PSAT – Overview

PSAT Test Prep Guide: Everything Parents Need to Know

How TestingMom Helps Students Prepare with Online Practice & Tutoring

What Is the PSAT?

The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a college-readiness exam created by the College Board and designed to prepare students for the SAT. Most students take the PSAT in 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grade, depending on the version offered by their school.

There are three versions of the PSAT:

• PSAT 8/9 – for students in grades 8–9

• PSAT 10 – for students in grade 10

• PSAT/NMSQT – for students in grade 11, and the only version used for National Merit Scholarship consideration

While the PSAT is not used directly for college admissions, it plays a critical role in SAT preparation, academic planning, and scholarship eligibility.

Why the PSAT Matters

• Builds familiarity with SAT-style questions

• Helps students practice timed, high-stakes testing

• Identifies academic strengths and gaps early

• Determines National Merit Scholarship eligibility (PSAT/NMSQT only)

Top-scoring juniors on the PSAT/NMSQT can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program, with roughly 7,500 students nationwide earning scholarships each year.

PSAT vs. SAT: Key Differences Parents Should Know

Length

• PSAT is shorter than the SAT

• PSAT 8/9: ~2 hours 30 minutes

• PSAT 10 & PSAT/NMSQT: ~2 hours 45 minutes

• SAT: ~3 hours 50 minutes (essay not included on PSAT)

Scoring

• SAT max score: 1600

• PSAT 8/9 max score: 1440

• PSAT 10 & PSAT/NMSQT max score: 1520

Difficulty

• PSAT questions are similar to the SAT but slightly easier

• Content difficulty increases from PSAT 8/9 → PSAT 10 → PSAT/NMSQT

When Can Students Take the PSAT?

• PSAT 8/9: Once in 8th grade and once in 9th grade

• PSAT 10: Typically taken in the spring of 10th grade

• PSAT/NMSQT: Taken once per school year (fall); only juniors qualify for National Merit

The College Board generally recommends:

• Freshmen → PSAT 8/9

• Sophomores → PSAT 10

• Juniors → PSAT/NMSQT

How the PSAT Is Structured

The PSAT includes three sections, all primarily multiple-choice, with some math grid-in questions.

PSAT 8/9

*13 questions do not allow calculators, and 25 allow calculators to be used.  31 questions are multiple-choice, and 7 are grid-in.

PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT

*17 questions do not allow calculators (7 are grid-in) and 31 allow calculators to be used (8 are grid-in).

THERE IS NO PENALTY for guessing—students should always make an educated guess

What’s Tested on the PSAT?

Evidence-Based Reading

• Reading comprehension

• Vocabulary in context

• Identifying main ideas and supporting evidence

• Analyzing tone, purpose, and structure

• Interpreting charts and paired passages

Writing & Language

• Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure

• Improving clarity, organization, and flow

• Editing passages for effectiveness and accuracy

• Using evidence to strengthen arguments

Math

• Algebra and linear equations

• Word problems and data analysis

• Ratios, percentages, and proportions

• Geometry (area, volume, triangles, polygons)

• Advanced topics increase on PSAT 10 & PSAT/NMSQT

How TestingMom Helps Students Prepare for the PSAT

Preparing for the PSAT isn’t just about content—it’s about strategy, confidence, and practice.

 Online PSAT Tutoring

• One-on-one tutoring tailored to your child’s grade level

• Focus on math problem-solving, reading comprehension, and/or grammar

• Teaches test-taking strategies that transfer directly to the SAT

• Ideal for students aiming for National Merit recognition

Is PSAT Prep Worth It?

Absolutely. Early PSAT preparation:

• Reduces test anxiety

• Improves SAT readiness

• Builds long-term academic confidence

• Increases scholarship opportunities

Whether your child is just starting with PSAT 8/9 or preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT and the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, TestingMom’s online practice questions and expert tutoring give students the tools they need to succeed.

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