About Colorado SAT and PSAT

PSAT and SAT Reading and Writing Test

The reading component is comprised of 54 questions and takes 64 minutes.
All Reading and Writing Test questions are four-option multiple choice and based on short reading passages.
Informational graphics, such as tables, bar graphs and line graphs, accompany some passages - but no math is required.
The Reading Test is focused on widely used words and phrases found in texts across many different subjects.

The math component is comprised of 44 questions and takes 70 minutes.
Most math questions will be multiple choice but some - called student produced responses - will ask students to come up with the answer rather than select the answer.
The Math Test allows the use of a calculator on all questions. Students may continue to use their own approved calculator on test day or take advantage of the graphing calculator built directly into the test platform.
The math section will cover three different sections, including problem solving and data analysis, algebra, and advanced math.

The Essay component contains 1 prompt and takes 50 minutes.
The task is designed to mirror college writing assignments.
It’s optional - but some schools will require it.
You won’t be asked to agree or disagree with a position on a topic or to write about your personal experience.
The essay prompt will ask you to read a passage and consider how [the author] uses evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims.

Every student will take a unique version of the test since the test adapts to each individual student.
Digital test times will be shorter than the paper version. The standard test will take around 2 hours, rather than 3.
The reading passages are shorter with fewer questions per passage.
The math section will include a built-in calculator function, which students can choose to use if they don’t want to bring their own from home.
The Digital SAT Suite will keep the same scoring scale as the paper version.
Student work will not be affected mid-testing even if there is an internet disconnect or power loss.
Full-length practice tests for the digital version of the test will be available through the College Board website or Khan Academy.
Additional information on the digital SAT and PSAT Tests