PSAT
What is the PSAT?
The PSAT is a test used to prepare for the SAT, one of two primary exams used for college admissions. Additionally, the test is also used for many scholarship opportunities that a high-achieving student may qualify for.
About the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 8/9
Promoting College Readiness: The PSAT/NMSQT helps students become college-ready. It provides detailed feedback on skills, access to scholarships and personalized online tools, and excellent practice for the SAT. The PSAT/NMSQT assesses reading, math, and writing skills. It does so in the same format for the SAT, which can help create a specific study plan for future success on the SAT. However, there are some very clear advantages of taking the PSAT.
For instance:
National Merit Scholarship Program
PSAT/NMSQT scores are used as an initial screen of entrants to the National Merit Scholarship Program, which recognizes outstanding academic achievement by U.S. high school students. Click here to learn more about the National Merit Scholarship Program
Recognition of Outstanding Hispanic/Latino Students
The College Board recognizes academically outstanding Hispanic/Latino U.S. high school students. Click here to learn more about the National Hispanic Recognition Program
National Scholarship Service
The National Scholarship Service offers a free college advisory and referral service for eleventh-grade African-American students. To participate write to: National Scholarship Service 980 Martin Luther King Drive, SW, PO Box 11409 Atlanta, GA 30310
Telluride Seminar Scholarships
The Telluride Association offers scholarships to gifted eleventh-grade students for their six-week summer program in the humanities and social sciences. Telluride Association Website
Practice Test and Sample Questions
Take a full-length practice test, explore sample questions, and visit Khan Academy. Go to Practice for the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10.
Give It a Try and See for Yourself
What will the redesigned PSAT/NMSQT and the PSAT 10 really be like? Find out firsthand by printing and taking the official redesigned PSAT/NMSQT practice test.
You can also explore these sample questions:
- Reading Sample Questions
- Writing and Language Sample Questions
- Math Sample Questions
- Calculator: Permitted
- Calculator: Not Permitted
Note that the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 do not include an essay.
PSAT Score Ranges
With more scores, the new PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 8/9 provide a clear, early picture of you and your readiness for college. They help you and your teachers pinpoint areas for improvement. Learn about the tests' place in the vertical score scale that spans all tests in the SAT Suite of Assessments.
PSAT/NMSQT Score Ranges
| PSAT/NMSQT Score Reported | Details | Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| Total Score | Sum of the two section scores. | 320-1520 |
| Section scores (2) | Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math. | 160-760 |
| Test scores (3) | Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. | 8-38 |
| Cross-test scores (2) | Analysis in History/Social Studies and Analysis in Science. Based on selected questions in the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math Tests. | 8-38 |
| Subscores (7) |
Reading and Writing and Language: Command of Evidence and Words in Context. Writing and Language: Expression of Ideas and Standard English Conventions. Math: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Passport to Advanced Math. |
1-15 |
PSAT 8/9
| PSAT 8/9 | Details | Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| Total Score | Sum of the two section scores. | 240-1440 |
| Section scores (2) | Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math. | 120-720 |
| Test scores (3) | Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. | 6-36 |
| Cross-test scores (2) | Analysis in History/Social Studies and Analysis in Science. Based on selected questions in the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math Tests. | 6-36 |
| Subscores (6) |
Reading and Writing and Language: Command of Evidence and Words in Context. Writing and Language: Expression of Ideas and Standard English Conventions. Math: Heart of Algebra, Problem Solving and Data Analysis. |
1-15 |
Presentation Recordings
2021-2022 Testing Dates
For Staff
Staff Testing Suggestions
- Your team should consist of APs, the librarian, a student services facilitator and nurse.
- Cross train everyone on every part but have a few with specific duties. Make a checklist.
- Offer many sessions of training in one day, make a list of each person who needs to attend training, cross off when they come.
- Have the nurse send list of students with medications. Have a table set up in hall for her to administer medications during break. The list will help notate which students to send.
- Have student backpacks at the front of the room, with phones set to off (not just vibrate). Have student place snacks on the outside of the backpack. They are not allowed to open the backpacks at all during testing.
- Have one person assigned to handle calculators, such as the math chair. This person will work with the science department to coordinate all the calculator needs.
- In the month ahead, during English class, pass out student information booklet and review student email with PSAT details. Also, send out flyers and information to students' families.
- Verify that each student's answer sheet has the grade selected.
Campus Codes
- Byron Nelson High School: 444916
- V.R. Eaton High School: 442611
- Northwest High School: 443715
- Steele Early College High School: 445889
- Adams Middle School: 448262
- Chisholm Trail Middle School: 449782
- Medlin Middle School: 449784
- Pike Middle School: 449783
- Tidwell Middle School: 449785
- Wilson Middle School: 449786