. Here's a detailed breakdown of what each section covers:

Test Structure Overview:

  • Reading & Writing: 64 minutes, 54 questions (two modules of 27 questions each)
  • Math: 70 minutes, 44 questions (two modules of 22 questions each)

Reading & Writing Section

The Reading & Writing section includes passages from literature, social studies, humanities, and science. Each passage is accompanied by a single question. Questions fall into four main categories:

Craft and Structure

Tests your ability to understand and use words in context, analyze text structure and purpose, and make connections between related topics.

Information and Ideas

Assesses your skills in finding specific details, using evidence from text and visual aids, and drawing conclusions.

Standard English Conventions

Tests your ability to edit text to follow Standard English conventions for sentence structure, usage, and punctuation.

Expression of Ideas

Evaluates your capacity to revise texts to improve written expression and achieve specific rhetorical goals.

Math Section

The Math section covers four main domains. You can use a calculator for all questions in this section.

Algebra

Tests your ability to analyze, solve, and create linear equations and inequalities, as well as solve systems of equations using various techniques.

Advanced Math

Covers advanced math topics including exponential, quadratic, rational, radical, and polynomial equations, among other nonlinear equations.

Problem-Solving and Data Analytics

Evaluates your proficiency in applying quantitative reasoning to ratios, rates, and proportional relationships, understanding unit rates, and analyzing 1- and 2-variable data.

Geometry and Trigonometry

Includes questions about area and volume, angles, triangles, circles, and trigonometry.

PSAT Scoring

Your PSAT score is a number between 320 and 1520, which represents your total score. This total is the sum of two section scores:

  • Reading & Writing score: Ranges from 160 to 760 points
  • Math score: Ranges from 160 to 760 points
  • Total score: Sum of both sections (320 to 1520)
  • Equal weighting: Both sections contribute equally to your overall score

When you receive your results, you'll see your total score, section scores, and percentile ranks that show how your performance compares to other test-takers.

What is a Good PSAT Score?

A PSAT score between 1210 and 1520 represents the top 10 percent of test-takers. The average PSAT score is around 920. Keep in mind that qualifying scores for National Merit recognition vary by state.

PSAT vs. SAT

The PSAT is designed to reflect how you'd likely perform on the SAT. However, there are some key differences:

  • Maximum score: PSAT highest score is 1520, while the SAT highest score is 1600
  • PSAT 8/9: The highest possible total score is 1440
  • Test length: The PSAT is slightly shorter than the SAT
  • Purpose: The PSAT serves as practice and can qualify you for scholarships, while the SAT is used for college admissions

The good news is that any preparation you do for the PSAT directly applies to the SAT, since the tests cover the same content areas and use similar question formats.

How to Prepare for the PSAT

Effective PSAT preparation involves setting aside regular study time and following a structured approach. Since the exam is typically in October, consider starting your preparation during the summer before you plan to take the test.

1

Review the Test Format

Familiarize yourself with the test structure: 64 minutes for Reading & Writing (54 questions) and 70 minutes for Math (44 questions). Even though you can use a calculator for all math questions, practice solving some problems without one to improve your mental math skills and speed.

2

Take a Diagnostic Test

Before you start studying, take a practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. By analyzing your scores, you can see which sections need the most attention and what types of questions present the greatest challenges. This helps you create a focused study plan.

3

Set a Target Score

While your main goal is to earn a high PSAT score, set a specific target to work toward. Research the SAT scores needed for admission to your ideal colleges and use that as your benchmark. This gives you a clear goal and helps you track your progress.

4

Create a Study Plan and Gather Materials

Establish a consistent study routine by scheduling specific dates and times each week for PSAT preparation. Use Study Share's comprehensive PSAT preparation materials and practice tests. Working with an instructor can help you create an effective study plan, provide guidance, and keep you accountable to your schedule.

5

Take Practice Exams

While you can only take the official PSAT once per year, you can take as many practice exams as you want. Practice tests help you become comfortable with the test format, practice answering questions within time limits, and familiarize yourself with the structure and style of test questions. The more practice tests you take, the more confident you'll feel on test day.

Ready to Start Your PSAT Preparation?

Begin your PSAT prep journey with Study Share's comprehensive resources and practice tests:

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