PSAT Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PSAT 8/9?
The PSAT 8/9 is a test that will help you and your teachers figure out what you need to work on most so that you’re ready for college when you graduate from high school. It tests the same skills and knowledge as the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and PSAT 10—in a way that makes sense for your grade level.
The PSAT 8/9 is designed for 8th and 9th grade students. Scores for the PSAT 8/9, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and SAT are reported on a common vertical scale, allowing educators and students to measure progress.
In accordance with California Senate Bill 359, Temple City Unified School District will use PSAT 8/9 results as one of multiple measures to determine student placement in high school mathematics. Other measures include student grades, iReady scores, and CAASPP results.
What is the test date?
Oak Avenue 8th graders will take the PSAT 8/9 on February 24, 2017. The test will last approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes.
What are the benefits of taking the PSAT 8/9?
The PSAT 8/9 establishes a baseline measurement of college and career readiness. Score reports will give students comprehensive, personalized feedback on test performance, allowing students to see which questions were answered incorrectly and which academic skills they should work on to improve. Students will have the opportunity to upload their test results to Khan Academy and receive personalized learning plans that they can use to practice the skills they need to improve. Furthermore, the online score-reporting portal gives educators helpful information about students’ college and career readiness.
What material is covered on the PSAT 8/9?
The PSAT 8/9 is highly relevant to your future success and focuses on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education. It measures what you learn in school and what you need to succeed in college.
The PSAT consists of three parts: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. Each test assesses the academic skills that students have developed over the years, primarily through course work. These skills are considered essential for success in high school and college and career. The Reading Test consists of 42 passage-based questions and lasts 55 minutes. All questions are multiple choice and based on passages. Some passages are paired with other passages or informational graphics such as charts, graphs, and tables. No mathematical computation is required. Prior topic-specific knowledge is never tested.
The Writing and Language Test consists of 40 Passage-Based questions and lasts 30 minutes. All questions are multiple choice and based on passages. Some passages are paired with informational graphics such as charts, graphs, and tables. No mathematical computation is required. Prior topic-specific knowledge is never tested. The Writing and Language Test puts students in the active role of an editor who is improving a written passage. Most questions ask students to decide which, if any, of the three alternatives to an underlined part of a passage most improves it.
The Math Test consists of two sections with a total of 38 questions. Most math questions will be multiple choice, but some will be student-produced responses grid-ins). The Math Test is divided into two parts: Math Test Calculator and Math Test No Calculator. A calculator is NOT required to answer any of the questions in either section. Some parts of the test will present a scenario and then ask several questions about it.
How do I prepare for the PSAT 8/9?
The same habits and choices that lead to success in school will help you get ready for the PSAT 8/9. You don’t have to discover secret tricks or cram the night before. The best way to prepare is to take challenging courses, do your homework, prepare for tests and quizzes, and ask and answer lots of questions. In short, take charge of your education and learn as much as you can. You can find out what kinds of questions you’ll see on the PSAT 8/9 and what the test will measure at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-8-9/inside-the-test
How much does it cost?
Temple City Unified School District will cover all costs associated with the PSAT 8/9.
How is the PSAT scored? Rights-Only Scoring
- 1 point for each correct answer
- 0 points deducted for each incorrect or blank question Math Grid-ins
- Enter answers as reduced) fractions or decimals
- If rounding a decimal, make sure to use every box Scale
- 120 720 for each test section
- 240 1440 for the total score
You can access the complete PSAT 8/9 Student Guide—with information about the test, test taking advice and tips, and directions and sample test questions at this link