Every Teen Can Succeed

What is the PSAT?
The PSAT/NMQST (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), like the SAT, will measure a student's ability to solve and comprehend subjects within the following sections: Critical Reading, Math problem-solving, and Writing skills. Unlike the SAT, this exam is only approximately 2½ hours, is given only once a year in October, and does not contain the Essay portion. By providing feedback on student performance, the PSAT prepares students to take the SAT.

PSAT test-takers may qualify for scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship Program. A percentage of the highest scorers will be eligible for scholarships even as they identify themselves to colleges and universities. All students have the opportunity, by indicating their preference for college majors, to have colleges and universities send information to them about their individual programs.

PSAT scores for each subject range from 20-80. Students are also ranked by percentile when compared to the rest of the student body who also took the PSAT.

Each section of the PSAT is comprised of several different types of questions:

  • In the Critical Reading section, the exam has Sentence Completion (fill-in the blank) and Passage-based reading questions (short and long passages)
  • The Mathematics section has Multiple choice questions and Student-produced responses (grid-ins)
  • The Writing section consists of Improving Sentences, Identifying Sentence Errors, and Improving Paragraph questions

    Students will receive a printed report of their scores and indication of their percentile ranks, the answers they got correct and incorrect, and tips on improving their scores using specific strategies targeted towards their common errors made on the PSAT. Along with this report, students will also receive their test booklets to assist in their review.

    The strategies used for the PSAT will eventually help students in preparing to take the SAT. The PSAT also begins to prepare the student to consider going to college. Students should not miss the opportunity to take the PSAT. The sooner a student decides to continue their studies after high school, the greater the chances are that they will one day receive a college degree.

    In August and September, we provide a Free Preliminary PSAT On-line Workshop as we preview the upcoming PSAT with more information for your teen on the importance of the exam, preparing with strategies, and understanding the final results. In January and February, we offer a Free PSAT On-line Review Workshop as we review the test scores and strategies once the PSAT results are returned.

    Visit our Calendar and Schedule for the latest dates and times, or email us to be placed on our contact list at admin@testsuccesshawaii.com.