2020-21

Important
information
about the
PSAT ™ 8/9

Student Test-taking
advice and tips

Guide
Directions
and sample
test questions
 About College Board
College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students
to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, College Board was created to
expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of
over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting
excellence and equity in education. Each year, College Board helps more than seven
million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs
and services in college readiness and college success—including the SAT® and the
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through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators, and schools. For
further information, visit collegeboard.org.

PSAT 8/9 Customer Service

You can reach us from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday to Friday (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
mid-June to mid-August).
PHONE: 866-433-7728
INTERNATIONAL: +1-212-713-8105
EMAIL: [email protected]
MAIL:  SAT 8/9
P
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Visit College Board on the web: collegeboard.org.
Khan Academy is a registered trademark in the United States and other jurisdictions.

2 2020-21 PSAT 8/9  Student Guide

 Contents
5 Test-Taking Information 18 Math
5 Using This Guide 18 Math Test Overview
5 How the PSAT 8/9 Is Organized 18 Calculator Use
6 Create a College Board Account 18 Answering Student-Produced Response
6 If You Need Testing Accommodations Questions
7 How to Prepare 19 Tips for the Math Test
7 Test Day Items 19 Sample Math Test Materials
7 What to Do If... 20 Math Test – No Calculator Questions
7 Testing Guidelines 23 Math Test – Calculator Questions
7 Privacy Policies 26 PSAT 8/9 Terms and Conditions
7 Telemarketing Scams 26 Introduction
7 Test Fairness Review 26 Section 1. Certification
8 Test Question Inquiries 26 Section 2. Required and Prohibited Items for
8 Makeup Testing Testing
8 Useful Resources 26 Section 3. Prohibited Behaviors
8 Additional Information 27 Section 4. Score Cancellation and Disciplinary
Measures
9 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
28 Section 5. Privacy
9 Reading Test Overview
28 Section 6. Miscellaneous
10 Sample Reading Test Materials
29 Section 7. Policies and Requirements
11 Reading Test Questions
29 Section 8. Intellectual Property Rights
13 Writing and Language Test Overview
29 Section 9. Arbitration of Disputes
14 Sample Writing and Language Test Materials
30 Section 10. Limitations of Liability
15 Writing and Language Test Questions
30 Section 11. Severability
31 Section 12. Restricted Registrations
31 Section 13. Accessibility of These Terms and
Conditions

Student Guide   2020-21 PSAT 8/9 3

4 2020-21 PSAT 8/9  Student Guide
 Using This Guide  Test-Taking Information  

Test-Taking Information
Using This Guide How the PSAT 8/9
Taking the PSAT 8/9 is a great way to find out how
™

ready you are for college and career. The test also
Is Organized
connects you to College Board programs and services The PSAT 8/9 has 3 tests: the Reading Test, the Writing
that can propel you to opportunities you’ve earned. and Language Test, and the Math Test. The tests break
We’ve created this guide to help you: down like this:

ƒ ƒ Become familiar with the test so you’re not

Time Allotted Number of
surprised or confused on test day.
Component (min.) Questions
ƒ ƒ Learn the test directions. The directions for
Reading 55 42
answering the questions in this guide are the same
as those on the actual test. Writing and 30 40
Language
ƒ ƒ Review the sample questions. The more familiar you
are with the question formats, the more comfortable Math 60 38
you’ll feel when you see similar questions on the Total 145 120
actual test. In particular, be sure to practice how to
answer the student-produced response questions on As part of scoring, every test goes through an equating
the Math Test later in this guide. process. Equating is a statistical process we use to
ensure that scores mean the same thing no matter
ƒ ƒ Be aware of what you need to know about taking
which version of the test you take or when you take it.
this test. You must agree to the PSAT 8/9 Terms
In order to assist with future testing, College Board may
and Conditions on page 26 on test day. These
conduct research studies in connection with the testing
terms and conditions have information on:
of a subset of students.
Š ŠAcceptable photo identification
Also, the test occasionally includes test questions for
Š ŠRequired and prohibited items for testing
research purposes. These questions may appear in any
Š ŠAcceptable and unacceptable calculators of the test sections, and testing time will be extended by
Š ŠTest security and fairness policies 20 minutes so students have time to answer them. These
Š ŠPhone and electronic device policies questions will not be included in computing your scores.
Students must complete all sections of the test. If you
Š ŠPrivacy policies, including the use of student
leave before dismissal, your scores will be canceled.
information

