Are You PSAT-Ready?

The PSAT is one of the most important exams for students looking to test their Reading and Writing and Math skills through standardized testing. The prep test is  2 hours and 24 minutes. It has a total of 98 questions broken down into two modules per skill. Reading and Writing will have two modules, each containing 27 questions needing to be answered in 32 minutes. The PSAT tests participants on Information and Ideas, Craft and Structure, Expression of Ideas, and Standard English Conventions. After these two modules, there will be a ten-minute break.

Once the break is over, the test will automatically start with the two Math modules.  They both contain 22 questions and need to be answered in 35 minutes. The modules will cover Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem-Solving/Data Analysis, and Geometry and Trigonometry. The PSAT has a built-in graphing calculator on the testing website. Module 2 of Reading and Writing and Math tend to be more difficult than their Module 1 counterparts. The exam score range is 320-1520.

The following checklist will make sure test-takers are prepared for test day. You must bring:

• Your fully charged school-issued Chromebook with testing setup completed before entering the testing site.
• Your current-year physical student ID card OR a printed document from your counselor that displays your student information. 
• A portable charger or a charging cord
• A writing utensil
• (Optional) Water and a snack to consume only during the ten-minute break between sections.

Scratch paper is provided by the proctor in the testing site, and all electronic devices besides the device that the test will be taken on must be put away or will be collected before the test begins. Accommodations should have been submitted at least seven weeks before the test date. For our October 17 PSAT, the deadline was August 29th. 

“It is practice for the SAT. It gives students an opportunity to experience the format, timing, and types of questions they will see on the SAT. Students can receive a detailed score report since it identifies strengths and areas for improvement. As a junior, the PSAT score can qualify them for the National Merit Scholarship as well,” said CSArts learning specialist, Ms. Kang. 

“The College Board publishes the number of National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists/Finalists from each school every year. Therefore, schools get national recognition when they have students who qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program. Additionally, the College Board publishes practice resources on their SAT Suite Website.” said CSArts counselor Mindy Shiroma. 

Test- takers are also advised to do their own research about the test and look up any other questions they may have regarding it to their counselor or online. Remember that one bad test score is not the end of the world. You may have a setback, but there will always be more opportunities to follow as long as you persevere. Your hard work defines you, not your tests.