For many students, the PSAT is the first formal step on the trek toward college. The digital test provides a taste of what it鈥檚 like to take the SAT, and it can help students strategize as they think about their college applications. And when students take the PSAT/NMSQT during their junior year, they can qualify for scholarships, including the highly selective .
What is the PSAT?
The PSAT is a two hour and fourteen minute preparatory test for the SAT that focuses on two topics: 1) Reading and Writing; 2) Math. The 64-minute reading and writing section covers information and ideas, craft and structure, expression of ideas, and standard English conventions. The 70-minute math section covers algebra, advanced math, problem solving and data analysis, and geometry and trigonometry.
Students can use their scores to think strategically about a few key questions, including whether or not to take the SAT (versus the taking the ACT or not taking either test); how to focus their test prep plans; where they will apply to college; and what major they might choose in college.
For some students, the PSAT can also mean access to scholarship opportunities. There are three different versions of the PSAT. The PSAT 8/9 is designed for eighth and ninth graders and is offered twice a year. The PSAT 10 and the PSAT/NMSQT have the same content, but they are only offered once a year, and only the PSAT/NMSQT can lead to scholarships . Students can take the PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10 to see what they need to work on, before taking the PSAT/NMSQT in October of junior year.
Who should take it?
One of the best things about the PSAT is that it’s a very low-stakes test. 鈥淚t’s perfectly fine if [students] don’t score well,” says Lauri Benton, senior director for college counselor engagement at College Board. 鈥淭hat’s one of the benefits of the PSAT.鈥�
The PSAT helps students identify their strengths and create SAT study plans. Students can use the , created by College Board with Khan Academy, to obtain a personalized SAT preparation plan based on their PSAT scores. However, students don’t need to take the PSAT to get a personalized practice plan — they can take a few free online quizzes instead.
When used strategically, the PSAT can be a helpful tool for college-bound 鈥� and potentially college-bound 鈥� students. Dana Plunkett, director of guidance at Wellesley High School in Massachusetts, says the PSAT can help students realize possible pathways they had not considered before. It can also help them decide if the SAT is the right test to take, even if they had planned on taking the ACT, and even if they are considering not taking either the ACT or the SAT. Wellesley High School offers both the PSAT and the — an ACT preparatory test. Taking both tests, Pluckett says, can help students decide which test they will score better on and are more comfortable taking. She says students might be surprised which test ends up being right for them.
While taking the PSAT (or the PreACT) has some advantages, it really isn’t a “must”. Eileen Blattner, chair of the guidance department at Shaker Heights High School in Ohio, says that ultimately, deciding to take the test is personal. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a decision for students and their families,鈥� she says.
Registration for the PSAT
Most schools offer the PSAT and students can typically sign up through their school, district, or college counselor. However, if your child is homeschooled or if your child’s school does not offer the PSAT, your child can register to take the test at another school. You can use to find a nearby testing site. To register, College Board recommends contacting nearby high schools as early as possible to ensure that your teen gets a spot.
Timing the test
Students should be sure to take the PSAT/NMSQT in 11th grade if they are interested in qualifying for the National Merit Scholarship or any of the other 25 scholarships offered through the test.
While students can take the PSAT 10 or PSAT/NMSQT at any time in high school, Plunkett recommends against taking either test before 10th grade to avoid burnout. 鈥淔rom our opinion, [freshman year] is too soon,鈥� she says. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 want kids taking these tests five or six times. That creates diminishing returns.鈥�
There are many different PSAT pathways students can choose from depending on how much they would like to prepare. Here are three SAT action plans students could take.
Option 1: Start by taking the PSAT in 8th, 9th, or 10th grade
Early starters can begin by taking the PSAT 8/9 in the fall or spring of eighth grade, progress to the PSAT 10 in 10th grade, and study throughout the year using Khan Academy. They can then take the SAT in the spring of junior year and take the test again the next fall if they want to try to boost their scores.
Pros: Students will know exactly what to expect when they take the SAT. Following a highly-focused study plan dedicated to improving on weaknesses is proven to increase SAT scores.
Cons: This could lead to testing burnout and unnecessary stress. Focusing on the SAT can lead students to neglect the ACT, which might be more aligned with their skills. It’s also important to remember that , so not taking these tests is a viable option.
Option 2: Take the PSAT in 11th grade
Many students are first exposed to the SAT through the PSAT/NMSQT in 11th grade. Students who take the PSAT in 11th grade will still have lots of time to study strategically for the SAT based on their strengths and weaknesses. If students decide the SAT is the right test to take, they can link their PSAT scores to a Khan Academy account to create a personalized study plan, take Khan Academy practice tests to monitor their progress, and take the SAT in the spring of junior year with the option of taking it again the next fall.
Pros: This plan makes sure students will have time to study for the SAT, but limits test prep to a shorter timeframe so they’re less likely to burn out.
Cons: Some students might want to start preparing earlier, especially if they want to boost their PSAT scores in 10th grade to increase their odds of qualifying for National Merit and other scholarships as a junior.
Option 3: Skip the PSAT
Students who want to limit the tests they take can skip the PSAT altogether and take the SAT in the spring of junior year. They can take it again in the fall of senior year if they want to try to improve their scores. These students can still study for the SAT with a personalized plan through Khan Academy or other test prep programs — they’ll just need to take an online practice test to determine strengths and areas of improvement.
Pros: It limits the number of tests students take. It’s a less stressful approach and limits burnout.
Cons: Students miss out on potential scholarships by not taking the PSAT/NMSQT as a junior. Students won’t get to experience a formal SAT testing environment before taking the test. Students are less likely to find out if they’d be better off taking the ACT instead.
If taking the PSAT is the right choice for your teen, then experts have the same advice about prepping for the test: relax. Make sure your teen gets a good night鈥檚 sleep, eats breakfast, and thinks of the test simply as helpful practice.
