How to Prepare for the PSAT 8/9 Math Test?

PSAT 8/9 (The Preliminary SAT for grades 8 and 9) is a standardized test that is similar to the SAT and is used to assess the readiness of 8th-grade and 9th-grade students to identify AP (Advanced Placement®) classes they may want to take in.

This test is designed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of 8th and 9th-grade students.

The PSAT 8/9 score report specifies exactly what students need to work on to graduate from high school and prepare for college.

The structure of the PSAT 8/9 test questions is very similar to the SAT. The PSAT 8/9 questions are designed to be suitable for 8th and 9th-grade students. There are 3 subtests on the PSAT 8/9:

• Reading
• Math
• Writing and language

The PSAT 8/9 Math section is divided into two subsections:

A No Calculator Section contains 13 questions and students cannot use a calculator. Students have 20 minutes to complete this section.

A Calculator Section contains 25 questions. Students have 40 minutes to complete this section.

31 questions are multiple-choice questions and 7 questions are grid-ins.

PSAT 8/9 Math cover the following topics:

• Heart of Algebra
• Problem-solving
• Data Analysis

The Absolute Best Book to Ace the PSAT 8/9 Math Test

Why should you prepare yourself for PSAT 8/9 test?

You first need to know that you only have two chances to participate in PSAT/NMSQT and get a scholarship: once in 10th grade and once in 11th grade.

So even though you do not get the National Merit Scholarship by taking the PSAT 8/9 test, taking this test is the best way to discover your strengths and weaknesses and the best way to know where you need to work.

Section	Overview	Number of questions	Testing time
Reading	World Literature, Social Studies/History, Science	42	55 min
Writing	Career, History/Social Studies, Science, and the Humanities	40	35 min
Math No-Calculator Section	Heart of Algebra, Problem-solving, Date Analysis	13	20 min
Math Calculator Section	Heart of Algebra, Problem-solving, Date Analysis	25	40 min

What are the differences between PSAT 8/9 and SATs?

The PSAT 8/9 test is designed to be suitable for 8th and 9th-grade students, and at the same time has a structure similar to the SAT to prepare them for such a test in the future.

The SAT assesses skills at a more advanced level and has an article section that PSAT 8/9 does not.

You can also use this great prep book:

If you just need a PSAT 8/9 workbook to review the math topics on the test and measure your student’s exam readiness, then try: “PSAT 8/9 Math Practice Workbook: The Most Comprehensive Review for the Math Section of the PSAT 8/9 Test”

This is another great workbook for students to review all mathematics concepts being covered on the PSAT 8/9:

If you think your students are good at math and just need some PSAT 8/9 practice tests, then this book is a perfect PSAT 8/9 test book for you:

You can also use our FREE PSAT 8/9 worksheets: PSAT 8/9 Math Worksheets

Have a look at our FREE PSAT 8/9 Worksheets to assess your students’ knowledge of Mathematics, find their weak areas, and learn from their mistakes.

PSAT 8/9 Math FREE Resources:

• The Ultimate PSAT 8/9 Math Course
• PSAT 8/9 Math Worksheets
• The Ultimate PSAT 8/9 Math Formula Cheat Sheet
• Full-Length PSAT Math Practice Test
• FREE PSAT Math Practice Test
• Top 10 Free Websites for PSAT / NMSQT Math Preparation

2. Create a passion for math

Whether you like math or not, you need to know that it is an important part of the PSAT 8/9 test. So, try to come to terms with this important lesson.

Making a positive impression on a math lesson can make a big difference. You can be creative in learning math and turn it into a sweet lesson.

3. Study regularly

The regular study can bring you closer to your goal of getting a great PSAT 8/9 test score.

To have order in studying, a study plan can be set up. Try to set up such a plan in such a way that you can handle it.

You should include some PSAT 8/9 math test content in this study plan every day and stick to it as much as possible.

4. Find the best study way

There are many ways to help you learn PSAT 8/9 math test concepts better.

You can hire a tutor, use online resources or take prep courses. Also, one of the best ways is to use proper PSAT 8/9 prep books.

Which of these options is best for you depends on you and your current level of readiness. Research each of these ways and choose the best way to suit your needs.

5. Start early

Do not procrastinate due to laziness or fear of failure. You can pass the PSAT 8/9 math test if you start learning early and your study is continuous. Doing this may seem a little difficult to you, but by thinking about the end of the task and achieving your goal, you will have the motivation to start powerfully.

6. Focus on principles

Focusing on math principles can help you succeed on the PSAT 8/9 test. Categorize PSAT 8/9 math concepts and put them into your schedule to better focus on the principles.

