The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is an official examination used in the United States to get ready students for the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test). It is often taken by high school sophomores and juniors in preparation for the SAT. Furthermore the PSAT serves as the qualifying exam for the National Merit Scholarship program, making it essential for students seeking scholarships. The test measures reading, writing and mathematical abilities.
Tips to Prepare for the PSAT
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Understand the Test: Familiarize yourself with the PSAT format and question types.
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Take Practice Tests: Use timed practice tests to build stamina and identify weaknesses.
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Focus on Weak Areas: Review and practice topics where you struggle the most.
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Review Key Concepts: Strengthen your knowledge of math, grammar, and reading skills.
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Use Quality Resources: Utilize reputable SAT study materials at testprepkart.com/sat/.
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Create a Study Schedule: Plan your study sessions in advance to avoid cramming.
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Learn Test Strategies: Practice time management and question strategies.
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Pace Yourself: Manage your time effectively during the test.
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Stay Positive: Confidence and calmness are key on test day.
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Get Rest: Ensure you’re well-rested before the test.
PSAT Coaching Courses
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Advanced Level |
Intermediate Level |
Intermediate Level |
Intermediate Level |
|
Digital PSAT Prep Online – 42 hrs |
Digital PSAT Prep Online – 60 hrs |
Digital PSAT Prep Online – 72 hrs |
Digital PSAT Prep Online – 90 hrs |
|
Rs. 58,174 |
Rs. 73,614 |
Rs. 90,134 |
Rs. 1,06,654 |
|
USD 696.67 |
USD 881.56 |
USD 1,079.34 |
USD 1277.16 |
|
Digital PSAT (42 Hrs) Details: |
Digital PSAT (60 Hrs) Details: |
Digital PSAT (72 Hrs) Details: |
Digital PSAT (90 Hrs) Details: |
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1. Live & Interactive Real Time Sessions 2. Best English and Maths Experts For Digital PSAT 3. High Score Course Modules 4. Session Wise Assignments 5. 3 Types of Tests – Online, Offline and Hard Copy 6. Practice of 3600 questions during the entire course 7. Comprehansive Study Material – Module Wise 8. Regular Doubt Removal Sessions 9. Rapid Reading Excercises 10. Suggested Reading Sessions 11. Special Tips and Techniques to get a perfect score 12. Group sessions |
1. Live & Interactive Real Time Sessions 2. Best English and Maths Experts For Digital SAT 3. High Score Course Modules 4. Session Wise Assignments 5. 3 Types of Tests – Online, Offline and Hard Copy 6. Practice of 3600 questions during the entire course 7. Comprehansive Study Material – Module Wise 8. Regular Doubt Removal Sessions 9. Group sessions |
1. Live & Interactive Real Time Sessions 2. Best English & Maths Experts For PSAT 3. Scientifically Designed Course Modules 4. Session Wise Assignments 5. 3 Types of Tests – Online, Offline and Hard Copy 6. Practice of 3600 questions during the entire course 7. Comprehansive Study Material – Module Wise 8. Regular Doubt Removal Sessions 9. Rapid Reading Excercises 10. Suggested Reading Sessions 11. Special Tips and Techniques to get a perfect score 12. One-on-one sessions |
1. Live & Interactive Real Time Sessions 2. Best English & Mathematics Experts For Digital PSAT 3. Scientifically Designed Course Modules 4. Session Wise Assignments 5. 3 Types of Tests – Online, Offline and Hard Copy 6. Practice of 3600 questions during the entire course 7. Comprehansive Study Material – Module Wise 8. Regular Doubt Removal Sessions 9. Rapid Reading Excercises 10. Suggested Reading Sessions 11. Special Tips and Techniques to get a perfect score 12. One-on-one sessions |
The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminay SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a standardized test in Unites States that serves two main purposes:
1. Practice for the SAT: The PSAT/NMSQT is often taken by high school juniors as a practice test for the SAT, a college entrance exam. It helps students familiarize themselves with the format, question types, and timing of the sat.
2. Qualification fir the National Merit Scholarship Program: The PSAT/NMSQT is also the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. High scores can become National Merit Scholars and may be eligible for scholorships.
