do you write an essay on the psat

Does the PSAT include an essay? Exam Breakdown

When it comes to the PSAT exam, students often wonder about the various sections and requirements. One common question that arises is: Does the PSAT include an essay?

Table of Contents

PSAT Exam Format and Sections

The PSAT exam consists of three main sections – Reading, Writing & Language, and Math. Each section evaluates different skills and knowledge areas, providing students with a comprehensive assessment of their academic abilities.

Reading Section

The Reading section of the PSAT includes 47 multiple-choice questions. These questions are based on passages from various subjects such as literature, historical documents, social sciences, and natural sciences. Students are tested on their ability to comprehend and analyze written material, draw inferences, and identify main ideas.

Writing & Language Section

The Writing & Language section consists of 44 multiple-choice questions on grammar, vocabulary, and editing skills. Students must identify and correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure errors. They must also demonstrate a strong understanding of vocabulary and use appropriate language conventions, including effective word choice and clarity.

Math Section

The Math section of the PSAT evaluates students’ mathematical problem-solving skills. It includes two portions – Calculator and No Calculator. The Calculator portion allows students to use a calculator for 31 of the 48 questions, while the No Calculator portion does not permit calculator use for the remaining 17 questions. The topics covered in the Math section include algebra, geometry, data analysis, and trigonometry.

It’s important to note that the PSAT does not include a separate writing section or essay component. As a result, essay scoring is not applicable in the PSAT exam.

PSAT Math Test

The PSAT Math test is an important component of the PSAT exam, assessing students’ mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills. It consists of 48 questions and covers various topics, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

The test is divided into two portions: Calculator and No Calculator. The Calculator portion allows students to use a calculator for certain questions, while the No Calculator portion tests their ability to solve problems without a calculator. This ensures that students can apply their mathematical skills in different scenarios and enhances their understanding of mathematical concepts.

Tips for PSAT Math Test Preparation

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the PSAT Math test:

• Review the math topics covered in your high school curriculum , including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Practice solving math problems using various resources, such as textbooks, online practice tests, and study guides.
• Familiarize yourself with the format of the PSAT Math test by reviewing sample questions and understanding the types of problems you may encounter.
• Improve your problem-solving skills, including identifying key information, using appropriate formulas or equations, and applying logical reasoning to arrive at the correct answer.
• Manage your time effectively during the test by practicing timed practice sessions and allocating sufficient time to each question.

PSAT Reading Test

The PSAT Reading test is a crucial exam component, evaluating students’ reading comprehension and analytical skills. It consists of 47 multiple-choice questions that assess their ability to comprehend and interpret passages from various subjects, including literature, historical documents, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Unlike some standardized tests, the PSAT Reading test does not include essay prompts or require essay practice. Instead, students are expected to read passages carefully, analyze the information presented, and answer questions based on their text comprehension.

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This section of the PSAT is designed to measure students’ ability to understand complex texts and draw inferences from them. It tests their comprehension of the passages’ ideas and arguments and their capacity to analyze the author’s tone, purpose, and rhetorical strategies.

The PSAT Reading test is invaluable in developing critical reading skills essential for success in college and beyond. Through practice and study, students can enhance their ability to extract information from diverse texts efficiently.

Benefits of the PSAT Reading Test

The PSAT Reading test offers several benefits to students:

• Improves comprehension skills: Students develop their ability to extract key information and comprehend complex texts by engaging with a wide range of passages from different disciplines.
• Enhances critical thinking: The test challenges students to analyze and evaluate arguments, identify supporting evidence, and draw logical conclusions.
• Boosts vocabulary and knowledge: Students gain exposure to various topics and subject matter, expanding their vocabulary and general knowledge.
• Prepares for college-level reading: The PSAT Reading test provides valuable practice for the reading demands of college courses, helping students become confident and proficient readers.

PSAT Writing & Language Test

The PSAT Writing & Language test is essential to the PSAT exam. This section assesses students’ grammar, vocabulary, and editing skills through 44 multiple-choice questions.

It focuses on non-fiction passages and arguments from various subjects, allowing students to demonstrate their proficiency in understanding and improving written texts.

This section of the PSAT does not include any writing prompts or essay-related questions. Instead, students are tasked with analyzing and revising existing passages to enhance clarity, coherence, and effectiveness.

Benefits of the PSAT Writing & Language Test

The PSAT Writing & Language test offers several benefits to students preparing for college admissions exams:

• Improves Grammar and Vocabulary: Students can enhance their writing proficiency by practicing grammar rules and expanding their vocabulary.
• Enhances Reading Comprehension: Analyzing and improving written passages helps students develop strong reading comprehension skills.
• Builds Editing Skills: Revising and editing passages based on grammar and stylistic conventions allows students to refine their editing abilities.
• Prepares for the SAT: The PSAT serves as a precursor to the SAT, and excelling in the Writing & Language test can boost confidence and performance in future college entrance exams.

Changes to the PSAT Format

Starting in fall 2023, the PSAT will undergo significant changes by introducing a digital format. This transition aims to enhance the testing experience for students and provide new features to aid in their performance. While these changes bring exciting advancements, it is important to note that the PSAT format remains consistent without including an essay section.

The digital PSAT will be shorter, saving students approximately 45 minutes of testing time. Additionally, it will incorporate new tools and resources to facilitate problem-solving and analysis. These features include a built-in graphing calculator, text annotation tools, and a timer to help students manage their time effectively.

Even with these updates, the format of the PSAT remains consistent with its existing sections, which include the Reading, Writing & Language, and Math components. Each section is designed to assess specific skills in reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving.

Importance of the PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT/NMSQT holds significant importance for students as it is a valuable practice version of the SAT. This exam allows students to familiarize themselves with the format and content of the SAT, helping them better prepare for college admissions exams.

While the PSAT/NMSQT provides insights into a student’s academic strengths and weaknesses in critical areas such as Reading, Writing & Language, and Math, it does not include essay prompts or scoring related to essays.

Aside from being a practice test, the PSAT/NMSQT offers additional benefits to students. It provides AP potential recommendations, helping them identify Advanced Placement courses they may excel in during high school. Furthermore, strong PSAT/NMSQT scores can open doors for students to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program, which recognizes and rewards academic excellence.

Overall, the PSAT/NMSQT plays a crucial role in students’ academic journeys, offering a platform for self-assessment, encouraging academic growth, and providing access to potential scholarships and opportunities.

PSAT Test Preparation

To prepare for the PSAT, students should focus on the content covered in their high school classes and employ effective study strategies. It is essential to review and understand the course material to ensure success on the exam.

Additionally, utilizing resources such as the official digital SAT prep at Khan Academy can help students practice and improve their skills. Although the PSAT does not include an essay section, thorough preparation in other areas can still contribute to overall success.

Here are some key tips for PSAT test preparation:

• Create a study schedule and stick to it. Allocate specific times for reviewing different subjects and topics.
• Review class notes, textbooks, and any relevant study materials teachers provide.
• Practice with sample questions and past PSAT exams to become familiar with the format and types of questions asked.
• Use online resources like Khan Academy, College Board, and other reputable educational websites to access additional study materials and practice questions.
• Form study groups with classmates to discuss and reinforce understanding of key concepts.
• Seek guidance from teachers or tutors if specific areas require further clarification or assistance.

Sample PSAT Study Schedule:

PSAT/NMSQT Scoring

The PSAT/NMSQT scores range from 320 to 1520 and are calculated based on the section scores for Reading, Writing, and Math. However, since the PSAT does not include an essay component, there are no specific scoring or tips related to essays.

Taking the PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT/NMSQT is an important exam students typically take in 11th grade, although some schools may offer it to 10th graders. It is administered at schools during October and provides students with valuable insights into their academic strengths and areas for improvement.

To take the PSAT/NMSQT, students must sign up through their respective schools. The school administration usually coordinates the registration process, and students will be informed about the specific dates, locations, and procedures for taking the exam.

PSAT/NMSQT Scores and Benefits

PSAT/NMSQT scores are crucial in understanding a student’s academic performance and setting goals for future exams, such as the SAT. These scores provide valuable insights into students’ strengths and weaknesses in key subject areas and help guide their college and career aspirations.

Additionally, PSAT/NMSQT scores unlock various student benefits and opportunities, including scholarships and personalized guidance.

Scores and Score Range

The PSAT/NMSQT scores are reported on a scale of 320 to 1520. The score range is divided into two main sections:

The total score is the sum of the Reading and Writing score and the Math score. These scores provide a comprehensive overview of a student’s performance across the different sections of the PSAT/NMSQT.

