PSAT 8/9
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The PSAT 8/9 is a College Board in-school assessment that is part of the SAT Suite, alongside SAT School Day, the PSAT/NMSQT, and the PSAT 10. It is designed for students in eighth and ninth grade and is administered through schools rather than registered for individually, so the first practical step is to ask your principal or counselor which assessments your school offers. The test has two sections: a Reading and Writing section and a Math section. College Board describes the assessment as a way to discover your strengths, explore scholarships, and track how far you have progressed. Because it is an in-school test, preparation should start with your school's schedule and the official practice materials College Board points students toward, including full-length practice tests, the Student Question Bank, Khan Academy practice, a study plan builder, and a question of the day. Students age 13 and older at U.S. in-school test takers can also use the free BigFuture School app to access scores and personalized guidance if they provide a mobile number during exam setup. Note that section timing, question counts, and scoring details are not stated on the pages summarized here, so confirm those specifics with your school counselor or College Board's official test-structure pages before you build a study calendar.
What you'll study
About PSAT 8/9 preparation
What is the PSAT 8/9 and who takes it?
It is an in-school assessment in the College Board SAT Suite, taken by eighth and ninth graders at schools that offer it. You do not register for it yourself the way you would for a weekend SAT; ask your principal or counselor whether your school administers it and when.
What sections are on the test?
Two: a Reading and Writing section and a Math section. College Board publishes separate breakdowns for each section covering question and passage types and the kinds of math tested, so review those before deciding where to spend your study time.
How long is the test, and how many questions are there?
The pages summarized here do not state section timing or question counts. Rather than rely on secondhand numbers, check College Board's official structure page for the PSAT 8/9 or ask your counselor, since details can change between administrations.
How hard is it, and what score do I need?
There is no pass or fail and no stated passing score. The assessment is meant to show your strengths and track progress, so treat your score report as diagnostic feedback that tells you which skills to work on next rather than as a gate you must clear.
Can I retake it if I am unhappy with my score?
Retake policy is not stated in the available source material, so confirm it with your school counselor. In practice, because the test is administered through schools on their schedule, your opportunity to take it again depends on whether your school offers it in a later year.
How should I prepare, and in what order?
Start with a full-length practice test to get a baseline, then use the Student Question Bank and Khan Academy practice to drill the skill areas where you lost points. Use the study plan builder to schedule sessions and the question of the day for short daily reps.
What is the most common preparation mistake?
Studying without a baseline. Jumping straight into random practice questions makes it hard to see which Reading and Writing or Math skills are actually weak. Take a full-length practice test first, review every miss, and let that review drive what you study next.
How do I get my scores?
U.S. in-school test takers age 13 and older can use the free BigFuture School app if they provide a mobile number during exam setup. College Board says the number is used only to verify your account and to notify you when scores are ready. Otherwise, ask your school how scores will be distributed.
Is this site affiliated with College Board?
No. This is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by College Board. Always confirm test structure, dates, and score details through College Board's official PSAT 8/9 pages or your school counselor.