Difference NMSQT, PSAT & SAT
The SAT and PSAT/NMSQT are organised tests administered by the College Board, but they are having different meaning and purpose.
|
Feature |
PSAT |
NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) |
SAT |
|
Purpose |
Practice test for the SAT |
Qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship, also serves as practice for the SAT |
College admissions test |
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When Taken |
Primarily 10th and 11th grades, but younger students can take it for practice |
Taken during 11th grade (in October) as part of the PSAT to qualify for National Merit Scholarships |
Typically taken during 11th and 12th grades |
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Content |
Covers Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math (no essay) |
Identical to the PSAT, with scores used to determine eligibility for scholarships |
Covers Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, Math, and an optional Essay section |
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Score Range |
320 to 1520 |
320 to 1520 |
400 to 1600 |
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Use of Scores |
Diagnostic tool for SAT preparation, provides insight into strengths and weaknesses |
Used to determine eligibility for National Merit Scholarships; also provides SAT practice |
Used by colleges and universities for admissions decisions |
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Test Length |
2 hours and 45 minutes |
2 hours and 45 minutes |
3 hours (plus 50 minutes for optional Essay) |
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Sections |
– Reading (60 minutes) |
– Reading (60 minutes) |
– Reading (65 minutes) |
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– Writing and Language (35 minutes) |
– Writing and Language (35 minutes) |
– Writing and Language (35 minutes) |
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– Math (70 minutes, including calculator and no-calculator sections) |
– Math (70 minutes, including calculator and no-calculator sections) |
– Math (80 minutes, including calculator and no-calculator sections) |
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Essay Section |
Not included |
Not included |
Optional, 50 minutes |
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Recognition/Awards |
None |
High scorers can become National Merit Scholars, leading to scholarships |
No direct awards; used for college admissions and scholarships |
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Administration |
Administered by schools, typically in October |
Administered by schools, typically in October |
Administered by College Board, available multiple times a year |
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Cost |
Typically low cost or free, depending on the school |
Typically low cost or free, depending on the school |
Varies by location, fee waivers available for eligible students |
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Test Format |
Multiple-choice questions |
Multiple-choice questions |
Multiple-choice questions plus optional essay |
"Top Reasons to Choose Testprepkart for Your PSAT Coaching"
Here is a reasons why Testprepkart could be valuable resource for the Coaching of PSAT –
| Feature | Description |
| Specialization in International Curriculums | Emphasis on preparing international students for standardized tests like the PSAT, considering the unique challenges faced by non-U.S. curriculum students. |
| Experienced Faculty | Offers expert instructors with significant experience in their respective fields, helping students grasp complex concepts effectively. |
| Structured Courses and Study Plans | Provides a clear, structured approach to covering the entire PSAT syllabus, ensuring comprehensive preparation and organization. |
| Online Flexibility | Offers online classes, making it accessible to students worldwide, especially beneficial for those without local PSAT prep resources. |
| Practice Tests and Resources | Supplies a variety of practice tests and materials that closely mimic the actual PSAT, helping students familiarize themselves with the test format and timing. |
| Community Support and Feedback | Facilitates personalized feedback and interaction with a community of learners, allowing students to share insights and improve collaboratively. |
PSAT Subjects Section
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Subject Section |
Content |
Skills Tested |
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Reading |
– Passages from literature, historical documents, social sciences, and natural sciences |
– Reading comprehension |
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– Interpretation of meaning from context |
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– Understanding of main ideas and themes |
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– Analysis of how authors build arguments and use evidence |
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Writing and Language |
– Passages related to careers, history/social studies, humanities, and science |
– Grammar and punctuation |
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– Sentence structure |
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– Improving organization and clarity of written text |
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– Effective language use |
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– Recognizing and fixing errors in writing |
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Math |
– Calculator and non-calculator sections |
– Mathematical reasoning |
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– Topics: Algebra, problem-solving and data analysis, advanced math, geometry, trigonometry |
-Understanding of math concepts |
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– Application of math concepts to solve problems |
Understanding the PSAT Suite of Assessment
The SAT suite of Assessment is an combination of tests that helps to develop a rootcause for to get addmission in college of your dream and career readiness, track students progress, and identifies areas for improvement. Here is an overview of the SAT Suite of Assessment –
1. PSAT for 8 & 9 Grade
- Purpose – The PSAT 8 & 9 Grade is the first test in the SAT Suite of Assessment, designed for students in the 8th and 9th grades. It establishes a baseline for college and career readinessas students enter high school.