Benefits and Opportunities

PSAT/NMSQT scores open doors to a variety of benefits and opportunities for students:

• Scholarship Opportunities: The PSAT/NMSQT serves as the initial screening for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which awards scholarships to top-performing students. Students with exceptional scores may qualify for recognition and various scholarship programs.
• College and Career Guidance: PSAT/NMSQT scores provide valuable insights into a student’s academic strengths and areas for improvement. These scores can help students identify their potential college majors, explore career options, and receive personalized guidance to enhance their academic journey.
• Advanced Placement (AP) Potential: PSAT/NMSQT scores include information about students’ potential to succeed in Advanced Placement (AP) courses. This guidance helps students identify subjects they may excel in and consider taking AP courses to challenge themselves academically.

Q: Does the PSAT exam include an essay section?

A: No, the PSAT exam does not include an essay section. It consists of three main sections – Reading, Writing & Language, and Math.

Q: What are the sections in the PSAT exam?

A: The PSAT exam consists of three main sections – Reading, Writing & Language, and Math.

Q: Is there a separate writing section in the PSAT?

A: No, there is no separate writing section in the PSAT. The writing-related questions are included in the Writing & Language section.

Q: Are there essay prompts in the PSAT?

A: No, there are no essay prompts in the PSAT. The focus of the exam is on multiple-choice questions.

Q: Are there specific tips or formats for the essay in the PSAT?

A: No, there are no specific tips or format for the essay in the PSAT since it does not include an essay section.

Q: Are there any changes to the PSAT format?

A: Started in fall 2023, the PSAT will be administered digitally with new features. However, there are no changes to introduce an essay section.

Q: Why is the PSAT/NMSQT important for students?

A: The PSAT/NMSQT is a practice version of the SAT and helps students prepare for college admissions exams. It also provides insights into academic strengths and weaknesses and offers access to the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Q: How can students prepare for the PSAT?

A: The best way to prepare for the PSAT is to focus on the content covered in high school classes and study the course material effectively. Additional resources like the official digital SAT prep on Khan Academy can be used for practice.

Q: How are PSAT/NMSQT scores calculated?

A: PSAT/NMSQT scores range from 320 to 1520 and are calculated based on the section scores for Reading, Writing, and Math.

Q: When is the PSAT/NMSQT administered, and who is eligible?

A: The PSAT/NMSQT is typically taken by 11th-grade students in October. Some schools may offer it to 10th graders as well. Students need to sign up through their respective schools.

Q: What are the benefits of PSAT/NMSQT scores?

A: PSAT/NMSQT scores provide insights into a student’s academic performance, help set goals for future exams, access scholarship opportunities, and receive personalized college and career guidance.

Q: What are some common questions about the PSAT?

A: Some common questions about the PSAT include whether it has an essay section, eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program, and availability for younger grades (PSAT 8/9).

Mohammed Debon is an SEO Expert, Webmaster, and a proud parent of three. Mohammed created this website to help fellow parents find comprehensive information about various educational programs and make well-informed decisions for their children's future. With expertise in the digital landscape, Mohammed aims to streamline the process of selecting the right education system and provide valuable resources for parents worldwide.

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PSAT Writing and Language - An Overview of the PSAT Writing and Language Section

The PSAT Writing section consists of a total of 44 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 35 minutes. The Writing section asks you to read passages, find mistakes and/or weaknesses, and fix them. Below you can find more detailed information about the specific skills these questions test.

To access sample Writing questions, visit the College Board website .

Related Topics

• For more information about the PSAT Reading sections, visit our PSAT Reading page.
• For more information about the PSAT Math sections, visit our PSAT Math page.
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Just like the SAT, the  PSAT includes two sections—Evidence-Based Reading & Writing and Math—comprised of three tests: Reading, Writing & Language, and Math. There is no Essay. Here's what you can expect on each test section.

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College Reality Check

What is the PSAT? Practice Test Included

The PSAT stands for Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test. Administered by the College Board, it’s a standardized test that helps high school students prepare for a major college entrance exam and a prestigious merit-based scholarship.

Created as a practice test for high schoolers who are planning on taking the SAT, the PSAT helps boost college admissions chances by improving SAT performance. In addition, the PSAT serves as a qualifying exam for college-bound teens who are interested in winning the National Merit Scholarship Program.

This post contains some of the most essential things you need to know about the PSAT.

Is the PSAT Important for College Admissions?

The PSAT is not an important standardized test for college admissions. That’s because it’s not considered as one of those college admissions tests such as the SAT and ACT that test-required and test-optional institutions take into account in the admissions process. As a matter of fact, the College Board does not send PSAT scores to colleges.

While the PSAT won’t have a direct impact on your chances of getting an acceptance letter from your top-choice school, it can, however, determine your eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship.

Do You Have to Take the PSAT?

Some high schools require students to take the PSAT, and most of them take care of the registration fee, too. Otherwise, it’s completely up to the high schooler to decide whether or not they will sit for the PSAT.

However, being the PSAT/NMSQT, those who wish to apply for the National Merit Scholarship Program should take the standardized test in the 11th grade.

It may be a practice test for the SAT alright, but the PSAT is not a prerequisite for taking the SAT.

Read Also: 13 College Entrance Exams And When To Take Them

Can Colleges See How Many Times You Took the PSAT?

Colleges cannot see how many times applicants took the PSAT. Other than not being an important part of the college admissions process, the College Board does not send PSAT scores to institutions of higher education. Throughout their high school careers, teens can only take the PSAT, which is administered only once a year, up to 3 times.

For high schoolers who like to boost their chances of winning the National Merit Scholarship, taking the PSAT 1 or 2 times before their junior year may be done. It can also help increase their SAT scores and, ultimately, college admissions chances.

What is on the PSAT?

The components of the PSAT are the very same components of the SAT. After all, it serves as a practice test for the SAT. While it’s made up of 3 tests, there are only 2 primary sections of the PSAT: the Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (EWRB) and Math sections. However, unlike in the SAT, test-takers will encounter a few write-in questions, too, in the PSAT.

According to the PSAT website itself, some of the math questions will require you to write an answer instead of choosing it.

How Many Sections are on the PSAT?

The 2 main sections of the PSAT are the EWRB section and the Math section. The EBRW section is made up of Reading and Writing & Language. The Math section, on the other hand, consists of 2 sub-sections: the no-calculator section and the calculator-optional section. There is no optional Essay section on the PSAT, such as the case with the SAT in the past.

Even though the PSAT is a slightly shorter and slightly easier version of the SAT, therefore making it a practice test, both standardized tests are pretty much similar. And that is why the PSAT can help prepare you better for the SAT.

How Many Questions is the PSAT?

The PSAT has a total of 139 questions — the vast majority of them are multiple-choice questions, while a few of them, which are found in the Math section of the PSAT, are write-in questions. Of all the sections, the Math section has the most number of questions. The Writing & Language component of the EWRB section, meanwhile, has the least number of questions.

Here’s a table showing the number of questions each section of the PSAT has:

What Kind of Math is on the PSAT?

The Math section of the PSAT focuses on various areas of mathematics that play the biggest role in numerous academic majors and minors. The College Board refers to the various types of math included in the PSAT as Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Passport to Advanced Math and Additional Topics in Math.

Below is a description of the math kinds you will encounter when sitting for the PSAT:

• Heart of Algebra – knowledge of linear equations and systems
• Problem Solving and Data Analysis – problem analysis and obtaining information from data
• Passport to Advanced Math – questions involving the manipulation of equations
• Additional Topics in Math – college-relevant geometry and trigonometry

Is There Science on the PSAT?

Even though there is no section on the PSAT that’s dedicated to science, some passages are science-related. For instance, the Reading portion of the EBRW section has either 1 or 2 science passages as well as a set of paired science passages, all of which contain a lot of technical terms and jargon that set them apart from other passages.

Both the PSAT and SAT do not have any science sections. On the other hand, the ACT has a science section, which makes it more appealing to some high school teens who consider science as their strength.

Is There Writing on the PSAT?

The PSAT has a Writing section, which is a part of the Writing & Language component of the EBRW section. The Writing section requires test-takers to read passages and then find mistakes and/or weaknesses and correct them. Despite the name, the Writing section contains multiple-choice questions and does not require students to write something.

An argument, informative or explanatory text, or a nonfiction narrative — these are the kinds of passages you will have to carefully read to answer the questions in the PSAT’s Writing section.

How Does the PSAT Work?

In this part of the post, we will discuss various things related to taking the PSAT, including how your test will be scored and what score you should get to impress colleges and qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.

What Does the PSAT Measure?

The PSAT is structured very similarly to the SAT, for which it serves as a practice test. It goes without saying that the PSAT is designed to measure the same things that the SAT is meant to measure. They are reading, writing and math skills that high school students learn in the classroom, all of which are necessary for college and career success.

Because the PSAT can be taken in as early as the 9th grade, the PSAT cannot necessarily determine a student’s college readiness. However, it can help ascertain whether or not a teen is on the right track through grade-level benchmarks.

Is the PSAT Multiple Choice?

