PSAT 10 Guide 2025: Format, Scoring, Registration & Preparation Tips

If you aim for the best colleges and getting scholarships is your dream, then taking the PSAT 10 can open those doors. PSAT 10 is aimed at sophomores and is a valuable component of the College Board's SAT Suite of Assessments. Although it doesn't qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship like the PSAT/NMSQT, it provides a detailed look at individual academic strengths and areas to work on. Administered in the spring, it introduces students to the format and content of the SAT, helping them feel more prepared. With its robust score reports, the PSAT 10 supports better course selection and targeted SAT prep. It's a perfect preview of the question and test formats they will face later in life. To know more about the PSAT 1,0, keep reading this article. 

What Should You Take the PSAT 10?

One crucial thing about sitting for the PSAT 10 is that it's a step towards being eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Though the PSAT 10 itself does not provide eligibility for National Merit consideration, it gives the platform for the PSAT/NMSQT during junior year, which, if performed well, may offer scholarship opportunities. Since it is a standardized test that evaluates skills in Reading, Writing, and Math, it will help you to become SAT-ready. 

This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the format and question types and help you encounter future assessments. The test is administered digitally and is typically offered in the spring. While the PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT are highly similar in format—same sections, questions, and time—there is one crucial difference based on the timing and National Merit eligibility. The PSAT 10 is administered in the spring, and the PSAT/NMSQT is administered in the fall. It is the sole test that can earn you National Merit recognition.

• Academic Benchmarking: Assess your current academic standing and identify areas for growth.
• SAT Preparation: Gain experience with the SAT's structure and content, aiding in future test readiness.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Link to scholarship programs and recognition opportunities via College Board partners.
• AP Course Placement: Use score insights to determine readiness for Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

What Is the Structure & Content of the PSAT 10 Test?

The PSAT 10 is a standardized test aimed at 10th-grade students, offering an excellent opportunity to get a feel for the SAT before taking it in the future. The test is divided into three main sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. 

• The Reading section has 47 multiple-choice questions based on passages that test your ability to understand and analyze text. The Writing and Language section includes 44 multiple-choice questions on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and writing skills. 
• Admittedly, all math sections are bifurcated into calculator use and no calculator use, emphasizing that this part consists of 38 questions about algebra, data analysis, and advanced mathematics.

Overall, the PSAT 10 lasts about two hours and 45 minutes, allowing students to gauge their readiness for the PSAT 10 scores. It's a valuable tool for identifying areas to work on before taking the SAT, all while earning practice points that can help boost your academic performance.

How is the PSAT 10 scored? 

The PSAT 10 is an excellent opportunity for 10th graders to get a preview of the SAT, and knowing how it is scored is essential in maximizing their test scores. So here's the scoop on how each part of the test is graded and how to use this information for future prep.

The total test score is the sum of the two section scores.

How Is the Reading Section Scored?

The Reading section is about how well you can read and analyze written passages. You'll respond to 47 multiple-choice questions based on various texts—everything from history to social science to literature. This section scored 160 to 760. Here's how it works: 

• You earn one point for every correct answer, but there is no penalty if you guess. 
• Your raw score (the number of correct answers) is then converted into a scaled score to account for slight differences in test difficulty.
• In short, this section tests your reading comprehension skills, so keep practicing reading challenging material to boost that score.

How Is the Writing and Language Section Scored?

The Writing and Language section is where you'll demonstrate your grammar, punctuation, and editing abilities. You'll respond to 44 multiple-choice questions that request you to edit and improve sentences, correct grammar mistakes, and ensure the passages read well. 

• Like the reading section, this section scored between 160 and 760, with one point for each correct response and no penalty for incorrect responses. 
• Your raw score will be converted into a scaled score depending on the complexity of the questions. 
• Emphasize your grammar and writing clarity to increase your score here—it's more about strengthening the text than identifying the errors.

How Is the Math Section Scored?

The Math section consists of two sections: one where you can use a PSAT score calculator and one where you cannot. It contains 38 questions spanning various math topics, such as algebra, data analysis, and some advanced math. 

