PSAT Testing

PSAT Testing Information

The Digital PSAT 8/9 takes 2 hours and 14 minutes and consists of 2 sections: (1) the Reading and Writing section, and (2) the Math section. Most of the questions are multiple choice, but some of the answers to the math questions will need to be typed, not selected. 

This table shows the time for each section and the number of questions in each section:

The Reading and Writing section equally divides 54 questions between two modules.

The Math section has 44 questions evenly divided between 2 modules. An acceptable calculator can be used on the entire Math section of the test.

• Math content covered includes:
• Algebra
• Advanced Math
• Problem solving and Data Analysis
• Geometry & Trigonometry (volume, angles, triangles, trig and circles)

Calculator Usage

Calculator are permitted on all questions in the Math section. The digital test has a built-in graphing calculator, or you can use your own approved calculator.

Calculator Rules

• Calculators cannot be used while working on the Reading and Writing section. Calculator must be away during these modules of the test.
• If a calculator is used to share information during the test, or to remove test questions or answers from the test room, you will be dismissed and scores canceled.
• The PSAT Calculator Use policy and the list of acceptable calculators can be found here: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-8-9/whats-on-the-test/math/calculator-use

Tips for Testing

1. Get plenty of rest the night before.
2. Eat breakfast! It will help provide essential energy for the test.
3. Read all the directions carefully, so you understand them clearly.
4. Read all of the question’s answer choices before selecting your answer.

Educated vs. Random Guessing

If I don’t know the answer on a PSAT, should I guess?

Yes!  But make an educated guess. 

There is NO penalty for guessing on the PSAT, so it is to your advantage to guess even if you do not know the answer. You should try to make as educated a guess as possible on the PSAT where multiple choices are given.  Try to eliminate as many choices before selecting your response for the correct answer. The more answer choices you can eliminate, the better your chances of selecting the correct one.

Additional PSAT 8/9 Resources

• College Board: 
  • https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-8-9
• 2023/2024 Student Guide: 
  • https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/psat-8-9-student-guide.pdf
• PSAT 8/9 Practice Test: 
  • https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/psat-8-9-practice-test-1.pdf

PSAT / NMSQT Test Information

Calculators:  You are responsible to bring your own calculator. 

Calculators will NOT be provided.  All math questions on the PSAT can be completed without the use of a calculator. Section One of the Math PSAT does not allow anyone to use calculators. Section Two of Math PSAT allows the use of a calculator.

Educated vs. Random Guessing

There is NO penalty for guessing on the PSAT, so it is to your advantage to guess even if you do not know the answer. You should try to make as educated a guess as possible on the PSAT where multiple choices are given.  Try to eliminate as many answer choices before selecting your response for the correct answer. The more answer choices you can eliminate, the better your chances of selecting the correct answer.

On Test Day, please bring the following items with you:

1. Two number 2 pencils. Do not bring mechanical pencils or pens.
2. An approved CollegeBoard calculator. Make sure the calculator is in good working order and that the batteries are fresh. To find out more about the approved calculator policy please visit:  https://sat.collegeboard.org/register/calculator-policy

Suggested Tips

1. Get plenty of rest the night before.
2. Eat breakfast! It will help provide essential energy for the test.
3. Read all the directions carefully, so you understand them clearly.
4. Read all of the question’s answer choices before selecting your answer.
5. Do not get stuck on a question. If a question seems difficult move on to the next question. If there is time remaining once you have gone through all the questions, then go back and answer questions you may have skipped. Be sure to keep track of any questions you may have skipped.

Resources

For PSAT/NMSQT information and practice tests:

• https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/practice/full-length-practice-tests

For personalized resources aligned to the SAT Suite of Assessments visit:

• www.khanacademy.org/sat

For general information about the PSAT/NMSQT please visit:

• www.collegeboard.org

To find out more about the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and its scholarships please visit:

• www.nationalmerit.org/nmsp.php

When to Expect Scores

Students can get their scores for all PSAT-related assessments by logging into the College Board Student Score Reports with the username and password they use for their College Board account. If they don’t have an account, it’s easy to create one.

• PSAT 8/9 scores were available online approx. 6 weeks after test day. 

• PSAT/NMSQT scores were available online on December 6th.  

How to Get Your On-line Scores

When your PSAT/NMSQT scores are ready online, you'll get an email with instructions on how to create an account with College Board.  After your account is created, you can then access your online score report to view/download/print your scores.  

• To create an Account with College Board go to: https://cbaccount.collegeboard.org/iamweb/smartRegister

How to Access Your Scores

In order to view your scores, you need to have a College Board account.  If you provided your email address on your answer sheet on test day, you'll receive an email notifying you of when your scores are available.  The email will have a unique access code that will connect you to your scores online.  If you did not provide an email address, you can still access your scores online by creating a College Board account.

Understanding your Score Report:  

• Information to help you better understand your score report is available:  https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/pdf/psat-nmsqt-understanding-scores.pdf    

• Also, you can watch the College Board "Understanding your PSAT Score Report" video to help explain your score.  https://youtu.be/ie6WBDzjtGA

Using your score for college and career readiness

Scroll through the slides below to see how you can use your PSAT score for future planning!

Unhappy with your Scores?  Check out these Resources: 

• FREE personalized SAT Practice:   www.khanacademy.org/sat

• PSAT/NMSQT information and practice tests: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/practice/full-length-practice-tests

• Practice for the PSAT 8/9 visit: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/pdf/psat-8-9-practice-test-1.pdf

Test Day:  Please bring the following items with you to the test:

• Sharpened #2 pencils – please bring two

• Calculator
  • All problems can be solved without a calculator
  • Calculators will not be provided
  • Here is a link to the acceptable calculator policy.

Arrival: 7:30 – 7:40am   Report to MIHS, go to your assigned test room

• Room assignments will be posted prior to the test day. (Guidance Office, school store, pool hallway)
• Find your assigned seat.  Assigned seat numbers will be posted in the classroom.
• Pre-test administration will begin no later than 8:00am

Test Info:

• To insure test security, cell phones must be powered off for the duration of the test. 
• Cell phones will be collected by the room monitors.  Please label and place your phone into the provided bag or envelope.
• Please arrive on time.  Late students will not be admitted into the testing room once testing has begun.
• Bag lunches will be provided to students at the conclusion of testing

Dismissal:   Students will be dismissed at 1:00