Most of the questions on the PSAT are multiple-choice kinds, and each multiple-choice question is accompanied by 4 answer choices. While there are multiple-choice questions in the Math section of the PSAT, some of them require test-takers to write in their answers rather than select them. All in all, there are 8 write-in questions on the PSAT.

Questions where students have to provide their responses are also referred to as grid-in questions or simply grid-ins as they need to enter their answers in the grids found on the answer sheet.

Is the PSAT a Standardized Test?

The PSAT is a standardized test because it is given to high schoolers in a consistent or standard fashion. This means that all the questions on the test are all the same for all students no matter which high school they are attending.

Also making the PSAT a standardized type of examination is the fact that it’s scored the same for all those who take it.

Being the PSAT/NMSQT, the PSAT is also a standardized eligibility exam for the National Merit Scholarship.

When Do You Take the PSAT Test?

Most high school students take the PSAT in the 11th grade. Other than giving them practice for the SAT, it also enables them to be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

However, the PSAT can also be taken during the freshman and sophomore years of high school, but it won’t serve as a qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship.

There is no use for any high schooler to take the PSAT in the 12th grade.

How to Guess on the PSAT

The right way to guess on the PSAT is to eliminate at least 1 incorrect answer among the answer choices, which gives the test-taker 1 in 3 chances of making the right guess. On the other hand, eliminating 2 incorrect answers among the answer choices makes it possible for the student taking the PSAT to get the right answer on a 50/50 basis.

Because there is no wrong-answer penalty on the PSAT, it’s generally a good idea for high schoolers who don’t know the answer to make a guess instead of leaving a question unanswered.

How Long is the PSAT?

It takes 2 hours and 45 minutes (with breaks) to complete taking the PSAT. Test-takers are given 70 minutes to complete the Math section, which has a total of 48 questions — 31 questions for the calculator-optional section and 17 questions for the no-calculator section.

Meanwhile, students have up to 95 minutes to complete the EBRW section, which has a total of 91 questions.

Here’s a table showing the breakdown of the PSAT’s testing time:

How Does PSAT Scoring Work?

Each section of the PSAT is scored on a scale of as low as 160 to as high as 760. The scores test-takers get in both sections of the standardized test are added, resulting in their PSAT composite score. So, in other words, the overall PSAT score can range anywhere from 320 to 1520, which may help predict the SAT composite scores of a test-taker.

There is no such thing as a failing score on the PSAT.

What is a Good PSAT Score?

Generally speaking, a good PSAT score is a composite score of 1070 or higher, which puts the high school student in the top 25% of all test-takers. An excellent score, which is between 1210 and 1520, puts the teen in the top 10% of all test-takers. For eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program, a student must be in the top 1% of all test-takers.

Other than increasing your chances of getting an SAT composite score that can help you get into your top-choice college, getting a high PSAT score can also make it possible for you to win the National Merit Scholarship.

Facts About the PSAT

Let’s talk about some important matters you need to know about the PSAT, including its beginnings, how many high school students take it every year and whether or not it comes with an optional Essay section.

History of the PSAT

The PSAT, like the SAT, was created by the College Board. It was in 1959 when the PSAT was administered for the very first time.

In 1971, the National Merit Scholarship Program, which is a US academic scholarship competition for recognition and university scholarships and is not related to the College Board, adopted the PSAT as its qualifying examination.

More than 30 years after the SAT came into being, the PSAT was administered to help high school students prepare for the SAT. In the past, some intellectual clubs used PSAT scores in admitting new members.

Who Created the PSAT?

It was the College Board that designed the PSAT, whose goal was to serve as a preliminary exam for the SAT. The non-profit organization decided to come up with the standardized test to provide high school students with the opportunity to prepare for the SAT and thus allow them to increase their chances of getting admitted to college.

Eventually, as mentioned earlier, it was used as a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship.

What is the College Board?

The College Board is an organization that designs and administers standardized tests as well as develops curricula for use by K-12 and institutions of higher education for the promotion of college readiness. The non-profit was established in 1900 by representatives of a total of 13 academic institutions at the University of Columbia.

Although it’s not an association of colleges, many postsecondary institutions are members of the College Board. As of this writing, there are more than 6,000 schools that are approved members.

How Many People Take the PSAT?

Around 3.5 million high school students take the PSAT. They consist of sophomore and junior high schoolers across the US. The College Board itself says that in the academic year 2021 to 2022, around 3.6 million students took the PSAT.

Meanwhile, over 1.5 million entrants for The National Merit Scholarship Program who meet other requirements take the PSAT.

More high schoolers take the SAT than the ACT. It’s therefore safe to assume that more students also take the PSAT than the PreACT, which is the counterpart of the PSAT.

What is the PSAT Designed to Predict?

The PSAT is designed to predict the SAT scores of high school students and, ultimately, their college readiness given that the SAT is primarily designed for such a purpose.

By taking the PSAT, test-takers know their strong points and, more importantly, their weak spots so that they can take the necessary steps to prepare for the SAT and get good scores.

Want to have an idea of how you may score on the SAT based on your PSAT scores? Online, you can easily access PSAT to SAT conversion tools and charts, most of which are free of charge.

Does the PSAT Have an Essay?

There is no Essay section of the PSAT. The standardized test has 2 main sections, the EBRW section and Math section, and nothing else. In the past, the SAT used to have an optional Essay section but the College Board decided to stop offering it altogether.

On the other hand, the PSAT never had an optional Essay section from the get-go.

Preparing for the Essay section on the SAT by means of an Essay section on the PSAT is completely pointless given that the said section of the SAT became optional in 2016 and unavailable in 2021.

Does the PSAT Provide Calculators?

The PSAT does not provide test-takers calculators. High school students who are sitting for the PSAT must bring their own approved calculators with them to their respective high schools, where the PSATs are administered. Similarly, test-takers are not allowed to share calculators and use them on the Math no-calculator portion and EBRW portion.

Here’s a list of all allowed calculator models from the College Board itself.

PSAT is Changing – Paper Based vs. Digital

The PSAT will be administered in digital format, and its paper and pencil format will cease to exist.

Since it was first taken by students preparing for the SAT back in 1959, it underwent 3 major changes in its format and content as well as how it’s scored. The said changes happened in 1997, 2005 and 2015.

In the fall of 2023, the PSAT will once again go through a significant change in that it will be administered in digital format.

The College Board chose the said date so that high school students who will be taking the digital SAT as juniors in the spring of 2024 will have the opportunity to experience what it’s like to take the standardized test in its entirely new format.

The National Merit Scholarship Program will still use the digital PSAT as its qualifying exam.

When Does the PSAT Go Digital?

As mentioned earlier, the PSAT will go digital in the fall of 2023. From that time onward, the paper and pencil format of the PSAT will no longer be made available by the College Board.

How to Study for the PSAT

According to the PSAT website itself, studying for the standardized test requires making a study plan, creating a realistic goal, taking practice tests and targeting areas that require improvement.

It’s a good thing that free PSAT test preps are available from the College Board and various sources, too.

Undergoing practice tests when preparing for the PSAT is an important step high school teeners should take. Not only will it allow them to become familiar with the PSAT exam experience but also enable them to determine areas that require more attention. This way, they can quit wasting time reviewing things they already know.

It’s recommended to start gearing up for the PSAT about 3 months before the test date. However, it’s a smart move to start preparing for it, which is administered every October of the year, at the start of the school year.

PSAT Practice Test

In this part of the post, I will give you a total of 10 sample PSAT questions — 5 of them are from the Writing & Language portion of the EWRB section, while the other 5 are from the Math section.

Let’s start with a short reading passage:

Vanishing Honeybees: A Threat to Global Agriculture

Honeybees play an important role in the agriculture industry by pollinating crops. An October 2006 study found that as much as one-third of global agriculture depends on animal pollination, including honeybee (12) pollination — to increase crop output. The importance of bees (13) highlights the potentially disastrous affects of an emerging, unexplained crisis: entire colonies of honeybees are dying off without warning.

(14) They know it as colony collapse disorder (CCD), this phenomenon will have a detrimental impact on global agriculture if its causes and solutions are not determined. Since the emergence of CCD around 2006, bee mortality rates have (15) exceeded 25 percent of the population each winter. There was one sign of hope: during the 2010–2012 winter seasons, bee mortality rates decreased slightly, and beekeepers speculated that the colonies would recover. Yet in the winter of 2012–2013, the (16) portion of the bee population lost fell nearly 10 percent in the United States, with a loss of 31 percent of the colonies that pollinate crops.

Q 4. Which choice offers the most accurate interpretation of the data in the chart?

Q 5. Which choice offers an accurate interpretation of the data in the chart?

Answer key:

The following, meanwhile, are 5 sample test questions for the PSAT’s Math portion:

1. A soda company is filling bottles of soda from a tank that contains 500 gallons of soda. At most, how many 20-ounce bottles can be filled from the tank? (1 gallon = 128 ounces)

2. A car traveled at an average speed of 80 miles per hour for 3 hours and consumed fuel at a rate of 34 miles per gallon. Approximately how many gallons of fuel did the car use for the entire 3-hour trip?

