What is the new PSAT structure?

The two sections of the digital PSAT/NMSQT—(1) Reading and Writing and (2) Math— measure largely similar knowledge and skills as their paper and pencil predecessors, including: Use of reading/writing passages that come from different subject areas and vary in difficulty level.

How does the new PSAT work?

Test Format

The digital PSAT is 2 hours and 14 minutes long with 98 total questions. There are two sections: (1) Reading and Writing and (2) Math. Each section is divided into two modules of equal length. Note: The format of the digital PSAT is identical to that of the digital SAT.

How is the new PSAT different from the old PSAT?

Reading & Writing texts on the new PSAT and SAT are much shorter, with passages measuring in between 25 and 150 words: a substantial drop from the 600 to 800 words seen on previous paper versions of these tests.

What is the structure of the PSAT?

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.

Is the new PSAT easier?

The shift from paper to computer-based testing has introduced various changes in the test-taking experience, and this year's iteration raised some eyebrows. Students who had previously taken the traditional PSAT reported that the digital format felt notably easier.

What to expect with the digital PSAT/NMSQT

Is it OK to fail PSAT?

No, you can not fail the PSAT. Students may be overjoyed by scoring in the top 10%, even if they are not great students in school. Or they may be disappointed if their PSAT score doesn't match their abilities or GPA, but there is no failing (or even passing) the test.

What is the lowest PSAT score accepted?

The PSAT also assigns each test taker a Selection Index score on a scale of 48-228. This is the score used to determine your eligibility for National Merit consideration. Each state maintains a different Selection Index cutoff score, with the lowest being 207 and the highest being 223.

What is a good PSAT score?

A good PSAT score is between 1210 and 1520, which would put you in the top 10% of test takers. The average score earned on the PSAT is about 920, and a “perfect” score on the PSAT would be the maximum score of 1520.

What is a good PSAT score for a sophomore?

For most students, a good PSAT score is above the 75th percentile, or a 1060. Sophomores can raise their scores by taking the PSAT again in their junior year.

Should I take the PSAT in 10th grade?

Take the PSAT 10 If:

You're not aiming for a top 20 school but you're still looking to score well enough on the SAT to get into other good colleges and/or get scholarships. You don't have any previous exposure to high-stakes testing and want an easier introduction to SAT content and question types.

What are the changes in the PSAT in 2024?

With the exception of certain student accommodations, all students will take the Digital PSAT on a computer. The test makers have shortened the PSAT by about 45 minutes, but you will still receive a score out of 1520 that can help you qualify for scholarships and assess your readiness for the SAT.

Does your first PSAT score matter?

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.

Does sophomore PSAT matter?

Your sophomore year PSAT scores aren't as important as your PSAT scores from your junior year when you'll be able to compete for National Merit, but they're still useful. You can use your sophomore PSAT scores to estimate how well you'll do on the PSAT next year and on the SAT later on.

Did the PSAT format change?

Starting with the Fall 2023 exams, the paper version of the PSAT will no longer be offered and all PSATs will be administered in a digital format. If you're a junior in high school in Fall 2023, taking the PSAT in the new digital format will help you prep for the SAT.

Does the PSAT matter in 11th grade?

All 11th graders who take the PSAT/NMSQT are eligible for National Merit Scholarships. Of the top 50,000 performers, 34,000 become Commended Scholars, while the remaining 16,000 are distinguished as National Merit Semifinalists.

Is the new PSAT adaptive?

Starting in Fall 2023, the PSAT will also be an adaptive digital exam. Please encourage students to take it as a preparatory step.

Is 1200 a good PSAT score?

Excellent PSAT Scores: 1200-1360

11th-grade students who scored between 1200 and 1360 on the PSAT test fall within the top 10% of all test takers.

Is 750 on PSAT good?

To make it into the 99th percentile on Reading and Writing, for instance, you'd need to score 730 or above, while to hit the 99th percentile on Math, you'd need a near-perfect 750. If you're shooting for the 99th percentile, our Complete Online PSAT Prep can help get you there.

Is 1000 an ok PSAT score?

A combined score of 1000 is approximately the national average, which represents the 50th percentile (students who score 1000 score right in the middle, with 50% of the people scoring higher and 50% of the students scoring lower).

What PSAT score do you need for Harvard?

In order to be on track for those scores on the SAT, students would have to earn a near-perfect score on the PSAT, which is a little shorter and easier than the SAT. That means a good PSAT score for students aiming at “Ivy Plus” schools like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, and Duke would be at least 1450.

Is 800 a good PSAT score?

A PSAT score of 850–860 is considered decent and will place your 9th grader in the 50th percentile range. To reach the top 10%, a student needs a score of 1110 or above. To be among the top 1% of 9th grader PSAT test takers, your student would need a score of 1280–1440.

Is a 950 PSAT score bad?

Good PSAT Scores

Scores in the 950-1080 range are considered good, and scores above 1080 are excellent. Top colleges generally consider anything above 1200 to be competitive. If you're aiming for Ivy League schools, your goal should be 1450 or higher.

Does a bad PSAT score hurt you?

You definitely want to keep PSAT scores in perspective. A low score will not be seen by colleges, so even if you don't perform well you haven't hurt your chances of getting into a top college or university.

Is 910 a bad PSAT score?

There are hundreds of colleges you could get into with a 910. But bear in mind that this score puts you in about 21st percentile, which means that 79% of other test takers out there scored higher than you. That doesn't make it easy for you in the college search.