As I'm preparing my calendar and study schedule, I realized I'm not sure about the exact length of the PSAT. Anyone knows the breakdown of the sections and total time I'll be sitting for the test? This is so I can simulate real testing conditions when I practice.
The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) has a total duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes. This test includes four sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Math (without a calculator), and Math (with a calculator).
The Reading section has a duration of 60 minutes and consists of 47 questions, while the Writing and Language section is 35 minutes long with 44 questions. The Math sections together last a total of 70 minutes, with the non-calculator portion taking 25 minutes for 17 questions, and the calculator portion taking 45 minutes for 31 questions.
You're being smart by thinking of mimicking these conditions when studying to get accustomed to the pace and pressure of the actual test day. Remember, there are also short breaks between some sections, which you can incorporate into your practice sessions if you want to be as true as possible to what you can expect on test day.
Good luck with your studying!
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