3. A high school basketball team won exactly 65 percent of the games it played during last season. Which of the following could be the total number of games the team played last season?

4. Janice puts a fence around her rectangular garden. The garden has a length that is 9 feet less than 3 times its width. What is the perimeter of Janice’s fence if the area of her garden is 5,670 square feet?

5. Tyra subscribes to an online gaming service that charges a monthly fee of $5.00 and $0.25 per hour for time spent playing premium games. Which of the following functions gives Tyra’s cost, in dollars, for a month in which she spends x hours playing premium games?

The sample questions above are from the following site: satsuite.collegeboard.org

Should I Take the PSAT?

In some instances, high schoolers have no choice but to take the PSAT, which costs $18, because the schools they are attending require it — most of the time, though, high schools take care of the registration cost.

Otherwise, it’s completely up to the students to decide whether or not to sit for the PSAT.

Taking the PSAT, however, comes with benefits. For instance, since it’s designed as a preliminary exam for the SAT, teens who undergo it can prepare much better for the SAT, thus allowing them to get good scores and increase their college admissions chances. High PSAT scores also allow high schoolers to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Read Next: What is SAT?

Independent Education Consultant, Editor-in-chief. I have a graduate degree in Electrical Engineering and training in College Counseling. Member of American School Counselor Association (ASCA).

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25 PSAT Tips: Advice from a Top 1% Scorer

Bonus Material: Try a sample of the new PSAT

The PSAT is a key step on the road to college applications. It’s a standardized test taken by many students as juniors, and sometimes by sophomores as well. 

The PSAT is very similar to the SAT , which is one of the two tests ( along with the ACT ) used for college admissions. The PSAT is a great chance to see how prepared students are for the SAT and get a sense of what SAT scores they might achieve. The PSAT Score Report provides students and families with lots of great data for crafting a personalized SAT strategy.

PSAT scores aren’t used directly by colleges for admissions purposes, but they can be used to win prestigious scholarships and get noticed by colleges for recruitment and other scholarship opportunities. 

Top-scoring students can earn recognition from the National Merit program , which gives students an edge with college admissions and can even result in full-ride scholarships at certain schools.

Back when I was in high school, my high scores on the PSAT won me a National Merit scholarship and helped me get into Princeton. Now I help today’s students to feel more comfortable with the PSAT and other college admissions tests. Here are my top 25 tips for the PSAT!

Download a Free 30-minute Sample PSAT

Before the test

Psat tip #1: be familiar with the test.

The PSAT may be sometimes known as the “practice SAT,” but avoid taking the PSAT completely cold — this can lead to a negative testing experience , which can increase test anxiety for the SAT and other important college admissions tests.

Spend a few minutes reading our “ What is the PSAT? ” post and learn about the general structure of the PSAT. Remember that the PSAT is changing significantly in fall 2023 , so make sure you’re becoming familiar with the new version of the test!

PSAT tip #2: Take a practice test and set your goals

The best way to get a good sense of the PSAT is to take a practice test . Download our shortened 30-minute sample PSAT for free to get a taste of the test. Then set aside three hours to take a full practice test in simulated testing conditions. (Make sure you’re practicing the new 2023 version of the test.)

These practice tests can reveal valuable information for test-prep strategy . For the PSAT, it’s especially important to know if you have a reasonable shot at a top score . If you score in the top 3% of test-takers, you can win recognition from the National Merit program and earn big scholarships, including full-ride scholarships to certain colleges. If you know you tend to score highly on standardized tests, you should take the PSAT seriously, because there’s significant money and admissions advantages on the line.

If you’re not sure if you might be a top scorer, download our short 30-minute sample and see how you do . We typically recommend that students who score in the top 5% of standardized tests take the PSAT seriously and do more focused prep.

Use your performance on practice tests to determine your strengths and weaknesses . Be strategic about the areas where you can improve the most on the test with a bit of effort. Make a list of the concepts or types of problems to practice — an experienced tutor can help with crafting a strong prep strategy based on practice tests.

PSAT tip #3: Learn concepts you don’t know (strategically)

After taking a practice test and making a list of the concepts you don’t know, set aside some time to learn those missing concepts . 

Use books and online resources or reach out to a teacher or private tutor for help filling in the gaps in your knowledge.

Be strategic — focus on the concepts that will appear most frequently on the test , like basic grammar rules , algebra of straight lines, and basic operations with exponents. For example, can you simplify these math expressions comfortably?

Only once those basics are solid should you work on concepts that appear less frequently, like circle equations or literary devices .

Pro tip: Don’t spend time memorizing SAT vocabulary. Personally, I find vocabulary flashcards to be a waste of time. The likelihood that you’ll successfully memorize the specific words that appear on the test is very low, and your time and focus will yield much greater results if you focus instead on semicolon rules. If you are preparing in advance and want to improve your vocabulary, read books and magazine articles, or listen to podcasts. Ask your local librarian or work with one of our tutors for customized recommendations!

Try a Free 30-minute Mini PSAT

PSAT tip #4: Practice, practice, practice!

The single best way to improve your PSAT score is to practice .

Do focused drills on weak areas or concepts you’ve just learned to strengthen your knowledge.

Occasionally do full timed practice tests — this is important for getting a good sense of pacing on the test. There are free full practice tests available from the College Board and Khan Academy . Make sure you’re practicing the new 2023 version of the test , which will be digital and significantly different .

Know that any practice you do for the PSAT will also prepare you for the SAT , because they are nearly identical tests . The SAT is just a little bit longer and a little bit tougher.

PSAT tip #5: Use up-to-date, high-quality resources

Major changes are coming to the PSAT and the SAT in 2023. The new digital version of the test will not just be taken in a different way (on laptops and tablets instead of with pencil and paper), but it will also have a completely new structure . Some of the types of questions will be significantly changed, and the Reading section will be completely different. Read more about the changes here .

This means that most PSAT and SAT prep resources are going to be out-of-date. It’s going to be important to use recently revised, up-to-date resources, especially for the new Reading & Writing section. Check that resources have been updated since fall 2022, when the College Board released preview material for the new digital PSAT and SAT.

One reliable study resource is the educational non-profit Khan Academy , which has partnered with the creators of the PSAT and SAT to make high-quality online test prep materials. They’re especially great for math resources.

A good test-prep tutor can help students and families make sure that they’re practicing the right version of the test and using the best resources available.

Try a Sample of the New PSAT

PSAT tip #6: Use a variety of strategies to answer test questions

In addition to learning the underlying concepts being tested by the PSAT, it can be helpful to learn strategies for answering different types of questions found on the test.

Sometimes the most effective or time-efficient method of solving a problem is to work backwards, plug in test solutions, or another “hack.” Some strategies that might not fly in your high school classes (where teachers will often want you to show your work and solve a problem in a particular way) are fine on the test. In the end, the only thing that counts is choosing the correct answer, not how you got there!

Test-prep tutors can help students to learn proven strategies for solving each separate type of question. 

PSAT tip #7: For math problems, draw a picture or diagram

Often a good way to get started on a math problem is to draw a rough sketch of the situation or a quick diagram.

Students should absolutely draw a diagram for any geometry problem that does not already provide one.

Thumbnail sketches can also be very helpful for visualizing problems involving the equation of a line, parabolic curve, or exponential growth curve.

If you feel completely stumped on a problem, drawing a little picture can often help to jog your thinking. Just don’t spend too much time making your drawing exact!

PSAT tip #8: For grammar questions, read the sentence “out loud”

For grammar questions on the Reading & Writing section, try reading the multiple-choice options out loud. Often you’ll be able to “hear” the right answer — trust your instincts! This strategy is especially helpful for questions about comma placement.

Of course, on the actual test you won’t be able to make noise, so you’ll have to mouth the words silently. This may feel silly, but we still recommend it! Top scorers and National Merit winners read out the options, so it’s not too silly for you.

PSAT tip #9: For Reading questions, avoid answers that distort the scope

One common trap that the test writers set on reading comprehension questions is to create multiple-choice answers that are a little bit right but have a distorted scope.

In particular, be very careful with answers that use words like “all,” “none,” “never,” “always,” “every,” etc. These are often trap answers and should send alarm bells ringing for you. 

Try out a 30-minute Sample PSAT

PSAT tip #10: For Reading and Writing questions, think of your own answer first

This tip is especially great for high-scoring students who tend to overthink their answers.

The test writers will deliberately set traps for students. They’ll write answers that echo certain phrases from the text or “sound good,” and once you read these trick answers, you start to believe that they’re a good choice.

A secret hack for avoiding these traps is to ignore the multiple-choice answers at first. Instead, just focus on the question and think of what your own answer would be based on the text, as if it were a free-response short-answer question. 

