In 2015 the PSAT underwent its biggest change in 30 years.The College Board says its goal was to make the test more relevant to high school curriculum. Our awesome research team has been closely monitoring the PSAT changes to make sure counselors, parents, and students get the inside scoop.

The first administration of the redesigned PSAT was in October 2015. 

The content on the New PSAT is very similar to that which was on the PSAT in years past. The major difference is in how the concepts are tested and the steps students will have to take to solve problems correctly. Students will have to reason their way through this exam by tackling problems in a linear and sequential fashion. A student’s ability to process information quickly is key.

The bottom line? This remains a very coachable test for which students need to prepare.

The New PSAT (as of October 2015)
SECTIONS 2 sections
  • Math
  • Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
SCORING Scores reported on the following scale:
  • 320–1520 (total)
  • 160–760 (section scores)
  • 8–38 (test scores)
  • 8–38 (cross-test scores)
  • 1–15 (subscores)
LENGTH OF TEST
(WITHOUT BREAKS) 		2 hours, 45 minutes
INCORRECT ANSWER PENALTY No penalty for incorrect answers
CALCULATORS Calculators permitted on some math questions

Timing on the New PSAT
SectionTime Allotted
(minutes)		Number of Questions
Math 70 48
Reading 60 47
Writing 35 44
TOTAL 165 139

Getting the score you want on this high-stakes test starts by creating a plan for preparation. No matter what your areas of academic strength or weakness, or your confidence as a test taker, focused practice and dedicated effort to understanding where you need to improve will be key to cracking the test.

  • Want a sneak peak of question types you'll face on the PSAT? Take a free PSAT practice test.

  • Register with us. We'll send you updates on the latest information on the test, free events in your area, and upcoming promotions.

  • Create your prep plan. Because the tests are almost identical, the most efficient way to prep for the PSAT is to prep for the SAT. Now for a limited time, get our PSAT prep (a $299 value) for free when you enroll in a comprehensive SAT course or tutoring program.

  • Did you already take the PSAT? Go over your PSAT score report carefully to identify areas where you need additional prep for the SAT.

Our experts are pros at analyzing PSAT scores and helping students build out a plan for the rest of high school, and we’re ready to help. For more information, give us a call at  800-2REVIEW.

The Princeton Review has been helping students prepare to do their best on test day for more than thirty years. Got questions? We've got the answers.

Check back here to learn more about what's coming…and what you can do to be ready. Want to talk now?
Call us:  800-2REVIEW.

 

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