How to Prepare for the PSAT 10 Math Test?
PSAT 10 is a standardized test for 10th-grade students that prepares them to take the SAT in the United States.
PSAT 10 is designed to evaluate sophomores, and its questions are not as difficult as SAT questions.
PSAT 10 also helps students figure out which AP courses are right for them.
The difference between PSAT 10 and PSAT / NMSQT is the offering time of these two tests.
The PSAT 10 will be offered in the spring while the PSAT / NMSQT will be offered in the fall. Also, unlike PSAT / NMSQT, PSAT 10 does not qualify students to receive a National Merit Scholarship.
PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT have the same format and content, so PSAT 10, like PSAT, has the following three parts:
- Reading
- Math
- Writing and language
The PSAT 10 math test has two subsections:
A No Calculator Section contains 17 questions and students cannot use a calculator. Students have 25 minutes to complete this section.
A Calculator Section contains 31 questions. Students have 45 minutes to complete this section.
40 questions are multiple-choice questions and 8 questions are grid-ins.
PSAT 10 Math cover the following topics:
- Algebra
- Problem-solving
- Advanced Mathematics
- Geometry
- Data Analysis and Basic Statistics
- Trigonometry
The Absolute Best Book to Ace the PSAT 10 Math Test
Why should you prepare yourself for PSAT 10 test?
As mentioned, PSAT 10 and SAT are very similar in format and content, so 10th-grade students will find their strengths and weaknesses by taking the PSAT 10 test and they can perform better on the SAT in the future.
Although a high score on the PSAT 10 does not qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship, it does allow them to know which Advanced Placement (AP) courses they must take.
Section | Overview | Number of questions | Testing time |
Reading | World Literature, Social Studies/History, Science | 47 | 60 min |
Writing | Career, History/Social Studies, Science, and the Humanities | 44 | 35 min |
Math No-Calculator Section | Algebra, Problem-solving, Advanced Mathematics, Geometry, Data analysis, and basic Statistics, Trigonometry | 17 | 25 min |
Math Calculator Section | Algebra, Problem-solving, Advanced Mathematics, Geometry, Data analysis, and basic Statistics, Trigonometry | 31 | 45 min |
What are the differences between PSAT 10 and SATs?
PSAT 10 and SAT are different in the following cases:
- The number of SAT test questions is more than PSAT 10 test.
- The SAT test is somewhat more difficult than the PSAT 10 test.
- SAT test has an article section that PSAT 10 test does not have.
How to study for the PSAT 10 Math test?
Preparing for a high score on the PSAT 10 test means recognizing your strengths and weaknesses and getting ready to take the SAT.
Therefore, preparing for the PSAT 10 test can greatly boost your confidence for passing the PSAT / NMSQT and SATs.
If you have not yet thought of a way to succeed on the PSAT 10 math test, hold on and stay with us until the end of this article!
In this article, we will guide you step by step to pass the PSAT 10 test.
1. Choose your study programs
There are many books and resources on the market to prepare for the PSAT 10 math test. But the question is, which of the many products on the market is right for you? The answer to this question depends on your needs.
If you are a beginner and have just started learning math for the PSAT 10 test then PSAT 10 Math for BeginnersThe Ultimate Step by Step Guide to Preparing for the PSAT Math Test book will be the most suitable and comprehensive prep book for you.
With the help of this excellent book, you can easily learn all the items tested in the PSAT 10 math test from the beginning and strengthen your math skills in the best way.
This one is an alternative book: PSAT 10 Math Test PrepThe Ultimate Guide to PSAT Math + 2 Full-Length Practice Tests
You can also use this great workbook:
This is another great prep book for students to review all mathematics concepts being covered on the PSAT 10:
If you think your students are good at math and just need some PSAT 10 practice tests, then this book is a perfect PSAT 10 test book for you:
You can also use our FREE PSAT 10 worksheets: PSAT 10 Math Worksheets
Have a look at our FREE PSAT 10 Worksheets to assess your students’ knowledge of Mathematics, find their weak areas, and learn from their mistakes.
2. Create a passion for math
Maybe you have not been able to communicate properly with the math lesson because you have studied very little before. You may have trouble figuring out how to solve math exercises.
To be strong in math, the first step is to be willing to make positive changes yourself. You can set a clear goal for yourself. Having a specific goal can motivate you to do better.
3. Make a study plan
What is clear is the fact that if you do not have a study plan, you will waste your time.
The most important thing in a study plan is to stick to it.
This order makes the priority of tasks determined and thus reduces confusion. In this case, you can do all the tasks without any problems with other activities. If you pay attention to this, this is what makes you successful!
4. Find the best way to learn
Now that you have the study plan in place, the next step is to find a way to better learn math. To achieve this, you can get help from prep books and websites like effortlessmath and khan academy.
You can also use math apps and take math courses.
Also, if you have many basic problems, you may have difficulty reading the lesson yourself. In this case, get help from a good math tutor.
5. Start early
Imagine that you are constantly postponing your studies to other times. By doing this, you not only waste time but also get used to this procedure.
Sometimes laziness in studying is due to the high volume of lessons. In such cases, it is recommended to start with your favorite topics and read other lessons when you feel more interested.
Do not underestimate every positive step you take.
Appreciate yourself with your favorite things. This will give you more confidence and more willpower.
6. Focus on principles
Learning the basics is very important in understanding PSAT 10 math.
