What is the PSAT 8/9?
The PSAT 8/9 is an assessment given to eighth- and ninth-graders that is closely aligned to the PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10. It consists of questions in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and in Math.
What are the benefits of taking the PSAT 8/9 assessment?
It helps establish a baseline for students as they enter high school and begin preparing for college and career readiness. It also provides students with better access to data and personalized study through the online College Board and Khan Academy resources.
When will my student take the PSAT 8/9 assessment?
It will be administered during class on October 18th.
How should my student prepare?
The best preparation is to deeply engage in classroom learning and practice skills over time. On test day, your student should answer all the questions to the best of his or her ability. It will also help if he or she gets plenty of sleep the night before test day.
What should my student bring on test day?
Your student will need two No. 2 pencils with soft erasers, an acceptable calculator.
How long will the assessment take and how many questions are there?
Actual testing time is 2 hours and 25 minutes. There are 42 Reading questions, 40 Writing and Language questions, and 38 Math questions.
What should my student do if he or she doesn’t know an answer?
Your student may encounter some difficult questions that he or she does not know how to answer. Advise your student that if this happens, not to get discouraged but to answer every question to the best of his or her ability.
How does my student receive PSAT 8/9 scores?
Your student will receive a paper score report at school with a unique code giving him or her access to a robust online score report. The scores reported will grow to include every test your student takes that is part of the SAT Suite of Assessments (see collegeboard.org/sat-suite for more information). The online experience is designed to help you and your student understand the scores better and to use the feedback to build new skills based on a detailed breakdown of your student’s performance.
A message for parents:
The PSAT 8/9 assessment will help your student prepare for the future. By taking the PSAT 8/9, your student will learn which skills he or she needs to work on for continued success through high school and college. In addition, the PSAT 8/9 will identify areas where your student excels and may want to consider taking higher-level courses, as well as areas he or she should focus on to improve academically. Please note that PSAT 8/9 scores are not sent to colleges.
