PSAT 10: How it Works

If a student has taken the PSAT 8/9 the process and structure of the PSAT 10 is very similar. If you are unfamiliar with the process and the differences between the two, this article will outline how PSAT 10 works. For information on the PSAT 8/9: PSAT 8/9 How it Works

PSAT 10 is meant for students in grade 10 or are 16 years of age. The PSAT 10 is designed to measure the student’s preparedness for university and upcoming SAT’s. Additionally, depending on the score it may also help students access and obtain scholarships. The total time provided is 2 hours and 14 minutes long, separated into two sections Reading and Writing, and Math. 

Reading and Writing

The reading and writing section is structured similarly to the PSAT 8/9 as it is 64 minutes long (1 hour and 4 minutes) with 54 questions to answer. The questions are multiple choice based and require reading, comprehension, use of information and ideas in text, analysis of the craft and structure of text, revising texts to improve rhetorical expressions and editing texts to follow core standard English conventions. The content of the questions surrounds literature, history, social studies, humanities and science.

Math

The math section is 70 minutes long (1 hour and 10 minutes) with 44 questions to answer. There is a calculator and non-calculator portion and the majority of these questions are multiple choice. However, there are select questions known as “grid-ins” requiring the student to fill in the answer. The content of this portion of the exam is fairly different from the PSAT 8/9. They focus on the heart of algebra, problem solving and data analysis, passport to advanced math, and two questions from added math topics.

Scores and How they can be Useful

Scores are released approximately two weeks after the exam and can be accessed through the student’s college board account. Typically, scores average at 920-ish, with the top 10% grading 1219-1520. Like the PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10 provides an all tester percentile, where students can compare themselves to all other test takers. If they achieved the 60th percentile that means 60% of students achieved the same score or lower.

Scores can be used to gauge a student's preparedness for the SATs and what areas they should focus on improving over just reviewing. As well, students may qualify for a scholarship based on the gradse they achieve. Lastly, these scores can typically be seen by schools, districts, or states. 

PSAT 10 should be considered if the student is planning on taking the SATs as they have similar settings, questions, and structures. 

For more information on the PSAT 10 visit: College Board PSAT 10 

If you are interested in registering: PSAT 10 Registration