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SAT
Course: SAT > Unit 12
Lesson 2: Paper SAT TestsFull-length PSAT/NMSQT to take on paper
Congratulations on taking the initiative to prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT! The format and content of the PSAT/NMSQT is almost the same as the SAT, so a great way to start your practice is to use our official SAT practice on Khan Academy. Not sure what the PSAT/NMSQT® is actually about? Read on!
There are actually three different PSAT exams:
- PSAT 8/9
- PSAT 10
- PSAT/NMSQT
The first two tests are designed for the grade levels indicated by their names. Learn more about the PSAT 8/9 here, and the PSAT 10 here. The third test is the same assessment as the PSAT 10—and, as its name implies, it’s not just a preliminary SAT. NMSQT stands for National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Top scores on this test have the potential to qualify students not only for the National Merit® Scholarship Program but also for substantial scholarships at many different colleges.
If you are interested in learning more about the NMSQT timeline and qualifying process, take a look at The Official Student Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT.
Use Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy
The good news is that the PSAT/NMSQT is designed as an introduction to the SAT, so if you work diligently and master the SAT prep materials offered by Khan Academy and College Board, you will be more than prepared to succeed on the PSAT/NMSQT.
There are many different ways to prepare. If you want to check out the test format and try a few questions, you can download an official practice PSAT/NMSQT exam and the scoring form. Once you score your test, you can also download the answer explanations for the test's questions.
Take a practice PSAT/NMSQT test
There are two (2) downloadable, full-length practice tests
and scoring guides available. Get started
Take a practice PSAT 10 test
There are two (2) downloadable, full-length practice tests
and scoring guides available. Get started
Want to join the conversation?
If I practice on the PSAT will it improve my score on the actually test? My teacher keeps telling us that the score we get on this can kind of predict the score on the actually thing.(43 votes)
The two tests are essentially the same thing. Practicing for the SAT should improve your PSAT, vice versa.(60 votes)
how's the best way to prepare for the psat on 8th grade?(27 votes)- Four things:
Take challenging courses
Do your homework
Prepare for tests and quizzes
Ask and answer lots of questions(12 votes)
I was wondering that if I go to Harvard, then what will my score need to be 1200 or less. I just took an actual sat and got 600, so Im almost there?(0 votes)- It's the other way around. The higher the score, the better.(59 votes)
- I'm going into 10th and were taking a PSAT in october. I assume its the PSAT 10 but I haven't learned A2 yet and I'm learning it this year. When I look through the math sections of the practice test I have no idea how to do most of them... help?(16 votes)
- The PSAT requires knowledge of algebra ii and a little bit of precalc. Wait for next year. If you want math practice do the math i sat test.(12 votes)
I am scoring a perfect score in mathematics of SAT but I am lacking in the English section. I have been practicing since half a month and also my English section has become Level4 on khan academy. But I am still not much confident of getting a 1500+ score in SAT due to less scores in English. Please tell me what should I do to improve my score in English section ?(12 votes)
It depends on what aspect of English you are struggling in. For example, some people struggle in forming sentences others struggle in vocabulary, etc. I think the best way to improve your English would be to read a ton of book and practice the thing you are struggling in.(15 votes)
Is it possible to retake the PSAT? For an example, if i took it in the fall could I take it again in spring?(6 votes)
You can only take the PSAT in October. So if you are a sophomore, then you can take it your junior year, if you are a junior then this October will be your last chance.(2 votes)
Is there any practice here specifically for PSAT 8/9?
I tried the SAT practice, but I keep on getting questions with imaginary numbers and stuff.(6 votes)- The PDF at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/pdf/psat-8-9-student-guide.pdf has practice questions and answers for the PSAT 8/9 from pages 14 to 29(4 votes)
- Was Wondering I took a practice PSAT test and got a 1020 would that be good I think it's fine and I'm taking it this year 10th grade because well school has to.(1 vote)
- do you think taking it twice would give you a better chance for a better score(9 votes)
At which grade level should one start preparing for the PSAT?
What can a 9th grader do to start preparing?(4 votes)
I know it's sort of late, but does this article help you?
https://blog.prepscholar.com/should-i-take-the-psat-as-a-freshman
(link goes off-KA)(3 votes)
Why does it have to be an SAT practice only? I don't see how that will prep me for the PSATs.(1 vote)- Doing the SAT practice will help you prep for the PSAT because the PSAT is extremely similar to the SAT. The reading/writing portions are pretty much the same, the math portion on the SAT is slightly harder than on the PSAT, and the SAT has an optional essay where the PSAT does not. So, if you study for the SAT, you will be studying the same stuff you would be if you were studying for the PSAT.
Does that make sense? Let me know if it doesn't, and I'll be happy to explain better!(8 votes)