The New Digital PSAT Format
The PSAT is coming soon with a new format this October 2023
This email is written to you by Jasmine Ngo
Tigerway Team Members and Families,
The PSAT is going to be administered soon in October! In this email, I will be writing to you about the new changes that will be implemented in the upcoming PSAT exam and soon the SAT exam in 2024!
The College Board has taken a significant step forward by introducing the digital format for the PSAT and 2024 SAT. This change is designed to align with the evolving landscape of education and technology, providing students with a testing experience that mirrors the skills required for success in college.
The Main PSAT Changes
Two Sections: The digital PSAT is composed of two main sections - Reading and Writing, and Math.
Timed Modules: Students will have 64 minutes to complete the Reading and Writing section and 70 minutes for the Math section, totaling 2 hours and 14 minutes. There will be a 10-minute break between the Reading and Writing section and the Math section.
Adaptive Difficulty: The first module in each section presents a broad mix of easy, medium, and hard questions. Depending on how students perform in the first module, the second module of questions will adjust in difficulty accordingly.
More Time for Each Question: In comparison to the ACT®, the digital PSAT provides a generous 68% more time per question. This ensures students have ample time to carefully consider and respond to each query.
Question Format: While most questions are multiple-choice, some math questions require students to enter their answers rather than selecting from multiple-choice. For the reading and writing sections, each question is accompanied by a 25-125 word passage.
No Guessing Penalty: Importantly, there is no penalty for guessing. If you're unsure of an answer, it's better to make an educated guess rather than leave the response blank.
Reading and Writing Topics
Craft and Structure: Reading comprehension, vocabulary analysis, synthesis, and reasoning skills
Information and Ideas: Central ideas, command of evidence, and inferences
Standard English Conventions
Expression of Ideas
Mathematics Topics
Algebra: Linear equations, systems of equations, and functions
Advanced Math” Exponential, polynomial, rational, radical, and nonlinear equations
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis: Ratios, rates, percentages, and statistics
Geometry and Trigonometry: Area, volume, triangles, circles
As the digital PSAT approaches, it's crucial to make the necessary preparations
Familiarize with Digital Tools: Practice using digital tools, calculators, and on-screen features that will be available during the test. This will help you navigate the digital interface confidently.
Time Management: Given the extended time per question, manage your time effectively to ensure you complete all sections. Remember that pacing is key to success.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Take advantage of the available practice resources to become comfortable with the digital format and question types.
Here are some official College Board practice tests you can take to prepare for PSAT day: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt/preparing/practice-tests
At Tigerway, we help our students achieve success on both the current and new Digital SAT. We strive to keep our students up-to-date with our wide collection of resources from our digital library. In addition, we assist students in developing effective strategies for tackling SAT problems and provide individualized support to help each student reach their goals.
Our Online Private Coaching program supports SAT/ACT, High School Courses (Regular/Ap), and College Admissions Strategy. If you are interested in our program, please contact me, Program Officer Jasmine Ngo, or Coach Larry Cheung. Please give us a call today for a roadmap session on how academic coaching, SAT/ACTs, and college consulting can help you. We currently have a waitlist for private coaching and it will be first come first serve.
Feel free to read the other emails that we’ve sent out from our Substack Email List - all public:
How to think about planning ahead for College Admissions as an underclassmen
What hard work can do for you in terms of personal growth and SAT Scores rising
Tigerway is a proud Founding Member of the National Test Prep Association (NTPA) where the NTPA consistently communicates with the College Board’s SAT Exam Team and ACT Exam to understand the future of academics and standardized testing.
Connect with us Today - get your Grades, SAT/ACT Scores, and increase the likelihood of admission offers into the most selective U.S. Universities:
Text us directly on our website: https://www.tigerwayprep.com/
Or book a call with our program officer Jasmine Ngo to get priority status on the private coaching waitlist where our private coaches help students academically and with individualized college strategy.