What Does PSAT Stands For?

PSAT stands for Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, another term apart from SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) that students need to get familiar with. SAT is a standardized test widely taken for admissions in colleges across the United States. It is specifically prepared to assess the knowledge and skills of the students who have passed their high school. On the other hand, the PSAT is a practice exam for the SAT. PSAT follows the same pattern as the SAT exam. One significant distinctive aspect of the PSAT is that it is the qualifying test for the NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test).

Versions of PSAT

The exam is available in three versions: the PSAT 8/9, the PSAT/NMSQT, and the PSAT 10. While the PSAT 10 and the PSAT/NMSQT are similar, they are taken at different times of the year. The PSAT 8/9 serves as a benchmark for college readiness, according to the College Board, the organization that creates the test. In contrast, the PSAT/NMSQT and the PSAT 10 provide opportunities to check the student’s progress. PSAT 8/9 is for eighth and ninth graders and PSAT 10 is for sophomores.

Exam Pattern

PSAT includes a total of 98 questions. The test is 2 hours and 14 minutes (134 minutes). The Test is divided into two sections. Reading and writing test

The reading and writing test contains 54 questions divided into two modules that must be completed in 64 minutes. Each question in the section consists of a passage followed by a related multiple-choice question. The evaluation is based on the skillfulness in the subsequent categories:

• Craft and structure
• Information and ideas
• Standard English practices
• Expression of ideas

Math

The maths section contains 44 questions divided into two modules that must be done in 70 minutes. The questions in the Math section are further grouped into four domains.

• Algebra
• Advanced math
• Problem-solving and Data Analysis
• Geometry and Trigonometry

PSAT scoring

The overall score of the PSAT 10 ranges from 160 to 760 for both sections (Reading and Writing test and Math) that contribute equally to your final score. The overall score report will show a range of 320 to 1520 with the score percentile. The scoring will provide you with a profound look at your academic performance.

You can take this test on a regular school day between September and April. Most of the time high schools arrange the testing dates during these months according to their schedules.

The bottom line

PSAT stands for Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, it is an important step to getting into a top university. It helps you see how ready you are for the SAT and gives you an idea of the questions you’ll face. By taking the PSAT, you can learn good test-taking strategies, improve your time management, and feel less nervous about the test. In conclusion, we can say the PSAT is an indicator of how you will do on the SAT.