If you are studying tenth-grade math but you are not well versed in the ninth-grade math topics, you can not understand the tenth-grade math topics and you can not solve the related exercises. Therefore, it is recommended to study the more basic concepts first to progress quickly in mathematics.
Studying the basic concepts should be your priority and you should address them before studying the advanced concepts.
7. Memorize the formulas well
Although you will be given a list of essential formulas during the PSAT 10 math test, you should memorize the necessary formulas.
The more you practice mathematical formulas, the easier it will be for you to understand the mechanism of the formula, and the better you can understand the relationship between the components of the formula.
Note that the better you understand the formula, the easier it is to memorize it. Practicing formulas may take time, but do not forget that these formulas can play an important role in the exam session.
8. Take Practice Tests
To succeed in the PSAT 10 test, it is important that in addition to studying the concepts, you also become familiar with the type of test questions.
Test takers who have practiced and are familiar with how to answer test questions will perform better during the test. For this purpose, you can use the practice tests before the main PSAT 10 test. This will improve your math skills and you will be able to manage time better during the PSAT 10 test.
9. Register for the test
You will have several options for registration in the PSAT 10 depending on the school you are currently attending.
The school may ask you to complete the registration process in person and pay for it.
In other cases, the school may ask you to register online through the website.
Either way, you should follow the school’s instructions on how to register.
Basic identification information is required to register for the PSAT 10 test. This information includes full name, home address, telephone number, email address, grade level, and student ID number. If you have a problem with the payment or registration process, you can consult with your school administrator or counselor.
10. Tips for taking the PSAT 10 Math test
To succeed on the day of the PSAT 10 test, it is better to follow small but important tips.
It is better to be at the test site as soon as possible as this will help reduce your stress.
Only bring the necessary items, including a valid ID card, and avoid carrying unnecessary items.
Remember that the most important thing in answering questions is time management. Therefore, test-takers need to pay attention to the time of answering the questions announced for each section. In case you need a lot of time to solve the question or you have doubts about the two options, tick next to this question and skip it.
Do not pause too much on a question. Before looking at the options, read the question carefully and pay attention to the keywords in the question.
11. Check and interpret your score
PSAT 10 test scores are usually available online 4 to 6 weeks after the test on your college board account.
It is good to know that PSAT 10 reports your scores on the same scale used by the SAT, this is because you can better understand how prepared you are for the SAT. Therefore, your total score on the PSAT 10 test will be something between 320-1520. The score of each subtest (including the math section) can also be from 8 to 38.
PSAT 10 FAQs:
Can you take PSAT 10 outside of school?
No, if your school does not offer a PSAT 10 test, you must choose another nearby school that offers the test.
Do colleges look at the PSAT 10 score?
No. Colleges do not receive scores. The college board does not send the PSAT 10 score to the colleges.
What is the difference between PSAT 10 and SAT?
The purpose of these two tests is different. The purpose of taking the SAT is to enter college. The purpose of taking the PSAT is to prepare for the SAT.
The PSAT 10 has fewer questions than the SAT and the PSAT 10 level of questions is slightly easier than the SAT.
The SAT also has an article section that the PSAT 10 does not have.
The PSAT test does not affect your admission to the university.
Is PSAT 10 a good indicator of SAT?
The PSAT 10 test is a preliminary SAT. Your score on the PSAT 10 test can show how good your performance on the SAT could be.
Is the 1050 PSAT 10 score good?
The average PSAT score for a 10th grader is around 920 and 1010 for 11th graders.
Do PSAT 10 scores get mailed?
You must have an account on the College Board website where you can go to the Student Score Report section and view your PSAT 10 test score. Your school will also receive a paper score report.
Can I use a calculator on the PSAT 10 Math test?
The PSAT 10 math 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 PSAT 10?
There are 48 questions in the PSAT 10 math section, which consists of two sections: 17 questions in the non-calculator section and 31 questions in the calculator section.
What kind of math is on PSAT 10?
This test focuses more on the following areas: Algebra, Problem-solving, Advanced Mathematics, Geometry, Data analysis, and basic Statistics, Trigonometry
Is Algebra II on the PSAT 10?
No, unlike the SAT, which includes Algebra II, the PSAT 10 only covers pre-algebra and basic algebra discussions.
Is PSAT 10 easier than SAT?
Yes, this test is easier than SAT and it prepares you for SAT.
How can I improve my math PSAT 10 score?
The best way to get a good PSAT 10 score is to have enough practice. You can use the sample questions about PSAT 10 to practice.
Does the 10th-grade PSAT matter?
If your child is in tenth grade, he or she can benefit from PSAT 10 in several ways. Identifies their academic strengths and weaknesses in early high school, where there is plenty of time to progress before college. This allows them to know in which Advanced Placement (AP) courses they are most likely to do well.
College Entrance Tests
Great PSAT 10 Prep Book to Review All Mathematics Concepts
More from Effortless Math for PSAT 10 Test…
Need a calculator for the PSAT 10 Math Test?
Look at our Best Calculators for the PSAT 10 Math Test
Looking for a Practice Test to help you improve your PSAT 10 Scores?
Check out the Full-Length PSAT 10 Math Practice Test
Don’t miss our complete list of PSAT 10 PSAT 10 Math Formulas
The Best Book to Ace the PSAT 10 Test
Have any questions about the PSAT 10 Test?
Write your questions about the PSAT 10 or any other topics below and we’ll reply!
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