What is the SAT/PSAT

​What is the PSAT/SAT?

By Celi Oliveto

Poll

How much do you think you know about the SAT/PSAT already?

• I could teach a class on how to take it

• I'm familiar with it

• I am not really familiar with the test

• I know nothing at all about the test

1. What Is the SAT?

The SAT is a college admissions and career-readiness test created by the College Board.
In West Virginia, every junior takes the SAT for free as the statewide assessment.

Poll

What do you think the PSAT/SAT measures?

• reading skills

• math skills

• time management skills

• intelligence

What does the test measure?

• Reading & Writing

• Math

The test does NOT measure

• your intelligence

• how smart you are

• how good of a person you are

• your worth

​It ONLY measures how well you can apply certain academic skills in a timed environment.

Poll

What do you think that you struggle most with during timed tests?

• testing anxiety

• understanding exactly what is being asked of you

• finishing all of the questions in the time (pacing)

• motivation to actually do my best

What is the PSAT?

Key differences:The PSAT (“Practice SAT”) is a shorter, slightly easier version of the SAT.

• It is taken by freshmen/sophomores (sometimes juniors).

• Scores do NOT go to colleges.

• It helps students practice and see strengths and weaknesses before junior year.

• It predicts how you might score on the real SAT.

The digital SAT (and digital PSAT) are now nearly identical in format.

3. SAT Structure (Digital SAT & PSAT)

The test has two sections, reading and math

• 2 modules

• Calculator is allowed on the WHOLE test

• Word problems, equations, algebra, graphs

Math

• 2 modules

• Short passages

• 1 question per passage

Reading

The two sections

• Each section adapts:
  If you do well on the first module, the second becomes harder and can boost your score.
  If not, the second becomes easier but caps your score.

Adaptive Testing

Timing Breakdown

📘 Reading & Writing

• Total time: 64 minutes

• Total questions: 54

• Average time per question: 1 minute 10 seconds

Timing Breakdown

📘 Math

Total time: 70 minutes

• Total questions: 44

• Average time per question: 1 minute 35 seconds

Timing Breakdown

IMPORTANT:

✔ You do NOT need to finish every question.
✔ You just need to answer enough questions correctly to hit your benchmark.
✔ The test moves fast, so pacing matters.

⭐ Why Does the SAT Matter?

• It is your state test as a junior.

• It can help place you into college classes (avoiding remedial courses).

• It is required for the Promise Scholarship (ACT or SAT).

• It is accepted by colleges nationwide.

• It is a huge opportunity to improve your transcripts and future options.

⭐ Our SAT Day at NMHS

• April 17, 2026!

• Our day to shine as a school!

⭐ Tips for Taking the SAT

• You can flag questions and come back later.

• All math questions allow a calculator.

• The reading passages are very short — like 4–5 sentences.

• If you don’t know an answer, guess — there’s no penalty.

• Don’t spend too long on any one problem.

• You are allowed to bring your own approved calculator.

• The SAT is your state test.

• You take it junior year.

• It helps with college, scholarships, and careers.

• It is digital, short-passage based, and fast-paced.

• You need to hit 480 (English) and 530 (Math) to meet the WV benchmark.

• With practice, your score always improves.

The bottom line

​Now, take the quiz to show how much you know about the PSAT/SAT

Multiple Choice

What is the SAT, and who takes it in West Virginia?

• A. A college entrance exam only taken by seniors

• B. A test that measures reading, writing, and math skills, taken by juniors in WV

• C. A personality test used to place students in classes

• D. A test that determines whether you graduate high school

Multiple Choice

2. What is the purpose of the PSAT?

• The PSAT determines if you move onto the jr. year of high school.

• The PSAT serves as a final exam for advanced placement courses.
• The PSAT is a mandatory test for all high school students.
• The purpose of the PSAT is to serve as a practice test for the SAT and to provide scholarship opportunities.

Multiple Choice

3. How many major sections does the SAT have?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Multiple Choice

4. How many minutes do students get per question in the Reading & Writing section?

• A. About 30 seconds

• B. About 2 minutes 30 seconds

• C. About 1 minute 10 seconds

• D. No time limit

Multiple Choice

5. How many minutes do students get per question in Math?

• A. About 45 seconds

• B. About 1 minute 35 seconds

• C. About 3 minutes

• D. Exactly 90 seconds every time

Multiple Choice

6. What is the total SAT score range?

• 600 to 2000
• 500 to 1800
• 300 to 1500
• 400 to 1600

Multiple Choice

7. Which WV benchmark score is needed for Math?

• 400

• 530

• 500

• 480

Multiple Choice

7. Which WV benchmark score is needed for Reading & Writing?

• 400

• 600

• 500

• 480

Drag and Drop

There is ​

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for missing a question on the SAT. Guessing is ​

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.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

no penalty

a 10 point penalty

total deduction

fine

prohibited

not encouraged

Drag and Drop

The test is ​

Placeholder

. This means that the more ​

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questions you get, the ​

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the rest of the questions become.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

adaptive

correct

harder

easier

simplistic

timed