PSAT 8/9

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++tableTop tableTop++ ++tableRow ++tableItem Getting Ready tableItem++ ++tableItem Taking the Exam tableItem++ ++tableItem After the Exam tableItem++ tableRow++ ++tableRow ++tableItem

++questionWhat is the PSAT?question++

++questionWhat is the PSAT test used for?question++

++questionWhat does PSAT mean?question++

++questionIs the PSAT easier than the SAT?question++

++questionWho takes the PSAT?question++

++questionWhat is the PSAT 8/9?question++

++questionWhat’s the difference between the PSAT and the PSAT 8/9?question++

++questionWhat is the difference between PSAT 10 and PSAT NMSQT?question++

++questionHow can I pass the PSAT?question++ tableItem++ ++tableItem

++questionWhat’s on the PSAT?question++

++questionWhat is tested on the writing and language section of the PSAT?question++

++questionHow do I prepare for the math PSAT?question++

++questionCan you use a calculator on the PSAT?question++

++questionHow long is the PSAT?question++

++questionShould you guess on the PSAT?question++

++questionHow is the PSAT Administered?question++

++questionCan you take the PSAT outside of school?question++ tableItem++ ++tableItem

++questionHow is the PSAT Scored?question++

++questionWhat is a good PSAT score?question++ tableItem++ tableRow++

++answerWhat is the PSAT?

The PSAT is an achievement test designed to assess what you’ve learned in school.answer++

++answerWhat is the PSAT test used for?

Colleges won’t be able to see your score, but taking the PSAT does offer advantages.

There are two versions of the PSAT: the PSAT/NMSQT and the PSAT 10.

Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT may qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. That’s why you’ll sometimes see this test referred to as the NMSQT—the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The PSAT/NMSQT is offered in the fall.answer++

++answerWhat does PSAT mean?

PSAT stands for Preliminary SAT or Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test.answer++

++answerIs the PSAT easier than the SAT?

Both the PSAT/NMSQT and the PSAT 10 help you prepare for the SAT. The material covered on all the tests is virtually identical, so taking the PSAT will allow you to see how you’ll do on the SAT. On the PSAT, you’ll see the same types of questions as those that appear on the SAT. You’ll also get to experience the same testing conditions.answer++

++answerWho takes the PSAT?

High school sophomores and juniors take the PSAT.answer++

++answerWhat is the PSAT 8/9?

The PSAT 8/9 is an achievement test designed to assess what you’ve learned in school and help you figure out what you need to work on to score well on the PSAT 10 or PSAT/NMSQT.answer++

++answerWhat’s the difference between the PSAT and the PSAT 8/9?

On the PSAT 8/9, you’ll see the same types of questions as those that appear on the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and the SAT. You’ll also get to experience the same testing conditions. What’s the difference? The PSAT 8/9 is a little bit shorter.answer++

++answerWhat is the difference between PSAT 10 and PSAT NMSQT?

The PSAT 10 is offered to sophomore students during the spring semester. PSAT 10 scores will not qualify examinees for the National Merit Scholarship, but taking the test is a good way to become familiar with the format of the SAT, so that you can do your best.answer++

++answerHow can I pass the PSAT?

The best way to score high on your PSAT is to study. Get as much PSAT practice as you can. Accepted, Inc., offers an online PSAT practice test with purchase of our PSAT study guide. Our PSAT prep book also contains a practice PSAT test.answer++

++answerWhat’s on the PSAT?

The PSAT consists of three sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Mathematics.answer++

++answerWhat is tested on the writing and language section of the PSAT?

The Reading and Writing sections include only multiple-choice questions. For reading, you will be tested on understanding and analyzing nonfiction and fiction passages; interpreting graphs and charts; and vocabulary in context. For writing and language, prepare to identify errors in basic grammar, punctuation, usage, and style; and demonstrate rhetorical skills.answer++

++answerHow do I prepare for the math PSAT?