Once you have that answer fixed in your head, then look at the multiple-choice options. Usually one will closely match your own idea, and that’s the one to choose. Ignore any other options and feel confident in your choice. 

PSAT tip #11: Get help as needed

There’s a lot to manage with test prep, and it can be a good idea to get help as needed.

If you’re struggling with particular concepts, sometimes there are good resources online. Khan Academy is a reliable study platform, especially for math, and students can find YouTube explanations of specific topics.

Some high school teachers may be generous with their time and offer additional help to students, and there are some platforms for free or low-cost peer and community tutoring . When considering group test-prep classes , look for classes with qualified teachers, small classes, and the ability to get additional help from the teachers . Working one-on-one with a tutor will be the most efficient way to prepare for the PSAT and SAT, because an experienced tutor can help a student to focus immediately on the areas where they can gain the most points the most quickly. 

Check out our list of top PSAT tutoring services here .

PSAT test day

Psat tip #12: the night before the test, sleep — don’t cram.

Don’t study the night before the test. The benefit from another few hours of studying or practice is going to be outweighed by the stress hormones and exhaustion that can come from last-minute cramming.

Instead, focus on getting a full night’s sleep. (For most teenagers, this is 8 or 9 hours of sleep.) As much as busy schedules allow, do something that you find enjoyable or relaxing. Eat a healthy, balanced evening meal, avoid caffeine in the evening, and avoid blue lights and screens that can disrupt sleep.

The only exception to this advice is if you haven’t done any prep and have no idea what the test will look like! In that case, spend an hour or so familiarizing yourself with the test format and types of questions you’ll see. Read our “ What is the PSAT? ” post and download our 30-minute mini PSAT to get a taste of the test. And of course, read this list of top PSAT tips!

PSAT tip #13: Bring the right things to the test

The night before the test, pack your bag with everything you’ll need on test day. Remember, the PSAT is administered in schools on a school day, so it can be difficult to remember that this school day will be different.

For the PSAT, you’ll need to bring:

• Device for taking the new digital test : laptop or tablet with a battery that can last four hours, fully charged , with charger — contact your school if you need to borrow a device for taking the test
• Two #2 pencils — even if the new test is digital , you’ll still be provided with scratch paper for making notes and calculations
• Watch (that doesn’t beep) to keep an eye on time: I personally like an old-school watch with a second hand, but some people like a digital watch that has a timer function
• Calculator that you feel comfortable using (and that is approved by the College Board ) with full batteries — don’t try out a new fancy calculator on the day of the test, a surprisingly common mistake!
• Bottle of water to stay hydrated — water accounts for 75% of your brain mass and dehydration can affect cognitive function  
• Healthy snack to eat during the break — aim for brain-boosting protein and complex carbs, not sugar
• Comfortable layers, like a hoodie, in case the testing room is chilly
• Headphones for listening to pump-up music before the test

PSAT tip #14: The morning of the test, eat breakfast

You’ve heard this one before.

The morning of the test, eat a good breakfast. (Or at least something for breakfast!)

Aim for brain-boosting proteins and complex carbohydrates, like oatmeal, yogurt with granola and berries, rice with eggs or fish, arepas de pescado, or whatever you like. These foods will help boost your concentration power and aid you to perform your best. Avoid simple sugars like donuts, sugary cereals, or pop-tarts.

When it comes to caffeine and medications, stick to your usual routine. If you normally drink tea or coffee, go for it — but don’t have more than your usual. Testing day is not when you should experiment or change it up!

PSAT tip #15: Arrive early to the testing location

On testing day, leave plenty of time to get to the testing location. 

Most students will take the PSAT at their school on a school day, which is a great chance to practice for the SAT in a familiar environment.

Plan to arrive a bit early on PSAT testing day. The last thing you want is to flood your body with stress chemicals from something totally unrelated to the test, like worrying about traffic or parking.

PSAT tip #16: Use small hacks to boost confidence

Everyone gets a little nervous for important tests, even the strongest students.

Fortunately, there are a lot of small hacks that can boost your confidence level before and during the test.

Take a note from pro athletes and listen to pump-up music (with headphones) in the morning before the test. Make a playlist beforehand with the music that makes you feel confident, capable, and strong!

Do a little bit of exercise before the test to get your blood flowing and decrease stress . Take a short walk, jog around the block, or do a few jumping jacks. 

Try short power poses , like standing like Superman with your chest puffed out and your chin up. These have been shown to help boost confidence levels ! Do them in a bathroom stall if you feel self-conscious, or even do mini versions of them seated at your testing desk.

Engage in positive self-talk before and during the test. You’ve got this, and with the PSAT there’s little to lose.

Just do your best!

PSAT tip #17: Pace yourself on the test

Time management is the #1 challenge for students on the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. 

Budget your time on the test, and keep an eye on the clock. If you’re aiming to answer every question, set a quick halfway goal. For example, you might calculate that by 10:15 you should have about 20 problems done on the Math section.

The best way to practice pacing is by doing timed practice tests and full sections. A good PSAT/SAT tutor will help students improve their pressing.

A good rule of thumb is to spend no more than one minute on an individual question.

PSAT tip #18: Prioritize the easier questions

On the PSAT (and also on the SAT and ACT), all of the questions are worth the same amount of points.

This has a crucial consequence for testing strategies. If all questions are worth the same, then you should absolutely prioritize easy and medium questions over the hard questions. 

Imagine you eventually reach the correct answer on a hard question, but it takes you 2 minutes and you run out time to finish the test. Perhaps in those 2 minutes you could have answered 3 or 4 easier questions correctly. It’s much better to answer more easy questions than a few harder questions!

In fact, if you’re not a top-scorer, then it might be strategic to just guess on the hardest questions and focus your efforts on the easy and medium questions.  

(How do you know if you’re a top scorer and which strategy you specifically should be using? Take a practice test and see your projected score. An experienced tutor will also help you to make a customized plan based on your strengths and weaknesses.)

PSAT tip #19: Use the testing breaks

During the test there will be at least one break.

Use this break to your advantage — don’t just sit at your desk.

If you need to, use the bathroom. Eat your healthy snack, drink some water, and move around. (Exercise or movement will help your body maintain concentration.) Do a few quick power poses to boost your confidence again. Spend a minute doing some deep breathing to calm your nervous system and improve your focus.

PSAT tip #20: Don’t leave any answers blank

This is a very important tip, and a key reason that some students score lower than they should on the PSAT!

There are no penalties for incorrect answers on the PSAT or SAT. (This used to be different, so older folks might give incorrect advice on this one.)

That means that if you don’t know the answer, you should always guess something! Even if it’s a complete guess, you’ll have a 25% chance of guessing the answer correctly. If you can eliminate one or two choices, your chances improve to 33% or 50%. There’s nothing to lose!

Make sure to leave enough time at the end of each section to confirm that you’ve selected an answer for every question .

PSAT tip #21: Calm your body with deep breathing

One of my favorite testing hacks is to use deep breathing to boost concentration and focus . Deep breathing has been scientifically proven to improve test performance !

As humans, our bodies haven’t evolved very much from back when we were hunters and gatherers in the wild. When we get nervous, our bodies send energy away from our brains and stomachs (which aren’t needed for running away or fighting a lion) and towards our legs and other big muscles (for running or fighting).

That’s why when we get nervous, we can’t concentrate properly and our stomachs feel queasy!

Of course, this isn’t very helpful for modern-day challenges like tests.

Deep, slow breaths can hack into our autonomic nervous systems and reset this for our bodies.

Try breathing in for 4 slow counts, holding your breath for 4 counts, and then releasing your breath over 6 or 8 counts.

Even a few slow breaths like this will have a surprisingly powerful effect! You can do this before a test, in between testing sections, or even during the test if you feel your brain spinning out and losing focus. The 30 seconds you lose doing 3 deep breaths will be more than outweighed by the gain in concentration if you feel like test anxiety is getting the better of you.

Over the years, our sensitive tutors have helped many students to develop and practice techniques for mitigating test anxiety. We’ve had lots of success helping students to reach their true potential, without nerves getting in the way!

After the test

Psat tip #22: learn from your testing experience.

After the test, learn from your experience. How was the PSAT for you? What was harder than you expected? Did you feel nervous on the test or experience any test anxiety? 

Only you can know how the test felt for you as an individual. This is very valuable information that can help you to prepare more effectively for the SAT and the ACT, which will be used for college admissions and scholarships! 

A thoughtful tutor can help you to discuss your testing experience and think through customized strategies to improve on future tests.

PSAT tip #23: Use your PSAT results to start making a college list

Students typically receive PSAT results about six weeks after the testing date.

These PSAT results can be a powerful tool for making a college list. They’ll give some initial indications of where students might be a competitive applicant.

A balanced college list will always have a mix of safety schools, target schools, and reach schools. Read our detailed guidance on crafting a great college list here .

