Contents of the PSAT?

Could someone break down what’s actually in the PSAT? I know it’s supposed to be like the SAT, but what kind of sections does it have and are they the same difficulty?

Certainly! The PSAT/NMSQT, which stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, is structured very similarly to the SAT but on a slightly shorter scale. It includes three main sections: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. Do note that the Reading section and Writing and Language section are combined when your exam is scored. Here’s a brief outline of the material and difficulty of each section:

The Reading section comprises passages from literature, historical documents, social sciences, and sometimes even science-related texts. As for the difficulty, it’s generally somewhat less challenging than the SAT, primarily because the passages are not as complex, and the questions are slightly more straightforward.

Then, the Writing and Language section asks you to correct grammar and usage errors and improve the structure and style of information presented in passages. It's considered to be on par with the SAT in terms of difficulty.

Lastly, the Math section is divided into two parts - one where you’re allowed to use a calculator, and the other where calculator use is prohibited. It covers algebra, some advanced math concepts, and data analysis. This section is slightly less difficult than the SAT since it covers fewer advanced topics.

Know that the PSAT is meant to be a practice version of the SAT and a qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship, rather than a data point for college admissions. The scores are also reported on a slightly different scale, out of 1520 rather than 1600. Additionally, the SAT has an optional essay which is not part of the PSAT.

I hope this clears things up for you!