PSAT/NMSQT Math Test Prep

What kind of math is on the PSAT/NMSQT test?

The math questions on the PSAT/NMSQT test cover Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Geometry. Make sure your math review only includes the topics that are covered on the test. The best PSAT/NMSQT test prep programs won’t waste your time on lessons you don’t need.

How do you pass the PSAT/NMSQT math test?

If you’re worried about how to pass the PSAT/NMSQT math test, here are some tips.

Manage test anxiety. Get plenty of rest and exercise while preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT College Admissions test.
Be ready for the exam. We recommend at least 1 to 3 months of review beforehand.
Avoid doing problems in your head. Instead, write out the solution steps. The best PSAT/NMSQT math courses will include guided solutions.
Read the questions carefully. It’s also a good idea to draw pictures when applicable.
Don’t stress if you’re having trouble with a question. As you answer the easier questions, you’ll gain the confidence you need to tackle the harder problems.
Use all of the time allowed for the test. If you finish early, go back and rework the problems (if allowed).

Is the PSAT/NMSQT math test hard?

The math on the PSAT/NMSQT College Admissions exam won’t seem hard if you’re thoroughly prepared. To build confidence, use an online PSAT/NMSQT prep course instead of a book.

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How do I prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT math test?

The best way to prepare for the math section of the PSAT/NMSQT math College Admissions test is to follow the steps listed below.

Gather information about the PSAT/NMSQT by visiting the official test website.
Find a quiet place to practice each day.
Make a schedule for daily study time.
Get help in the form of an online PSAT/NMSQT math study guide.
Focus your learning on the exact skills you’ll need.
Take a PSAT/NMSQT math practice test that generates new questions each time you take it.

Is PSAT/NMSQT tutoring worth it?

Tutoring can make a big difference in your College Admissions exam score, but the hourly cost for a PSAT/NMSQT math tutor is $40 to $100 or more. Fortunately, affordable online courses that feature concise instruction and guided practice questions can be just as effective.

Excellent

MathHelp.com

Based on 293 reviews

Kyla Blaze

4 months ago

The ALEKS went so well!! I placed exactly into the college math class I needed, skipping algebra 1-3 and into statistics!! Without this course through mathhelp.com I would have had to take 4 math classes before this class I needed for my bachelor’s degree! I loved the details in the instructions and mini practice quizes and the different types of problems. In high school I remember the teacher showing only one example then the test would have a different type of problem and I didn't know how to do that type of problem such as reciprocals and negative on the bottom instead of the top and so much more! The explanations of why the problem is wrong on your tests helped tremendously as well. Your course was amazing.

Tamara

5 months ago

I honestly have only good things to say about the experience! I was aiming for anywhere above 61 on my ALEKS test and scored a 64. I found it really helpful to have practice questions and quiz questions so the user has a feedback loop on their progress and confidence in the topic. Also, the ability to toggle between the practice/quiz questions and the associated lecture if you get a question wrong was very helpful. Most importantly the clarity of your explanations and example questions were right on point! Thank you very much!

Mohamed Abdalla

5 months ago

The best course I had. I scored 86 on the ALEKS test thanks to this class. The most helpful content for me was the simplified videos and the quizzes.

Jillian Barrette

7 months ago

I loved your teaching throughout this program! Thank you for all the hard work you put into compiling and teaching such a stream-lined curriculum. I only needed to test into MAT142 at Arizona State University to continue my education but it’s been 15 years since my last math course and as a nurse, I use some basic math for drug dosage calculations or area under the curve for chemotherapy calculations but this program was a great refresher for everything in between. I had super limited time to view the program, so I had to skip some on the more advanced trig, calculus and statistics sections and go ahead and take the ALEKS test so I could enroll for spring semester but I was able to test in to the math class I needed, so I consider it a success. I wouldn’t have felt anywhere near as confident going in if I hadn’t completed the program first.

I definitely think every section was very well thought out. The practice questions and the test questions were a definite bonus. It gave me plenty of chances to try out problems without guidance and the ability to review the written out solution for each answer was phenomenal. I was also grateful for the ability to skip around, to see my progress and scores and to be able to speed up the audio for each section. The reminders and pointing out the common mistakes that students make was a great touch! It made me think about what could trip me up later on and those little tidbits will stick with me.

I sincerely appreciate your help and I may be back later on if my course doesn’t provide the caliber of teaching that this program did.

Sarah Poynter

7 months ago

The ALEKS test went as well as it could for somebody that’s been out of the classroom for 25 years. The MathHelp site actually helped me a ton to prep. I don't have to take remedial math thank goodness. The ALEKS prep broke out the subjects beautifully and allowed you to build on it if you needed to. I hopped around a bit myself, but overall super easy to navigate either way you do it. Thanks!

Byron Miller

9 months ago

Thanks to Mathhelp I scored three levels above where I needed to be on my Aleks test. Fantastic course. I really liked how you could change the speed of playback - I would usually watch at 1.5x speed. If I could have done that when I was taking math in high school I wouldn't have been so bored. The tests and review units were all really well done and everything helped. Thanks so much for all the work you put into this, it's really great!

Kevin Santos

a year ago

The ALEKS program was very helpful with the perfect balance of instruction and practice.

Macie Burkholder

a year ago

The ALEKS test went great. I hadn't taken a math class for over 5 years so I was a little nervous to take the test so I wanted to be as prepared as possible when taking the test. It was really helpful in refreshing my memory and teaching me things I never learned. What I found most helpful was the video lessons as they helped walk me through everything. The program was really helpful.

The PSAT program was amazing.Nancy Gallagher - November 2022

My daughter has really struggled with math and the PSAT was approaching. We considered Kaplan, but it cost a fortune and really only gives a bunch of practice problems. What she needed was to actually LEARN the math behind the test. So we gave your course a shot and it worked perfectly for her!Darcy

I know that this programs works, because it helped my daughter when the teacher just couldn’t explain it properly. I will probably sign up for the whole year after the summer months are done because I have three children who are in Algebra 1 and 2 next year… We are also going to use it for test prep. The PSAT and SAT are just around the corner… it’s just a great program.Kathy

What makes MathHelp.com different?

Complete courses that build your math foundation.

Concise videos that each cover a single concept.

Guided practice with audio explanations.

Self-pacing for all levels of ability inside each lesson.

What is the PSAT Test?

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test administered by the College Board and co-sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) in the United States. Approximately 3.8 million students took the PSAT/NMSQT in 2019. In the 2018-2019 school year, 2.27 million high school sophomores and 1.74 million high school juniors took the PSAT. Younger students are also eligible to take the test. The scores from the PSAT/NMSQT are used to determine eligibility and qualification for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Students register for the exam through high schools which are members of the College Board. The test is composed of four sections: two Math Sections, Critical Reading, and Writing Skills; and takes two hours and forty-five minutes to complete.

The PSAT changed its format and content in Fall 2015, to reflect the new SAT. The Reading and Writing Sections are combined into one section score, and the Math section now includes a portion in which usage of calculators is prohibited. The test is mostly multiple-choice, but there are four grid-in math questions at the end of each math section that require takers to enter their responses on a grid.

There are three levels of recognition: "Commended", Semi-Finalists, and Finalists. About 34.000 students, which is 3-4% of all PSAT takers, are "commended" and receive Letters of Commendation. The "commended" cut-off is determined at whichever score yields the 96th percentile nationally. Students are confirmed as semifinalists as seniors, one year after taking the PSAT. Afterwards students must complete an application to become a Finalist. Other factors besides the PSAT Selection Index score are taken into account, such as the student's Grade Point Average (GPA) and a confirming SAT score.