What is the PSAT?

The PSAT is a preliminary version of the SAT, which serves as an invaluable practice opportunity-and can open the door to National Merit Scholarships and other awards. Find out more about why you should take the PSAT.

How is the PSAT structured and timed?

The PSAT is two hours and ten minutes long. It's divided into the following sections:

Section	Length	Question Types	# of Questions
Math	Two 25-minute sections	Multiple Choice Grid-Ins	28 10
Critical Reading	Two 25-minute sections	Sentence Completion Reading Comprehension	13 35
Writing Skills	One 30-minute section	Identifying Sentence Errors Improving Sentences Improving Paragraphs	14 20 5

How can I register for the PSAT?

You can register with your guidance counselor or at any high school in your community.

What's the range of possible PSAT scores?

Each PSAT section has a scaled score from 20-80 points.

What are average PSAT scores?

Section	Average Scores for Sophomores (2006)^	Average Scores for Juniors (2006)^
Math	43.5	48.5
Critical Reading	42.6	47.7
Writing Skills	40.8	45.8

^Information from the College Board's PSAT/NMSQT 2006 State Summary Reports.

When can I take the PSAT?

The PSAT/NMSQT is administered on the third Saturday of October and the preceding Wednesday.

Upcoming PSAT/NMSQT Administration Dates
2007	Wednesday, October 17th Saturday, October 20th
2008	Wednesday, October 15th Saturday, October 18th
2009	Wednesday, October 14th Saturday, October 17th
2010	Wednesday, October 13th Saturday, October 16th

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