- Subjects
- Reading: Passages that test reading comprehension and understanding of vocabulary in context.
- Writing and Language: Focuses on grammer, punctuation, sentence structure, and understading how to revise and edit text.
- Math: Covers basic algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, and some geometry.
- Scoring – The PSAT for 8 & 9 grade is scored on a scale of 240 to 1440. Scores give early feedback on students strengths and areas for improvement.
2. PSAT for 10 Grade
- Purpose – The PSAT for grade 10th is designed and similar to the PSAT/NMSQT but administered at a different time of year mostly in spring It provides a practice opportunity and offers feedback on academic progress.
- Subjects – Identical to the PSAT/NMSQT, covering Reading, Writing and Lauguage, and math.
- Scoring – Scored on the same scaleas the PSAT/NMSQT (320 to1520). It does not qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program but helps them prepare for the SAT.
3. PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualyifying Test)
- Purpose – Taken primarily by juniors, the PSAT/NMSQT is both a practice test for the SAT and the qualifying tset for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
- Subjects – Covers Reading, Writing and Launguage, and Math, with a slightly easier level of difficulty compared to the SAT.
- Scoring – Scored on a scale of 320 to 1520. The Selection Index, which is used to determine National Merit Scholarship eligibility, is calculated by doubling the sum of the Reading, Writing, and Math scores.
- National Merit Scholarship – High scores on the PSAT/NMSQT can qualify students for recongnition and scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship program.
Purpose of SAT and PSAT: Why Take Them?
|
Test |
Purpose |
Why Take It? |
|
SAT |
College Admissions |
– Key component of the college admissions process |
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Scholarship Opportunities |
– Qualify for merit-based scholarships |
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Academic Benchmarking |
– Indicator of readiness for college coursework which is essential part of the SAT exam |
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College Placement |
– Placement in advanced courses or remedial classes |
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National Comparison |
– Standardized measure to compare academic ability across students |
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PSAT |
SAT Preparation |
– Practice test for the SAT to familiarize with format and content |
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National Merit Scholarship Qualification |
– Opportunity to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program |
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Academic Progress Tracking |
– Provides feedback on strengths and areas for improvement |
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College Readiness Benchmark |
– Early indicator of college readiness |
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Course Planning |
– Guides selection of high school courses and academic planning |
Who Takes Them and When?
|
Test |
Who Takes It? |
When Is It Taken? |
|
SAT |
– High school juniors and seniors (11th and 12th grades) |
– Multiple times a year (usually in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June) |
|
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– Students applying for college admissions |
– Scheduling can vary, but most commonly in junior and senior years of high school |
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PSAT |
– High school sophomores and juniors (10th and 11th grades) |
– Once a year (typically in October) |
|
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– Primarily juniors for National Merit Scholarship consideration |
– Typically administered in October during the school day |
Administration and Registration Differences: PSAT & SAT
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Aspect |
SAT |
PSAT |
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Administration |
– Administered by the College Board |
– Administered by the College Board |
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– Held at designated testing centers nationwide |
– Administered at participating high schools |
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Registration |
– Students register online through the College Board website |
– Registration typically managed by high schools |
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– Requires payment of a test fee (around $60) |
– Generally included in school fees or covered by the school |
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Test Dates |
– Offered multiple times a year (usually in August, October, November, December, March, May, June) |
– Offered once a year (typically in October) |
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Test Fee |
– Approximately $60, with additional fees for late registration or additional services |
– Typically no additional fee; included in school costs |
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Score Reporting |
– Scores sent to colleges as part of application process |
– Scores are sent to students and schools; not sent to colleges |
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Testing Locations |
– Specific test centers assigned based on location |
– Administered at the student’s own high school |
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Special Accommodations |
– Available for students with documented needs through the College Board |
– Available at participating schools for students with documented needs |
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Registration Deadlines |
– Deadlines vary based on test date; usually several weeks before the test |
– Registration typically occurs through schools, often with a set deadline in the fall |
Difficulty Level: SAT & PSAT
| Section | PSAT | SAT |
| Reading | 60 minutes, 47 questions | 65 minutes, 52 questions |
| Writing and Language | 35 minutes, 44 questions | 35 minutes, 44 questions |
| Math — No Calculator | 25 minutes, 17 questions | 25 minutes, 20 questions |
| Math — Calculator | 45 minutes, 31 questions | 55 minutes, 38 questions |
| Total | 2 hours 45 minutes, 139 questions | 3 hours, 154 questions |
PSAT to SAT Score Conversion and Percentiles
|
Percentile |
PSAT Total Score |
SAT Total Score |
|
99+ |
1490-1520 |
1560-1600 |
|
99 |
1460-1480 |
1520-1550 |
|
95 |
1360-1370 |
1430-1440 |
|
90 |
1280 |
1350 |
|
85 |
1230 |
1290 |
|
80 |
1190 |
1240-1250 |
|
75 |
1150 |
1200-1210 |
|
50 |
1000-1010 |
1040-1050 |
When to attempt the NMSQT exam?
