PSAT8/9 and PSAT10

The PSAT, or Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, is the ninth and tenth grade Colorado state summative assessment for language arts and mathematics. Created by College Board, the PSAT is aligned to the Colorado Academic Standards and measures a student’s mastery of the standards in reading, writing and language, and math. Ninth grade students take the PSAT 9. Tenth grade students take the PSAT 10. 

The PSAT helps students prepare for the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), an important college entrance exam taken by all Colorado eleventh graders. Since the SAT is used by most colleges to accept students and grant scholarships, taking the PSAT is a key step for students preparing to go to college. The PSAT is similar to the SAT in questions and format, and scores on the PSAT provide a prediction of future SAT performance.

When are students tested?

The PSAT8/9 and PSAT10 are given in April to all freshmen (9th grade) and sophomores (10th grade) and administered using using the new Bluebook app on all school-issued Chromebooks. The test is approximately 2 hours long; a more detailed schedule will be provided closer to the test date. 

How much does the test cost?

In an effort to ensure that all Colorado 9th and 10th grade students have equitable access to the test and its benefits, the Colorado Department of Education provides all students who are currently enrolled in a public school the opportunity to take the PSAT for free, both in 9th and 10th grade. 

How are students scored? How are those scores used?

Students will receive scores between 320 and 1520. This score represents the combined score of student progress in the math section and the reading and writing section. The scores will not be included on student transcripts and will be mailed to students before the end of the school year. The PSAT and SAT are designed to inform instruction, ensure students are meeting grade-level expectations and are on track for college, identify those falling behind so that teachers can intervene, and to provide an indicator of student readiness for AP coursework. Student scores do not count for grades and are not included on college transcripts. 

How can students prepare for the PSAT?