The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) is a test that contains the same types of questions that the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) does. It tests math problem solving, critical reading and writing. The test is given in October and is taken before the SAT to get students used to and comfortable with the SAT, which is often one of the deciding factors of getting into college.
Sentence Completions
Your vocabulary knowledge comes into play with the sentence completion portion of the critical reading section. You complete each sentence, which has either one or two blanks, with the appropriate word. Use the process of elimination to cross out words that definitely do not fit in the blank. Also look for common prefixes or suffixes that may give you a clue to what the word means.
Reading Comprehension
The critical reading portion also includes a reading comprehension section with reading passages, both short and long. You will need to answer questions at the end which identify how well you read and understood the passage. To conserve on time, skim through the passage the first time and look at the specific questions to give you an idea of which sections you need to go back to for details.
Multiple Choice Writing
In this section, you have to improve sentences and paragraphs as well as identify any errors in the sentences. Try to keep your mind clear and choose the option that phrases the section accurately but in simple terms, without excess wording or grammatical errors.
Math Multiple Choice
On the math portion of the PSAT, you are given facts and formulas to solve the problems but must know what each formula means and apply it to the problem. You may want to try substituting each of the options into the formula if you get stuck on a problem.
Grid-in Math
The grid-in portion of the math section requires you to enter your answer in the correct section. Convert mixed numbers into either an improper fraction or decimal to enter it on the grid. It is not multiple choice, but you benefit because you are not going to be penalized for the wrong answer. This is not true for the other sections of the exam.
Tags: critical reading, Aptitude Test, Multiple Choice, Scholastic Aptitude, Scholastic Aptitude Test