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The PSAT/NMSQT exam is typically taken during a student's junior year of high school, specifically in the fall. Here are some details on when to attempt the NMSQT:
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Primary Test Date: The main test date for the PSAT/NMSQT usually falls in mid-October.
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Alternate Test Date: There is often an alternate test date in October for students who cannot attend on the primary date.
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Sophomore Year (Optional): Some students choose to take the PSAT/NMSQT in their sophomore year as a practice run. However, only the score from the junior year attempt counts for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
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Preparation Timeline: It's recommended to begin preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT in the spring or summer before junior year to maximize your performance.
FAQ's
Q. Are SAT exam is harder than PSAT?
A. Here is a table comapring the SAT and PSAT in terms of difficulty and other key factors:
|
Aspect |
SAT |
PSAT |
|
Difficulty Level |
More challenging with advanced content |
Slightly easier with less advanced content |
|
Content Areas |
Reading, Writing and Language, Math |
Reading, Writing and Language, Math |
|
Test Length |
Longer, with more questions and sections |
Shorter, fewer questions and sections |
|
Scoring Range |
400 to 1600 |
320 to 1520 |
|
Purpose |
College admissions test |
Practice test and National Merit Scholarship qualification |
|
Optional Essay |
Yes, includes an optional essay section |
No essay section |
|
Target Audience |
Juniors and seniors (11th and 12th grade) |
Sophomores and juniors (10th and 11th grade) |
|
Stakes |
High (used for college admissions) |
Lower (practice and scholarship qualification) |
Q. Basic difference between PSAT & SAT?
A. The SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) is a college entrance exam widely used for college admissions in the United States. The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is a practice version of the SAT. While both tests are similar in format and content, the PSAT is slightly shorter and does not include an essay section. The PSAT is also used to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Q. What is need to take PSAT?
A. Taking the PSAT can help you prepare for the SAT by familiarizing you with the format and types of questions on the SAT. Additionally, if you score well on the PSAT during your junior year, you may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship, which can provide significant financial aid for college.
Q. How are the SAT and PSAT scored?
A. Both the PSAT and SAT are scored on a scale of 1600. The SAT includes two sections: EvidencBased Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math, each scored from 200 to 800. The PSAT has the same sections, but the scoring scale ranges from 320 to 1520. The SAT also includes an optional essay, which is scored seperately.
Q. Can I use my PSAT scores to apply to college?
A. No, PSAT scores are not sent to colleges and cannot be used for college admissions. The PSAT is intended as a practice test and a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Colleges solely examine SAT or ACT scores for admission.
Q. Do colleges see my PSAT scores?
A. Colleges do not view your PSAT results. These scores are only used for personal assessment, qualification for schoarships, and as a benchmark for preparing for the SAT.
Q. How much does it cost to take the SAT and PSAT?
A. The PSAT typically costs around $18, though some schools cover the fee for students. The SAT costs around $60, with additional fees if you register late or wish to send scores to colleges after the initial registration.
Q. What is the National Merit Scholarship program, and how does the PSAT relate to it?
A. The National Merit Scholarship Program is a nationalwide scholarship competition based on PSAT/NMSQT scores. High-scoring students on the PSAT in their junior year may qualify as National Merit Semifinalists and, if they meet additional criteria, can become Finalists eligible for scholarships.
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