Your study process should be such that first the more basic concepts are reviewed and then you can go to the study of advanced concepts with a solid foundation.

Best PSAT 8/9 Math Practice Workbook

7. Memorize the formulas well

It is better that you remember the important and necessary formulas for the PSAT 8/9 math test.

It is not a difficult task and you will learn which formula is used where with a little practice and use of formulas.

Although you will be given a formula sheet during the PSAT 8/9 math test, it does not include all the required formulas. Therefore, memorizing the necessary formulas will increase your speed of action during the test, which is an important factor in time management.

8. Take Practice Tests

Do not forget to evaluate your knowledge before the PSAT 8/9 math test. This important thing can be done through the use of practice tests and PSAT 8/9 sample online questions.

Books that include practice tests can help you with this. Taking practice tests will minimize your mistakes and improve your skills for the actual test.

9. Register for the test

To register for the PSAT 8/9 test, you must follow the terms and conditions offered by the high school. It depends a lot on your school and how you register for this test.

For some schools, registration, and payment of the exam is in person, and for others, online registration is offered through the website.

You should also follow the instructions provided by your school about how to register and how to pay for the exam.

If you think you have serious problems during the registration process, you can consult with your counselor in this regard.

Do not forget that to register for the exam you must provide your personal information such as full name, home address, telephone number, email address, grade level, and student ID number.

10. Tips for taking the PSAT 8/9 Math test

Be as prepared as possible for the day of the PSAT 8/9 math test.

Prepare the necessary equipment such as an ID card in advance and know the rules that you must follow for the day of the test.

Arrive at the test site a bit earlier so that you do not get stressed if you have an unexpected event.

During the test, try to stay as calm as possible and at the same time manage your time well. You have 60 minutes for the two math parts of the PSAT 8/9 test. Make good use of this time and do not leave any questions unanswered. If you do not know the answer to a question, do not worry, you may be able to find the right option by guessing.

11. Check and interpret your score

When the scores will be available depends on when the schools return the answer sheets but usually, PSAT 8/9 test scores are available two months after the test.

Users can access the K–12 score reporting portal by signing in to their College Board educator accounts and seeing their scores. your total score on the PSAT 8/9 test will be something between 240 and 1440. The score of each subtest (including the math section) can also be from 6 to 36.

PSAT 8/9 FAQs:

Can you take PSAT 8/9 outside of school?

No, if your school does not offer a PSAT 8/9 test, you must choose another nearby school that offers the test.

Do colleges look at the PSAT 8/9 score?

No. Colleges do not receive scores. The college board does not send the PSAT 8/9 score to the colleges.

What is the good score for PSAT 8/9 math test?

In the PSAT 8/9test, a composite score higher than 990 is a good score, a score higher than 850 is an average score, and an excellent score is a score higher than 1110.

What is a perfect score on the PSAT 8/9?

The maximum score on the PSAT 8/9 is 1440.

Does PSAT 8/9 count for National Merit?

No, PSAT 8/9 doesn’t count for the National Merit® Scholarship.

Is 1100 a good PSAT 8/9 score?

Yes, a score of 1100 is considered in the good score range.

Can I use a calculator on the PSAT 8/9 Math test?

The PSAT 8/9math test consists of two sections. In the first section, you are not allowed to use the calculator. In the second section, you are allowed to use the calculator.

How many questions are in the math section of the PSAT 8/9?

There are 38 questions in the PSAT math section, which consists of two sections: 13 questions in the non-calculator section and 25 questions in the calculator section.

What kind of math is on PSAT 8/9?

This test focuses more on three areas: Heart of Algebra, Problem-solving, Date Analysis

Is PSAT 8/9 easier than SAT?

Yes, this test is easier than PSAT and it prepares you for SAT.

How can I improve my PSAT 8/9 math score?

The best way to get a good PSAT 8/9 score is to have enough practice. You can use the PSAT 8/9 math sample questions to improve your score.

What do PSAT 8/9 scores mean?

The score you get on the PSAT 8/9 test is between 240 and 1440, which is the total of your scores in the Math, Reading, and Writing sections.

Is 950 a good PSAT score for an 8th grader?

Yes, it’s higher than an average score.

How do I get my PSAT 8/9 Score?

You can access the K–12 score reporting portal by signing in to your College Board educator accounts and seeing your scores.

How long does it take to get PSAT 8/9 results?

PSAT 8/9 test scores are available two months after the test.

Can you take the PSAT 8/9 math test Online?

Yes, you can take this test on paper or online.

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The Best Books to Ace the PSAT 8/9 Test