If your PSAT scores don’t show that you’re on track to be a competitive applicant to your dream schools, don’t worry! It’s definitely possible to improve your scores significantly with targeted practice and review. Schedule a free short educational consult to explore options for test prep.

PSAT tip #24: Use the PSAT to learn about scholarship opportunities

If you did well on the PSAT, be on the lookout for notifications about scholarship opportunities .

There’s an option on the PSAT to check a box that will allow colleges to view test scores through the Student Search Service . Students can select this on testing day or after the test. 

These PSAT scores aren’t used for admissions purposes, so we recommend choosing this option as there’s nothing to lose. They’re shared with colleges and scholarship programs so that they can recruit students who might be a great fit. High-scoring students can get lots of fun mail and notices of scholarship opportunities!

Students who scored in the top 3% may qualify for recognition from the National Merit program, a prestigious honor that can come with big scholarships. These notifications are sent out in the fall of the student’s senior year, nearly a year after the PSAT testing date. Check out past National Merit score cutoffs here to see if your score might qualify.

PSAT tip #25: Use your PSAT results to plan your SAT prep

Your PSAT Score Report is full of great data that can help you to plan your SAT prep effectively. Experienced tutors will know how to interpret this information and can help students to craft a customized test-prep plan suited to their individual goals.

Students can also consider taking the ACT as well, which is the other admissions test. The ACT and SAT are similar but have some key differences , and many students try both tests to see which one will play better to their strengths.

Consider taking the SAT on the earlier side , since this can help to alleviate pressure on students — and give them more time to take the test multiple times if they want to improve their scores. In particular, we recommend avoiding the scheduling crunch of AP tests and semester finals that often happens in the late spring of junior year. Schedule a free short educational consult for more advice.

Schedule a free short test-prep consult

Students can absolutely improve their PSAT scores with the right practice. We recommend downloading our 30-minute micro PSAT to get a taste of the PSAT first. Then get started with studying or set aside a three-hour block to try a full-length practice test.

There is some great free practice material available from the educational non-profit Khan Academy . Their platform is for the SAT, but students can use the same materials to prepare for the PSAT.

Regardless of what program you follow, it’s important to make sure that you’re preparing for the correct version of the PSAT ! 

If you’re taking the PSAT in fall 2023 (and the SAT from March 2024 onwards), you need to use the new digital SAT practice materials . The old paper SAT is going to be out of date!

Remember that if you’re a student who typically performs well on standardized tests (scoring in the top 5%), you’ll want to really focus on the PSAT — you’ve got a real chance of winning big scholarships through National Merit .

Whatever your goals, make a plan for how you’ll practice and strengthen your weak areas with targeted exercises and drills. By practicing with the right materials, we’ve seen students improve their PSAT and SAT scores significantly!

Schedule one-on-one expert tutoring

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Emily graduated  summa cum laude  from Princeton University and holds an MA from the University of Notre Dame. She was a National Merit Scholar and has won numerous academic prizes and fellowships. A veteran of the publishing industry, she has helped professors at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton revise their books and articles. Over the last decade, Emily has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay. 

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, writing section on the psat: yay or nay.

Guys, is there a separate writing section on the PSAT? I've been practicing my essays, but I'm not sure if I even need to for this test. Can't seem to find a straight answer anywhere, help a junior out!

Hey there! It's great that you're practicing your essays, as strong writing skills are always beneficial. However, the PSAT does not have a separate, scored essay section. The test is divided into Evidence-Based Reading, Writing & Language, and Math sections. The Writing & Language section does test your ability to revise and edit texts for clarity, grammar, and punctuation, but it won't require you to write an essay from scratch. So, while your essay practice won't directly apply to the PSAT itself, it's still valuable practice for future standardized tests you might take, such as the SAT, which does have an optional Essay section. Keep honing those writing skills, and they'll come in handy for your college admissions essays down the line! For now, focus on getting comfortable with the multiple-choice questions you'll see on the Writing & Language section of the PSAT. You've got this!

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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FREE PSAT Writing Practice Tests

All psat writing resources, free psat writing diagnostic tests, psat writing diagnostic test 1, psat writing diagnostic test 2, psat writing diagnostic test 3, psat writing diagnostic test 4, psat writing diagnostic test 5, psat writing diagnostic test 6.

Are you getting ready to take the PSAT/NMSQT and are not sure what sorts of questions you can expect to find on the Writing Skills section? Many students encounter this exact same difficulty and let it delay or misfocus their studying for this section. Indeed, while “Writing Skills” may suggest that you should prepare yourself to write an essay, there is no essay component of the PSAT. So, what kinds of questions are asked on this section? Let’s find out. The first type of question featured on the PSAT’s Writing Skills section is Identifying Sentence Errors. Of the section’s thirty-nine questions, fourteen are Identifying Sentence Errors questions. The aim of this question type is to find the error contained in a sentence that has four parts underlined. These four parts are associated with answer choices A–D. If you can identify an error in one of these underlined sections, that is the answer choice you want to pick. A fifth option is also provided: “No error.” Not all of the given sentences contain errors, and if you think the sentence is grammatically correct as written, you should pick the “No error” option. To study for this section, you should brush up on your knowledge of grammar, but as if you’re going to be expected to spout grammatical rules or make corrections to sentences. That’s the trick to this section—you don’t actually have to know what to do to correct a sentence’s error; you just have to be able to pick out one as being an error. The second type of question that appears on the PSAT’s Writing Skills section is Improving Sentences. About 20 of the section’s 38 questions are of this type. This is the type of question that does ask you to correct an error, but on the plus side, it doesn’t make you look for the error—only one part of the given sentence is underlined, and each of the answer choices provide a different way to rewrite the underlined part of the sentence. It’s good to be aware that there is an option equivalent to the “No error” option found in Identifying Sentence Error questions; one of the answer choices simply replicates the given part of the sentence, exactly as it is written in the question. Pick this one if the sentence is correct as written; it won’t be identified as being any different from the other answer choices, though, so read carefully! The final kind of question that the PSAT’s Writing Skills section includes is Improving Paragraphs. While only five of the section’s thirty-eight questions are of this type, this can be the most challenging type of question for many test takers, because it asks you to apply your ability to pick the best rewrite of a certain bit of prose, just like the Improving Sentences questions, but instead of focusing on part of a sentence, it works at a larger scale, on the level of paragraphs that are provided with the questions. Don’t worry, though—you won’t be expected to rewrite an entire paragraph! You also won’t be asked to interpret the information the paragraph provides; that’s what the PSAT’s Reading Comprehension section asks you to do. Rather, Improving Paragraphs questions will ask you about pinpointed revisions to paragraphs, such as where a specific sentence might be inserted in or omitted from the paragraph at hand. So, when tackling these types of questions, make sure to take your time so that you can get a good sense of how the paragraph is constructed; skimming the first sentence is highly unlikely to give you enough information to answer the question correctly. Now that you know about each type of question you will encounter on the PSAT’s Writing Skills section, could you use some great free resources to help you study for the section? Varsity Tutors’ Learning Tools website offers free PSAT/NMSQT Writing Skills Practice Tests that can help you master each kind of problem you’ll encounter on the exam! Taking a Practice Test is like taking a twelve-question quiz consisting of problems like the questions formatted like the ones you’ll be asked on the real PSAT/NMSQT. Full explanations are provided for each problem, so if you miss a question, you can figure out what sort of mistake you made and where in your reasoning you made it. Also, if you realize that you need to focus on practicing just one type of Writing Skills problem, you can do that too! Varsity Tutors’ Practice Test problems are organized by concept as well as in Practice Tests that draw from categories comprehensively, so you can study exactly what you need to study when it’s most convenient for you. To get a better idea of which skills you need to review, begin by taking a Full-Length PSAT Writing Skills Practice Test to help you get an overview of your current knowledge level. The fact that these tests simulate the actual exam can help you learn to modulate your test-taking speed so you can work to ensure you’ll have enough time to finish the real test. The results pages for the full-length tests offer all of the useful feedback provided by the concept-specific practice tests, including extensive explanations and links that provide concept-specific practice. The results of the complete practice tests can also help you refine your PSAT study plan by revealing which topics need some review. Once you’ve had the opportunity to review, you can gauge your progress by taking another Full-Length PSAT Writing Skills Practice Test. By familiarizing yourself with the three types of PSAT Writing Skills problems before test day, you’ll be able to focus not on the details of how each question is asked, but instead on figuring out the correct answer!  

Free PSAT Writing Practice Tests

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Everything You Need to Know About the Digital SAT

College Board

• January 4, 2024

You’ve probably already heard that College Board has made the SAT digital. Here’s what you need to know.

Is the SAT still important to take?

It sure is! The SAT puts your achievements into context. That means it shows off your qualifications to colleges and helps you stand out.

Most colleges—including those that are test optional —still accept SAT scores. Together with high school grades, the SAT can show your potential to succeed in college or career.

Learn more about why you should take the SAT .

When is the SAT going digital?

