Top 9 PSAT Practice Tests to Use in Your Prep
According to the College Board, about 2.7 million students took some version of the PSAT in 2021. The PSAT is a practice test for the SAT, but the exam also qualifies high school juniors for National Merit Scholarships. As such, it’s a good idea to practice for the PSAT.
Fortunately, many organizations offer free PSAT practice tests. But what’s a good PSAT score? If you hit 1150, you’re in the 75th percentile. Still, you’ll typically need a score in the 99th percentile to qualify for scholarships.
Taking PSAT practice tests can help improve your score. Here are our picks for the best PSAT practice tests to use in your prep.
College Board
The College Board administers the PSAT, making its official PSAT practice tests the closest you can get to the actual exam. Currently, the College Board offers two PSAT practice tests.
You can access these PSAT practice tests through the College Board website or Khan Academy. Note, however, that you’ll need to create an account to access the Khan Academy versions.
Ivy Global
Ivy Global, an education consulting firm, provides test prep resources for multiple standardized tests. The site offers a free PSAT practice test, with the option to buy more tests.
Ivy Global includes sample questions; practice quizzes for the SAT Reading, Writing and Language, and Math sections; and historical documents that frequently appear on the PSAT. Test-takers can review key sources like the Bill of Rights, the writings of Martin Luther King Jr., and Mary Wollstonecraft on the Ivy Global site.
The Princeton Review
One of the biggest names in test prep, The Princeton Review provides a free online PSAT practice test. To take this free practice test, you’ll need to sign up with The Princeton Review.
The company also offers online prep classes, books, and private tutoring for the PSAT. The online PSAT classes come with live instruction and five full-length practice tests, all of which include detailed score reports. Test-takers can access resources for the SAT here as well.
Mometrix
Mometrix offers study materials for more than 1,500 standardized tests, including the PSAT. Through the site, test-takers can access a PSAT practice test, along with focused Math, Reading, and Writing practice materials.
Rather than a full-length test, Mometrix’s general PSAT practice test offers a shorter format to help students identify their weakest areas. You can also access a study guide for the PSAT and flashcards.
Union Test Prep
Union Test Prep offers 150 free PSAT practice questions. The site breaks up the questions into different sections, including two Math sections, a Reading section, and a Writing and Language section.
In addition to a PSAT practice test, Union Test Prep provides study tips and tricks to help test-takers improve their PSAT score. The site also offers information on alternative study methods and the best ways to simulate the testing experience in your study sessions.
How to Use PSAT Practice Tests in Your Prep
Do you need to practice for the PSAT? Since the PSAT and SAT use very similar formats, practicing for the PSAT can also help your SAT scores. Here are some tips on how to use PSAT practice tests.
1 Prioritize Official College Board Practice Tests
The College Board designs the official PSAT test. For that reason, PSAT practice tests created by the College Board provide the closest likeness to the actual test.
Test-takers should prioritize taking official PSAT practice tests. Since the College Board only offers two current versions of the test, consider taking these practice exams at the beginning, midway point, or end of your studying.
2 Learn the Test Format
Understanding the PSAT test format can help boost your score and improve your pacing. The PSAT might be the practice version of the SAT, but the two exams differ in key ways. The PSAT asks slightly fewer questions (139 questions compared to 154 on the SAT) and takes 15 minutes less.
3 Set a PSAT Target Score
A goal can help focus your PSAT prep. Consider taking a practice test before studying and setting a goal of 150-250 points higher.
You can also aim to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship. The qualifying score depends on your state, but to become a semifinalist, you’ll typically need to score in the top 1% for your state.
4 Review Your Mistakes After Each Practice Test
Use PSAT practice tests to improve your score. Go over your mistakes and identify questions where you guessed or felt unsure about your answer. Figure out what you did incorrectly and look for patterns in your mistakes. These methods can help you identify the areas in which you need more preparation.