The PSAT is the Preliminary SAT. This test mirrors the SAT in subject matter, but is shorter and has no bearing on a student’s university admission, although it may be an indicator of how strong an SAT score you can expect. Outside of the US, the PSAT is only used as a preparation tool for the SAT.
The test is two hours and 10 minutes in duration.
Please see below for a breakdown of the PSAT test:
| Section | Length | Question types | Specific Content Tested |
| Critical Reading | Two 25-minute sections. 48 questions total. | 50 Questions (multiple choice) Computation, Geometry, Algebra, Mathematical Concepts | |
| Math | Two 25-minute sections. 38 questions total. | 60 Questions (multiple choice) 30 Synonyms, 30 Analogies | Numbers and Operation, Algebra and Functions, Geometry & Measurement Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability |
| Writing | One 30-minute section. 39 questions total | 40 Questions (multiple choice) ~ 7 Reading Passages |
For more information about the PSAT, please visit the College Board website www.collegeboard.com
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Kaplan offers preparation for the PSAT in the form of Private Tuition. You’ll work with one of our expert teachers one-on-one to work on improving your knowledge and performance in the PSAT.