• This section is scored the same as the other two: 160 to 760, and each correct response earns you one point. There's no penalty for wrong answers, so answer every question, even if you're guessing. 
• Like in the other sections, the raw score is converted to a scaled score. This section tests your problem-solving skills, so it's essential to get comfortable with the types of questions that typically show up.

How to Register for PSAT 10?

For PSAT 10, students usually won't have to register separately because the registration process is often handled through the student's high school. The schools will also typically coordinate testing so the students receive word on the registration procedure from the school counseling office. Be sure to make contact with your school in advance of time to inquire about specific dates, deadlines, and required actions. Some schools will have a spring registration window when students can register, but others will register students based on their grade level. Please ask about any other documents or permissions that might be needed.

What Should You Bring on the Test Day?

On the day of the PSAT 10, being fully prepared is essential. The list of things that you should bring on the test day is mentioned below:

• Valid Photo ID: You must provide a valid photo ID, e.g., a school ID or a driver's license, for check-in purposes at the test center. This is to help the test administrators verify your identity before you start.
• Approved Calculator: The Math section of the PSAT 10 allows using a calculator, but make sure to bring one that the College Board approves. Generally, this means any standard scientific or graphing calculator that doesn't have internet access or the ability to store information. It's a good idea to check the College Board's list of approved calculators beforehand to avoid bringing one that may be disallowed.
• No. 2 Pencils: You will need a few No. 2 pencils to complete the answer sheet. Mechanical pencils are not permitted, so bring regular pencils with erasers. It is always a good idea to get extra pencils in case one breaks or runs out of lead during the test.
• Snacks and Water during Breaks: The PSAT 10 is a lengthy test, taking approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, with breaks in between. 

Ensure to carry a small snack and a water bottle to remain refreshed during the breaks. Nonetheless, snacks and beverages are prohibited in the testing room, but you can take them during the scheduled break periods.

How to Prepare for PSAT 10?

Adequate preparation can enhance your PSAT 10 performance. Consider the following resources:

• Simulate Test Conditions: Practice tests under timed conditions to acclimatize to the pressure and speed of the actual test.
• Use Online Flashcards: Develop online flashcards for instant review of essential concepts and vocabulary. Quizlet is ideal for this.
• Target Weak Areas: Use practice tests to identify your weakest areas and devote additional time to working on those areas.
• Review Mistakes Thoroughly: Once you've taken practice tests, thoroughly review each mistake and comprehend why the correct answer is correct, not merely why your answer is incorrect.
• Teach What You Learn: Teach concepts you're learning to another person or even yourself. Teaching solidifies your knowledge.
• Practice Mental Math: Practice mental math tricks to make calculations faster on the Math section of the test, saving you time for more difficult questions.

Should You Take the PSAT 10 or the PSAT/NMSQT?

When considering whether to take the PSAT 10 or the PSAT/NMSQT, it is essential to understand the differences between the two and how each one aligns with your goals.

PSAT 10

• Target Group: Aimed at 10th-grade students.
• Timing: Administered in the spring.
• Purpose: Serves as a practice test for the SAT.
• Eligibility for National Merit: Students are not qualified for National Merit recognition.
• Benefits: It helps assess academic strengths and weaknesses, a nd prepares students for future SAT exams.

PSAT/NMSQT

• Target Group: Aimed at 11th-grade students.
• Timing: Administered in the fall.
• Purpose: Similar in format to PSAT 10, but with additional eligibility for National Merit recognition.
• Eligibility for National Merit: Qualifies students for the National Merit Scholarship Program if they meet the required score.
• Benefits: Provides an opportunity for scholarships through National Merit and a strong SAT preparation tool.

Post-Test Opportunities

Scholarships and Recognition:

While the PSAT 10 doesn't qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program, it connects students with various scholarship opportunities through College Board partners.

AP Course Recommendations:

Your PSAT 10 scores can help determine which AP courses fit your talents, supporting academic planning.

Final Thoughts

The PSAT 10 is an important milestone along your educational pathway, giving you information about being prepared for college and standardised testing. Gain the most from your experience by learning about the test format, preparing wisely for it, and using the scores to plan for your future.