The PSAT consists of five sections, including two 25-minute math sections, two 25-minute critical reading sections and one 30-minute writing section.
The math content on the PSAT involves numbers and operations, algebra, geometry and statistics. The critical reading portions test for reading comprehension and sentence completion. The writing section tests English grammar and basic structure, but students are not required to write an essay.
The PSAT is scored from 20 to 80. In 2008, high school juniors averaged 47 in reading, 46 in writing and 49 in math. The total average score was 147.
By taking the PSAT, students are entered in a scholarship competition. Those who score in a high percentile are eligible for National Merit Scholarship programs.
Because its format and question types are similar to those of the SAT, the PSAT prepares the student for this college entrance exam.