Free PSAT Practice Test Questions
The PSAT/NMSQT, or Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, administered by College Board, serves both as a practice version of the SAT and as the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program – targeting high school students, mostly in junior year.
The test includes two sections: Math and Reading and Writing (Reading and Writing are merged into the same section). This page includes free PSAT Practice Tests, with explanations and valuable tips that will help prepare you for test day. Let's begin!
Free PSAT Practice Test - Math Arithmetic Questions
This section is divided into two parts: one where calculators are allowed, and one where they are not. It covers algebra, advanced math, problem-solving, data analysis, and some geometry and trigonometry.
Question 1
If 2x+3=3x−4, what is the value of 7x?
Question 2
What are the solutions to the quadratic equation x2−4x−5=0?
PSAT Math Tip – Practice to simplify:
In the PSAT/NMSQT math section, you will encounter challenging questions, some of which may be time-consuming and require multiple steps of calculations to complete. Since time is of the essence – you must be able to identify questions that can be simply answered – such as question 2. You could perform a complete quadratic formula which will take much longer. However, by thorough practice, you can identify easily that there's a simpler method – such as factoring the equation.
The PSAT/NMSQT Math section includes 44 questions to be taken in 70 minutes – which are divided into two modules (22 questions in 35 minutes). Since there are less than two minutes for each question – make sure to work smart and efficiently.
Use the tools you have (built-in calculator, formulas sheet) and make sure to not dwell too much on difficult questions – start by recognizing easy questions you can easily answer and save more time for difficult and long questions. That way – you can guarantee more "easy" questions will be answered without time pressure and have more time to answer each "difficult" question.
Understanding the PSAT/NMSQT Score:
Each section of the PSAT/NMSQT has a score ranging between 160-760. The overall score is the addition of both sections – therefore it ranges from as low as 320, to a maximum of 1520. Remember that the higher your score – the higher percentile you are among other students, and you are better prepared for your SATs.
Regarding the score for achieving the National Merit Scholarship – the score is a bit different, as it gives larger emphasis to the Reading and Writing section. Double your Reading and Writing
section score, add the Math section score, and divide the sum by 10. The score can be as high as 228 – and we recommend aiming for at least 210 to be eligible for the scholarship. Therefore – make sure to practice thoroughly, and put your extra time for additional Reading and Writing practice.
We will now continue to the PSAT/NMSQT Reading and Writing section – where your verbal, grammar, and comprehension skills will be measured.
PSAT Practice Test - Reading & Writing Questions
This section includes passages from literature, historical documents, social sciences, and sciences.
In terms of reading, students are required to demonstrate their ability to interpret, synthesize, and use evidence from the passages to answer questions.
In terms of writing, the questions measure grammar, vocabulary in context, and editing skills.
PSAT/NMSQT Reading Questions
Question 1
In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, there exists a species of frog whose skin contains a substance with the remarkable ability to repel water. This substance not only keeps the frog dry during the heaviest of rainstorms but also has the potential to revolutionize the way we design rainwear.
What is the main purpose of the passage?
Question 2
On a cold, starry night, the young astronomer gazed through her telescope, her breath forming clouds in the chilly air. Each star seemed to tell a story, spanning billions of years, and yet appearing as mere flickers in the night sky. The astronomer pondered the vastness of the universe and her place within it. It was a humbling experience, one that filled her with a profound sense of wonder and an insatiable curiosity. She realized that each discovery was not an endpoint but a gateway to more questions, more mysteries to unravel.
In the passage, the phrase "each discovery was not an endpoint but a gateway" suggests that the astronomer views discoveries as…
PSAT Practice Test Reading Tip – Read the Question First:
While the texts may not be too long in the PSAT/NMSQT, it is still highly recommended to begin each question with the task required. If the task requires an overall description of the text, continue to read the text, and find a recurring theme, then continue to the answer choices. If the task refers to specific parts of the text – emphasize that part, and you can not only save valuable time but also be more accurate and keener to the answer.
Before summarizing both subjects as a conjoined section, let's proceed to the PSAT/NMSQT Writing questions.
PSAT/NMSQT Writing Questions
Question 1
During a renovation of an ancient library, a manuscript believed to be from the 16th century was discovered behind a wall. The manuscript contained detailed illustrations of celestial bodies and contained annotations in a script like that used by astronomers of the period. In 2022, a group of researchers including historian Dr. Elena Rodriguez, chemist Dr. Li Wei, and paleographer Dr. Marcus Antonius conducted a thorough examination of the manuscript's paper and ink. Their analysis revealed the presence of synthetic ultramarine blue, a pigment not synthesized until the early 18th century. Consequently, the team inferred that _______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
Question 2
Dr. Elsie Widdowson, a renowned British dietitian and nutritionist, played a pivotal role in the development of wartime rationing during the Second World War. Her extensive research on food composition led to significant advancements in nutritional science, _______ the fortification of bread with calcium and the enrichment of other staple foods to combat dietary deficiencies.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
PSAT Practice Test Writing Tip – Verbally Speak the Sentence:
This tip may seem weird but trust us- it is one of the most useful tips for writing questions – especially ones that require logical completion. Try to complete the sentence using any of the options provided – and while you may wind up with more than one possible answer, in most cases, you will easily disqualify at least one answer, increasing your chances of answering correctly – especially since there's no negative scoring.
The PSAT/NMSQT Reading and Writing section includes 54 questions to be taken in 64 minutes – which are divided into two modules (27 questions in 32 minutes). With just over a minute for each question – you must make your time count. Remember that the module is built so that most of the "easy" questions are at the beginning, and the Reading and Writing parts are mostly separated. Therefore – you should practice a personalized working method to be as efficient as possible and get a high score.
How Do I Practice for the PSAT?
To effectively prepare and practice for the PSAT, consider the following steps:
· Familiarize yourself with the Test Format: Know the sections (Math, Reading, Writing) and types of questions.
· Use Official PSAT Practice Tests: The College Board offers sample questions and full PSAT practice tests.
· Review Key Concepts: Focus on algebra, data analysis for Math; grammar rules for Writing; and critical reading skills.
· Take Timed Tests: When taking PSAT Practice tests, you simulate actual test conditions, which in turn improves your speed and accuracy.
· Analyze Mistakes: Review wrong answers to understand and learn from them
Is The PSAT Very Hard?
The PSAT, designed as a precursor and practice for the SAT, is generally considered to be slightly easier and less comprehensive. It assesses similar skills in reading, writing, and math but does not delve as deeply into content, making the SAT more challenging.
Preparation levels and familiarity with the test format significantly influence perceptions of difficulty for both tests. The PSAT also serves as a qualifier for the National Merit Scholarships, offering an added incentive for high performance.
What is A Good PSAT Score?
A standout PSAT score is typically in the top 10% of test-takers, around the 90th percentile, equating to scores near 1210-1220 for 11th graders.
The PSAT's scoring system ranges from 320 to 1520, divided between the Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing sections, with each section scored from 160 to 760. High scores not only indicate college readiness but can also lead to scholarship opportunities.