The PSAT 8/9 consists of 2 sections:
(1) the Reading and Writing section, and
(2) the Math section.
Most of the questions are multiple choice, though some of the math questions ask you to type in the answer rather than select it.
An advantage of taking this test is that you will know your strengths and what skills you'll need to practice so you can continue to improve. Then you can track your progress when you take the PSAT 10, PSAT/NMSQT, and/or SAT.
See what these test are like
The PSAT 8/9 takes 2 hours and 14 minutes.
Source: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-8-9 (accessed on 25 January 2024)
The PSAT 8/9 is now digital. This is what to expect:
PSAT 8/9 Test Preparation
Start early.
People think test prep is a horrendous, stressful process. It’s not – if you start early. If you start studying a month before your test, it’s going to be hellish and stressful, and you won’t be able to leverage your brain’s preference for absorbing information over the long-term. If you start months in advance, you can put in 20-40 minutes a day (split into small sessions of 10-20 minutes each) and get way higher scores.
You’ll get a much higher score and the entire process will be way easier. As a bonus, you won’t need to derail any of your other activities – even if you’re in the debate club, on varsity soccer, and dealing with a challenging course load, you can easily find the time to study for 15 minutes in the morning and another 15 minutes in the afternoon. Why wouldn’t you?
To get practice materials please access:
FREE RESOURCE: Blue Book is the app that will be used for the digital PSAT 8/9 and it is where students can download Bluebook and find mock exams. It is a good idea to get acquainted with this app before the test day.
FREE RESOURCE: College Board's official website that offers recommendations and resources.
How do you access your PSAT scores and reports?
You can review your online reports through your College Board account.
The best method for students to get information about all of their scores and other college planning resources is to log in to their College Board account.
In order to access to your College Board account, log in to your existing account or create a new one at:
Input your personal information under “Create Your Student Account.” Please remember that this information (name, date of birth, email address) must match the information you provided in the student questionnaire on the PSAT/NMSQT.
Source: https://counselors.collegeboard.org/professional-learning/score-week-for-counselors (accessed on 11th April, 2020)
Understanding your PSAT 8/9 scores:
*PSAT 8/9:
Things you should do after taking the PSAT 8/9:
Take these steps to make the most of your scores:
Log in to or create a College Board account online (https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/scores/getting-scores). PSAT/NMSQT scores will be released online. Log in to your account to see scores and test performance feedback.
Get free, personalized SAT practice. The PSAT 8/9 is great preparation for the PSAT/NMSQT. Your score unlocks a free, personalized practice plan through Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy®. Visit satpractice.org, create an account, and link your College Board and Khan Academy accounts for a plan based on your test results.