Students testing outside the U.S. first started taking the digital SAT in spring 2023. If you’re in the U.S., whether you’re planning to take the SAT in a test center on a weekend or in school on a school day, the test will be digital starting in spring 2024.

If you took the PSAT/NMSQT this fall, you already know what to expect with the digital SAT.

If you're planning to take the digital SAT on a weekend, watch this video to find out more. 

If you're planning to take the digital SAT in school on a school day, watch this video to find out more.

Isn’t this just the same test but online?

No, College Board didn't just take the paper and pencil test and put it on the computer. We took the opportunity to make the SAT a far better test experience for you.

What’s staying the same?

• Still measuring the knowledge and skills that matter most for college and career.
• Still scoring the test on a 1600-point scale.
• Still administering the test in schools or test centers with a proctor present (not at home). Test centers will continue to be open to all students, not just those enrolled in that school.
• Still offering access to free, world-class practice resources.
• Still supporting all students, including those who need accommodations on test day.

What’s changing?

• You’ll take the SAT on a laptop or tablet.
• You’ll take a shorter test, about 2 hours instead of 3. Find out how adaptive testing makes this possible .
• You’ll have shorter reading passages instead of a few long texts.
• You’ll be allowed to use your calculator on the entire Math section and there’s a calculator built right into Bluebook™, the digital testing application .

How do I register?

Registration is open for the spring 2024 digital SAT. You can check dates and deadlines here and find a test center close to you here .

Register Now

How do I practice?

Find everything you need to start practicing and preparing for the digital SAT here .

Have more questions? We’ve got answers!

Learn more about the digital SAT here .

Related Posts

What is digital sat adaptive testing, using a managed device for the sat.

PSAT Writing Practice Test

Prepare for your test with realistic questions.

Click “Start Test” above to take a free PSAT Writing practice test!

Online PSAT Test Prep Course

If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online PSAT Prep Course. The course is designed to provide you with any and every resource you might want while studying. The PSAT Course includes:

• Review Lessons Covering Every Topic
• 950+ PSAT Practice Questions
• More than 450 Electronic Flashcards
• Over 220 Instructional Videos
• Money-back Guarantee
• Free Mobile Access

The PSAT Test Prep Course is designed to help any learner get everything they need to prepare for their PSAT exam. Click below to check it out!

What kinds of questions are on the Writing and Language test?

The Writing and Language test includes 44 questions that will be divided into four groups. Each group of questions will relate to a different passage, and will test your skills relating to grammar, sentence structure, word choice, and other conventions of the English language.

What is a good score on the PSAT Writing and Language test?

The Writing and Language test is scored with the writing section on a scale of 160 to 760. A good score on this test would be at least 535.

How many questions are on the PSAT Writing and Language test?

There are 44 multiple-choice questions on this test.

How long is the PSAT Writing and Language test?

The time limit for this test is 35 minutes.

Mometrix Academy – Home

by Mometrix Test Preparation | Last Updated: June 28, 2024

How the PSAT/NMSQT Is Structured

The PSAT/NMSQT 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, though some math questions ask you to write in the answer rather than select it.

The following table shows how much time you get for each section and the number of questions for each test:

Digital Adaptive PSAT Practice Tests

The Road to Test Prep Success Starts Here

Digital PSAT ® Practice Tests:

Designed to mirror the look and feel of the real test.

Compass offers a cutting edge digital testing platform and we are proud to share our adaptive digital PSAT practice tests with students looking to analyze and improve. T he digital, adaptive PSAT replaced the paper-based assessment in fall 2023.

NOTE: This is for new students only. If you are working with Compass as a 1-on-1 tutoring client , please log into your account to request a practice test through the “Schedule a Practice Test” button on the Tests tab. If you are enrolled in a group class or have ever taken a practice test with us, please contact us at (800) 685-6986 or [email protected] to set up a new practice test.

Students who have tested with Compass previously may see a repeat test when using this registration.

Accommodations: Timing accommodations are available for all practice tests.

Already taken a digital PSAT with Compass? Click here to interpret your score report and find guidance on what to do next.

Online Online On-Demand

• Digital Test
• System Proctor

In-Person Live In-Person

• Human Proctor
• At Select Locations
• On Set Days/Times

After the Test: Questions and answers are available to review for 120 days following the completion of a practice test.

Practice Test Donation Campaign: 10% of the proceeds from all practice tests are donated to organizations that enact social change through educational programming!

Financial Aid: Need-based fee waivers are available.

*NY In-Person Practice Tests are $100.

Compass Digital PSAT Practice Tests

Digital adaptive psat (overview), psat overview.

Both the digital SAT and PSAT are the same length. Each section is broken into two stages. Reading & Writing contains two stages of 27 questions in 32 minutes. Math contains two stages of 22 questions in 35 minutes. The Compass practice test contains an additional 20 minute section of either Reading & Writing or Math questions for greater test prep analysis that does not exist on the official College Board Test. Students with accommodations will not receive this extra section on Compass practice tests. Practice Test Timing Guidelines PDF

50% extended time and 100% extended time accommodations are available and all students must use the entire time for each section – students cannot complete a section early and move on. Students with standard time also receive a final section of either: Reading & Writing or Math.

The PSAT is not item-adaptive where every question varies based on performance. It is stage-adaptive . It will only adapt once for Reading & Writing and only once for Math. This lowers the stakes on any one question. It also preserves the ability to go backward and forward within a stage.

The first stage of each section is not adaptive (item difficulty will not “adapt” to a student’s performance) and it contains a full range of question difficulty. At the end of the first stage, the test will choose which of the two remaining sets of questions is an appropriate level of difficulty: one module will be on average easier and the other module will be on average more difficult. This shift in difficulty is critical to getting to an accurate score on a shorter test.

Digital Adaptive the Compass Way

The Digital PSAT and SAT practice tests mimic the interface, question types, and test structure of College Board’s exams. Following completion of the exam, our score reports provide detailed analytics of your strengths and weaknesses. In addition to content analysis, we include information you won’t receive from College Board—time spent per question and average time students spent to get each question correct—to help you understand your time management needs.

Compass offers students the opportunity to practice on a digital exam platform and receive feedback on performance.  This is not an official College Board practice test.

• We recommend that you use your own calculator for the practice test
• Review College Board accepted calculator policy here
• However, you may also use the free online calculator used by College Board in another browser window.
• You may also use scratch paper.

Digital PSAT Practice Test (Demo)

Piloted through our partnerships with hundreds of leading high schools around the nation, online practice tests for the new digital PSAT are available to individual students at home at their convenience through our testing center. Tests are self-administered and score reports are released the same day.  Students will get a feel for the new test format including:

• New question formats
• Shorter reading passages
• Updated timing
• Digital interface mimics the real test 
• Adaptive structure and scoring

Want to learn more? Take a tour of the Online Testing Center .

Important Note: The practice test demo in our testing center must be accessed through Safari, Chrome, or Firefox on a laptop, desktop, or tablet. Mobile phones are not supported.

Sophisticated Score Reports (Features)

To help you get where you want to go, we want to see where you currently stand. Our practice test score reports provide a detailed portrait of your testing strengths and weaknesses, allowing us to make recommendations tailored to your personal needs.

• Interactive Score Report for a deep dive into your diagnostics
• Digital Adaptive Testing to mirror the multistage adaptive design
• SAT/ACT Comparison Tool to determine your best path forward
• Percentile Ranking Tool to show how score gains will improve your competitive standing among peers
• Similar Scorers Chart to illustrate how students with commensurate testing ability performed on each question
• Question Performance Tab to show how you fared in specific areas

Interactive PSAT Score Report (Sample)

Sample interactive score report, the question viewer is accessible for 60 days., practice tests terms & conditions.

As with official testing by the College Board or ACT, capacity constraints may limit our ability to confirm students at their first-choice testing sessions. We may be able to accommodate students by offering a different testing location (including online options via our Online Testing Center or with an online proctor) or a different time and date. Students must schedule practice tests with sufficient notice to allow Compass staff to prepare the appropriate testing materials. In most cases, self-administered, at-home testing is also an option. Tests taken at home must be mailed to a student in advance, so planning is important. Compass reserves the right to enact, enforce, and alter test scheduling and reservation policies.

Registered users can Login  for the current list of testing times and locations. Please keep in mind that a session may already be full. A practice test request made via any page on our website (www.compassprep.com or my.compassprep.com) does not constitute a reservation. You will be notified by the Compass office about our ability to confirm your place on the testing roster. If we do not already have a credit card on file, we will contact you for payment of the proctored practice test fee. We understand that plans change. The testing fee will be credited back to your Compass account as long as cancellation or rescheduling takes place at least 72 hours before the start of a testing session. Students with delinquent balances may be asked to arrange payment before testing sessions are booked.

