What is the PSAT 8/9?

The College Board now offers the PSAT 8/9 to eighth graders and high school freshmen as the first test in a group of tests they call the “SAT Suite of Assessments”. This test is a practice for the PSAT 10 (for 10th graders), the PSAT/NMSQT (for 11th graders) and the SAT (the test for college admissions).

For more information directly from the College Board, click here.

So, What Is the PSAT 8/9?

The PSAT 8/9 is the first test in the College Board’s “SAT Suite of Assessments” and is offered to eighth and ninth graders. The purpose of the PSAT 8/9 is to get initial scores that can be used to assess college readiness or any areas of weakness. In theory, this should give students and families time to address any areas of weakness before the SAT in junior year. It’s also a way for students to start practicing for the PSAT and SAT.

How Is The PSAT 8/9 Scored?

Because the PSAT 8/9 is a early indicator of test results, the College Board has decided to give test takers LOTS of scores. Just like the PSAT and SAT, students will get a score for the Reading and Writing section and a score for the Math section. Both of these sections will be scored 120-720, so the total combined score will be 240-1440.

Students will also get scores for sub-sections that range from 6-36:

• Reading
• Writing
• Math
• Analysis in History/Social Studies
• Analysis in Science

The subject areas are broken down into six additional sub-scores measured on a scale of 1-15.

Yes, that’s a lot of scores! Parents and students can’t be expected to memorize them all, which is why the percentiles scores come in handy. The score percentile provides the percentage of students that score at or below your level, so students can determine if they are on the right track in each area.

 

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Remember that the PSAT 8/9 is scored to a total possible of 1440 and the SAT is scored to a total possible 1600, so your test results should be easily comparable to how a student would perform on the real SAT.

Still confused about the scoring or your student’s test results? Set up a free consultation with Jolyn Brand to review the results

Should You Take the PSAT 8/9?

Many schools are given the PSAT 8/9 test district-wide, so this might not be an optional test for some students. Since the purpose of the PSAT 8/9 is to give parents and school insights in areas where students might need to make improvements, it’s not a bad idea to take the test seriously and review results.

There is no downside- colleges won’t see PSAT 8/9 results. It’s simply a way to assess how well you’re doing compared to students your age across the country. The best way to know which areas you need to work on is to take the PSAT 8/9. Based on your PSAT 8/9 scores, you will get personalized SAT study materials through Khan Academy. Read more here.