Digital PSAT FAQ

Since last month's update on what we know about the digital PSAT coming this October, many students have still had questions about what the changes will mean for them. Here is a list of frequently asked questions I’ve heard from my students to help you address these concerns when speaking with your own.

Will this year’s PSAT be similar to the PSAT I took last year?

No, it will be administered digitally to mirror the digital SAT that is offered internationally and will become the only SAT testing option starting in March 2024. 

Why hasn’t the College Board updated its PSAT pages?

We’re not sure, but the update (including a practice test) should be happening soon. 

How similar is the Digital PSAT to the Digital SAT?

Very similar! Same structure and question types. The only difference is that some of the most advanced math concepts will not show up on the PSAT.

What does it mean that the Digital PSAT is adaptive?

Both the Digital PSAT and SAT are section-adaptive. The testing platform will grade how you did on module 1 and either give you a harder or easier module 2 depending on how you did.

Does that mean I can’t review questions I’ve previously answered?

No, you can move freely around the questions in any module. The testing platform Bluebook even has a “flag for review” function so that you can keep track of questions you want to look over later.

What is the structure of the Digital PSAT?

Each module of the Reading & Writing section consists of 27 questions and lasts 32 minutes, for a total of 54 Reading & Writing questions in 64 minutes.

Each module of the Math section consists of 22 questions and lasts 35 minutes, for a total of 44 Math questions in 70 minutes.

Will I know if I got the easier or harder second module?

No, the test doesn’t reveal which module you get, even with the score report.

Is it true that some questions are worth more points than others?

Yes, but it doesn’t affect your testing experience. Each module will have 2 questions that do not count, but there’s no way to determine them while testing. The best advice is to focus on answering the question in front of you.

How will I take the Digital PSAT?

You’ll use your own laptop or tablet. You need to download the College Board’s testing app Bluebook.

Do I take the Digital PSAT at home or at school?

You’ll take it at school, most likely during a regular school day.

When will I take the Digital PSAT?

You take it sometime in October. In the past, most students took the PSAT on the middle Wednesday of October. This year the College Board is allowing schools to schedule it any day in October. Some schools may have different groups of students take it on different days.

Will I be able to have scratch paper?

Yes, you will be given several sheets of paper to write out your work.

Can I use a calculator?

Yes, you can use a calculator on every math question. The Digital PSAT has the graphing calculator Desmos built-in, so learning how to use it is a great way to prepare. Additionally, you can bring any standalone calculator you like from the list of approved calculators. You just won’t be able to use a calculator program on your laptop or phone.

Will the Digital PSAT offer accommodations?

Yes, including extended time, larger fonts, and a paper-based version for those who qualify. Reach out to your school’s accommodations coordinator to make sure you receive any accommodations you are approved for.

Are the scores staying the same?

Yes, the Digital PSAT will use the same 160-760 scale per section used for last year’s test. The only change is that there will not be Reading and Writing subscores as those two sections are now blended together. 

When will I receive my scores?

You’ll get them much faster than before. If you take the PSAT in the first half of October, you’ll receive your scores in early November. If you take the PSAT in the second half of October, you’ll receive your scores in mid-November. Either way, you’ll have your scores before Thanksgiving.

Will the PSAT still be used for qualifying for National Merit?

Yes, although the National Merit qualifying score scale will need to be different, since it relied on the Reading and Writing subscores. No information regarding the new scale has been released.

What about Sophomores and Freshmen next fall?

Sophomores and Freshmen will take the same Digital PSAT as Juniors. The College Board will also be launching a PSAT 8/9 in the Spring of 2024.

What’s the best way to prepare for the Digital PSAT?

The best thing would be to take a practice test.