Students receiving testing accommodations from an official testing organization should discuss their needs with a Compass director. Extended time and other accommodations may only be available at certain testing locations and at certain times.  Always reconfirm the specific accommodation when scheduling future testing, as our proctoring staff cannot make last-minute changes.

Each test type has a limited number of available forms released by the testing organization. Compass directors can advise you about recommended scheduling to maximize the benefit from these forms.

Practice tests are best thought of as periodic performances that allow the student and a Compass tutor to assess progress. As such, we discourage practice testing that is not tied to Compass insight and instruction. Serial testing may prove detrimental by reinforcing bad habits and taking time away from thoughtful practice of skills and strategies. If instruction is being provided by a non-Compass tutor or company, we ask that you contact that tutor or tutoring company about their practice test offerings. Compass reserves the right to limit or decline practice testing in these situations.

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SAT Essay Prompts: The Complete List

SAT Writing , SAT Essay

On every SAT Essay, you'll have to read an argument meant to persuade a broad audience and discuss how well the author argues his or her point. The passage you'll have to read will change from test to test, but you'll always need to analyze the author's argument and write a coherent and organized essay explaining this analysis.

In this article, we've compiled a list of the 14 real SAT essay prompts that the College Board has released (either in The Official SAT Study Guide or separately online) for the new SAT. This is the most comprehensive set of new SAT essay prompts online today.

At the end of this article, we'll also guide you through how to get the most out of these prompts and link to our expert resources on acing the SAT essay. I'll discuss how the SAT essay prompts are valuable not just because they give you a chance to write a practice essay, but because of what they reveal about the essay task itself.

UPDATE: SAT Essay No Longer Offered

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In January 2021, the College Board announced that after June 2021, it would no longer offer the Essay portion of the SAT (except at schools who opt in during School Day Testing). It is now no longer possible to take the SAT Essay, unless your school is one of the small number who choose to offer it during SAT School Day Testing.

While most colleges had already made SAT Essay scores optional, this move by the College Board means no colleges now require the SAT Essay. It will also likely lead to additional college application changes such not looking at essay scores at all for the SAT or ACT, as well as potentially requiring additional writing samples for placement.

What does the end of the SAT Essay mean for your college applications? Check out our article on the College Board's SAT Essay decision for everything you need to know.

SAT essay prompts always keep to the same basic format. Not only is the prompt format consistent from test to test, but what you're actually asked to do (discuss how an author builds an argument) also remains the same across different test administrations.

The College Board's predictability with SAT essay helps students focus on preparing for the actual analytical task, rather than having to think up stuff on their feet. Every time, before the passage, you'll see the following:

• evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims.
• reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence.
• stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed.

And after the passage, you'll see this:

"Write an essay in which you explain how [the author] builds an argument to persuade [her/his] audience that [whatever the author is trying to argue for]. In your essay, analyze how [the author] uses one or more of the features listed in the box above (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of his argument. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant features of the passage.

Your essay should not explain whether you agree with [the author]'s claims, but rather explain how [the author] builds an argument to persuade [her/his/their] audience."

Now that you know the format, let's look at the SAT essay prompts list.

14 Official SAT Essay Prompts

The College Board has released a limited number of prompts to help students prep for the essay. We've gathered them for you here, all in one place. We'll be sure to update this article as more prompts are released for practice and/or as more tests are released.

SPOILER ALERT : Since these are the only essay prompts that have been released so far, you may want to be cautious about spoiling them for yourself, particularly if you are planning on taking practice tests under real conditions . This is why I've organized the prompts by the 10 that are in the practice tests (so you can avoid them if need be), the ones that are available online as sample prompts, and the ones that are in the text of the Official SAT Study Guide (Redesigned SAT), all online for free.

Practice Test Prompts

These 10 prompts are taken from the practice tests that the College Board has released.

Practice Test 1 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Jimmy Carter builds an argument to persuade his audience that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge should not be developed for industry."

Practice Test 2 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Martin Luther King Jr. builds an argument to persuade his audience that American involvement in the Vietnam War is unjust."

Practice Test 3 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Eliana Dockterman builds an argument to persuade her audience that there are benefits to early exposure to technology."

Practice Test 4 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Paul Bogard builds an argument to persuade his audience that natural darkness should be preserved."

Practice Test 5 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Eric Klinenberg builds an argument to persuade his audience that Americans need to greatly reduce their reliance on air-conditioning."

Practice Test 6 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Christopher Hitchens builds an argument to persuade his audience that the original Parthenon sculptures should be returned to Greece."

Practice Test 7 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Zadie Smith builds an argument to persuade her audience that public libraries are important and should remain open"

Practice Test 8 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Bobby Braun builds an argument to persuade his audience that the US government must continue to invest in NASA."

Practice Test 9 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Todd Davidson builds an argument to persuade his audience that the US government must continue to fund national parks."

Practice Test 10 :

"Write an essay in which you explain how Richard Schiffman builds an argument to persuade his audience that Americans need to work fewer hours."

Special note: The prompt for Practice Test 4 also appears on the College Board's site with real sample essays written in response. If you've written a practice essay for practice test 4 and want to see what essays of different score levels look like for that particular prompt, you can go there and look at eight real student essays.

Free Online Practice

This prompt comes from the College Board website .

"Write an essay in which you explain how Dana Gioia builds an argument to persuade his audience that the decline of reading in America will have a negative effect on society."

This prompt comes from Khan Academy , where it is listed as an alternate essay prompt to go along with Practice Test 2:

"Write an essay in which you explain how Leo W. Gerard builds an argument to persuade his audience that American colleges and universities should be affordable for all students."

The Official SAT Study Guide 2020

The Official SAT Study Guide (editions published in 2015 and later available online for free) contains all 10 of the previously mentioned practice tests at the end of the book. In the section about the new SAT essay , however, there are two additional sample essay prompts (accompanied by articles to analyze).

Sample Prompt 1:

"Write an essay in which you explain how Peter S. Goodman builds an argument to persuade his audience that news organizations should increase the amount of professional foreign news coverage provided to people in the United States."

Sample Prompt 2:

"Write an essay in which you explain how Adam B. Summers builds an argument to persuade his audience that plastic shopping bags should not be banned."

How Do You Get the Most Out of These Prompts?

Now that you have all the prompts released by the College Board, it's important to know the best way to use them. Make sure you have a good balance between quality and quantity, and don't burn through all 14 of the real prompts in a row— take the time to learn from your experiences writing the practice essays.

Step By Step Guide on How to Practice Using the Article

#1: Understand how the SAT essay is graded .

#2: Follow along as we write a high-scoring SAT essay, step by step .

#3: Plan a set of features you'll look for in the SAT essay readings and practice writing about them fluidly. This doesn't just mean identifying a technique, like asking a rhetorical question, but explaining why it is persuasive and what effect it has on the reader in the context of a particular topic. We have more information on this step in our article about 6 SAT persuasive devices you can use .

#4: Choose a prompt at random from above, or choose a topic that you think is going to be hard for you to detach from (because you'll want to write about the topic, rather than the argument) set timer to 50 minutes and write the essay. No extra time allowed!

#5: Grade the essay, using the official essay rubric to give yourself a score out of 8 in the reading, analysis, and writing sections.

#6: Repeat steps 4 and 5. Choose the prompts you think will be the hardest for you so that you can so that you're prepared for the worst when the test day comes

#7: If you run out of official prompts to practice with, use the official prompts as models to find examples of other articles you could write about . Start by looking for op-ed articles in online news publications like The New York Times, The Atlantic, LA Times , and so on. For instance, the passage about the plastic bag ban in California (Official SAT Study Guide sample essay prompt 2, above) has a counterpoint here —you could try analyzing and writing about that article as well.

Any additional articles you use for practice on the SAT essay must match the following criteria:

• ideally 650-750 words , although it'll be difficult to find an op-ed piece that's naturally that short. Try to aim for nothing longer than 2000 words, though, or the scope of the article is likely to be wider than anything you'll encounter on the SAT.
• always argumentative/persuasive . The author (or authors) is trying to get readers to agree with a claim or idea being put forward.
• always intended for a wide audience . All the information you need to deconstruct the persuasiveness of the argument is in the passage. This means that articles with a lot of technical jargon that's not explained in the article are not realistic passage to practice with.

What's Next?

We've written a ton of helpful resources on the SAT essay. I f you're just getting started, we recommend beginning with our top SAT essay tips for a quick overview of the essay task and what you need to know.

A little more familiar with the SAT essay but still not quite sure how to write one? Follow along with our step-by-step guide to writing the SAT essay .

Looking to earn a high score? Learn what it takes to get the highest score possible on the SAT essay here .

Plus, if you want a reference linking you to all of our great articles on the SAT essay, be sure to check out our ultimate SAT essay guide .

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Laura graduated magna cum laude from Wellesley College with a BA in Music and Psychology, and earned a Master's degree in Composition from the Longy School of Music of Bard College. She scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and GRE and loves advising students on how to excel in high school.

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