Do I bring my backpack to the PSAT?

Nice to Have A bag or backpack. A drink or snacks (for your break). Epinephrine auto-injectors (for example, EpiPens) are permitted without the need for accommodations. They must be placed in a clear bag and stored under your desk during testing.

What is not allowed on the PSAT?

Compasses, rulers, protractors, or cutting devices. Papers of any kind, including scratch paper. Earplugs. Unacceptable calculators that have computer-style (QWERTY) keyboards, use paper tape, make noise, or use a power cord.

What do you need to get on the PSAT?

For all versions of the PSAT, the College Board has established benchmarks. Students in the eighth grade taking the PSAT 8/9 should earn a 390 on the reading and writing section and a 430 on math. On the same test, students in the ninth grade should earn a 410 in reading and writing and a 450 in math.

Can I bring a book to the PSAT?

2 pencils and must leave pens, highlighters, mechanical pencils, and colored pencils in their backpack. No books or reference materials can be brought into the room, and the proctor will provide any needed scratch paper.

Can you bring a snack to PSAT?

Store any snacks or drinks you bring under your desk. You may only eat snacks during breaks. The testing staff will tell you where you can go to have your snack. Aside from a scheduled break, you must not leave the testing room before you're dismissed; if you do, your scores are subject to cancellation.

How to Score a 1450+ on the PSAT®

What should I wear to the PSAT?

If it's cool outside, go with sweatpants, a hoodie, and sneakers. If it's warmer, a loose pair of shorts and a soft tee shirt are the way to go. Dressing in layers is also a good idea, as it allows you to regulate your own temperature should you feel too warm or too cold.

Do you get breaks during the PSAT?

Under standard conditions, the PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT take 2 hours and 14 minutes with one break.

Can you leave when you finish the PSAT?

If you leave the PSAT testing room before the exam is over, your score is cancelled.

Do I get scratch paper on the PSAT?

Yes, students will be provided scratch paper and can bring a pen or pencil.

Can you eat during the PSAT?

Food may not be consumed during testing and no food can be Page 2 delivered via parent or delivery service (Uber Eats, Grubhub, Door Dash, etc.) due to safety reasons.

Can I go to the bathroom during the PSAT?

You'll have breaks during the test when you can leave this room to have a snack or use the restroom. I'll walk around the room to make sure everyone is working on the correct section. For the PSAT 10, you can only work on 1 section at a time. You are not allowed to move to the next section until you're told to do so.

Should I worry about PSAT?

The PSAT is not used extensively by colleges and universities for making college admissions decisions. The SAT or ACT is considerably more important in determining your admission into college; therefore, the simple truth is “no,” universities don't care about the PSAT.

Can I refuse to take the PSAT?

Students who want to limit the tests they take can skip the PSAT altogether and take the SAT in the spring of junior year. They can take it again in the fall of senior year if they want to try to improve their scores.

Do you need ID for PSAT?

Only if you're not testing at your own school or you're homeschooled. Your photo ID must be issued by your school or government. If you don't have one, use a notarized College Board Student ID Form (.

Does a bad PSAT score hurt you?

Simply put, your PSAT scores themselves will have no bearing on your admissions outcomes. However, if you get a good PSAT score in your junior year, you could get an admissions boost by receiving a National Merit Scholarship.

What happens if you don't answer a question on the PSAT?

PSAT Scores - How PSAT Scoring Works

PSAT scores are calculated in much the same way as the new SAT scores: Students earn 1 point for each question answered correctly. Students neither lose nor gain points for questions answered incorrectly. Students neither lose nor gain points for questions that are skipped.

Do you answer all questions on PSAT?

Since there is no penalty for selecting the wrong answer on the PSAT, never leave an answer blank. Here are a few rules to optimize your guessing strategy. First, unless you have run out of time, try to use the process of elimination to get rid of at least one answer choice.

Is it better to guess or leave blank on PSAT?

Scores are calculated based on the number of questions a test-taker answers correctly. Unlike in the past, the latest version of the PSAT does not include a penalty for incorrect answers, so students are encouraged to guess on questions - rather than leave them blank - if they do not know the answer.

What happens if you skip PSAT?

If your student misses the PSAT/NMSQT in their junior year due to illness or extenuating circumstances, they can take the “alternative testing option.” Students can take the SAT 1 in exchange for the PSAT/NMSQT and the score is converted and used in substitution for the PSAT/NMSQT.

What level of math is on the PSAT?

The PSAT Math questions focus on four areas: heart of algebra; problem solving and data analysis; passport to advanced math, and additional topics in math, including limited geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus.

Can I use the bathroom during the SAT?

SAT Breaks

You are allowed to take bathroom breaks beyond the designated break times. However, it would benefit you to not take one. A bathroom break during a timed section can take away the time you have to understand and answer questions. If you do need to take a break, try to do so after you complete the section.

How many hours is PSAT?

Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks! The PSAT is 2 hours and 45 minutes long, excluding breaks. Taking the PSAT helps prepare students to take the SAT. The test has four sections and a total of 139 questions.

How long does the PSAT usually take?

PSAT Length and Structure

The PSAT takes a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. It comprises three timed sections that measure a student's knowledge in key subject areas.

Do schools look at your PSAT?

College Board does not send PSAT/NMSQT scores to colleges. These scores are not intended to be part of college admission decisions. They should not be included on student transcripts that will be reproduced and sent to colleges unless the student (if 18 or older) or their parent/guardian has granted permission.