The Mathematics section includes multiple-choice and grid-ins (shown below). Mathematics covers mathematical reasoning and performing calculations using algebra, geometry, and basic statistics.answer++

++answerCan you use a calculator on the PSAT?

The Mathematics section is further broken down into two parts: one that’s taken with a calculator and one taken without. You will have a reference sheet with common formulas for each math test. You may use a four-function or scientific calculator for the calculator portion of the test.answer++

++answerHow long is the PSAT?

There are three sections on the PSAT. Each test section has a time limit. There are a total of 139 questions and two hours and forty-five minutes of testing.

++tableTitle What’s on the PSAT? tableTitle++ ++tableRow ++tableItem Concepts tableItem++++tableItem Number of Questions tableItem++++tableItem Time tableItem++ tableRow++ ++tableRow ++tableItemReading

understanding and analyzing nonfiction and fiction passages; interpreting graphs and charts; vocabulary in contexttableItem++ ++tableItem 47 questions tableItem++ ++tableItem 60 minutes tableItem++ tableRow++ ++tableRow ++tableItem Writing and Language

identifying errors in basic grammar, punctuation, usage, and style; rhetorical skills tableItem++ ++tableItem 44 questions tableItem++ ++tableItem 35 minutes tableItem++ tableRow++ ++tableRow ++tableNoBottomItem Mathematics tableNoBottomItem++ ++tableItem 17 questions (without calculator) tableItem++ ++tableItem 25 minutes tableItem++ tableRow++ ++tableRow ++tableItem mathematical reasoning and performing calculations using algebra, geometry, and basic statistics tableItem++ ++tableItem 31 questions (with calculator) tableItem++ ++tableItem 45 minutes tableItem++ tableRow++ ++tableRow ++tableItem Total tableItem++ ++tableItem 139 questions tableItem++ ++tableItem 2 hours and 45 minutes (165 minutes) tableItem++ answer++

++answerShould you guess on the PSAT?

There is no guess penalty, meaning there is no penalty for choosing an incorrect answer. So be sure to guess if you do not know the answer to a question; you might get it right!answer++

++answerHow is the PSAT Administered?

Both the PSAT/NMSQT and the PSAT 10 are administered by schools. Students take the exams at school. Students can only register to take the test through the school administering it—you cannot register online. The exams are pencil-and-paper tests.

• The PSAT/NMSQT is administered by schools in the fall. It is offered to sophomores and juniors.

• The PSAT 10 is administered by schools in the spring. It is offered to sophomores only.

On the day of your test, arrive early and be sure to bring proper identification and your admission ticket (which is emailed to you after you register). You are required to put away all personal belongings before the test begins. Cell phones and other electronic, photographic, recording, or listening devices are not permitted in the testing center at all.

You are allowed pencils, erasers, and a four-function or scientific calculator on your desk during the test. Calculators may only be used during the designated mathematics section. A watch that will not sound during the test is also allowed. For more details on what to expect on testing day, refer to the College Board PSAT website.answer++

++answerCan you take the PSAT outside of school?

No. The PSAT is a pencil-and-paper test that is administered by high schools. The test is given on one of two possible days in October (these dates are determined by the College Board) and once again in the spring. Students can only register to take the test through the school administering it—you cannot register online.answer++

++answerHow is the PSAT Scored?

Every question on the PSAT is worth one point. Your scores for the Reading Test and the Writing and Language Test will be combined to one quantity called “Evidence-Based Reading and Writing.”answer++

++answerWhat is a good PSAT score?

The total number of questions you answer correctly is your raw score. This score will then be scaled from 120 – 720. You’ll receive a single score between 120 and 720 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and another score for the Mathematics section. So, the combined score for all three sections will range from 240 – 1440.

Your score report will also reflect other metrics to show how well you performed on specific types of questions like scientific analysis, historical analysis, algebra, conventions of Standard English, and more. Use your score report to learn your strengths and weaknesses.

For the PSAT/NMSQT, all scores are automatically sent to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation unless students opt out.answer++