Student Guide   2020-21 PSAT 8/9 5

 Test-Taking Information  How the PSAT 8/9 Is Scored 

How the PSAT 8/9 Is Scored

All multiple-choice questions are scored by giving 1 point for each correct answer. No
points are subtracted for incorrect answers or answers left blank. Hard questions count
the same as easier questions. You won’t lose any points for guessing, so try to answer
every question. The table shows all the scores you’ll receive on the PSAT 8/9.

PSAT 8/9 Score Reported Details Score Range

Total Score Sum of the 2 section scores 240–1440
Section Scores (2) ƒ ƒEvidence-Based Reading and Writing 120–720
ƒ ƒMath
Test Scores (3) ƒ ƒReading 6–36
ƒ ƒWriting and Language
ƒ ƒMath
Cross-Test Scores (2) ƒ ƒAnalysis in History/Social Studies 6–36
Based on selected questions in the ƒ ƒAnalysis in Science
Reading Test, Writing and Language
Test, and Math Test. These scores
show how well you use your skills to
analyze texts and solve problems in
these subject areas.
Subscores (6) ƒ ƒReading and Writing and Language: 1–15
Command of Evidence and Words in
Context
ƒ ƒWriting and Language: Expression
of Ideas and Standard English
Conventions
ƒ ƒMath: Heart of Algebra, and Problem
Solving and Data Analysis

Your paper score report will include a total score,

section scores, and test scores. The online score report Create a College
will include cross-test scores and subscores as well.
You’ll be able to see not only how you did overall, but
Board Account
If you’re age 13 or over, create a free College Board
also where your strengths are and where you need to
account so you can access your PSAT 8/9 scores when
improve. Once you get your score report, if you are
they become available. Just visit collegeboard.org and
age 13 or over, visit studentscores.collegeboard.org to
click Sign up to get started.
learn more about what these scores mean. All students
can visit psat.org/89scores for general information

If You Need Testing

about scoring.
Except if you’re in the 8th grade or younger, your score
report includes a message about your potential for Accommodations
success in AP® courses based on your scores. If you have a disability that requires accommodations
Scores will become available based on when your such as braille, extra breaks, or permission to test
school tests. If you haven’t received your score report blood sugar, be sure to work with your school, which
by late June, see your counselor. Your school will be will determine which accommodations are appropriate.
able to print a copy for you.
IMPORTANT: Supports such as glossaries, translated test
directions, and extended time are available for English
learners. If you need English learner (EL) support, work
with your school to ensure it will be there on test day.

6 2020-21 PSAT 8/9  Student Guide

 How to Prepare  Test-Taking Information  

How to Prepare Testing Guidelines

The PSAT 8/9 measures the knowledge and skills you ƒ ƒ Plan ahead and bring equipment that’s in good
have developed in reading, writing and language, and working order. Testing staff might not have extra
math. Review the information in this guide, including batteries or calculators.
the sample questions and directions, to become
ƒ ƒ When marking answers:
more familiar with the test. Go to collegeboard.org/
about-psat-8-9 to get more information about preparing Š ŠUse a No. 2 pencil with a soft eraser on all
for the test. parts of the answer sheet. Do not use a pen or
mechanical pencil.
Š ŠMake sure you fill in the entire bubble darkly
Test Day Items and completely.
Though not required, consider bringing: Š ŠErase any changes you make as completely as
possible.
ƒ ƒ Snacks and drinks (which must be under your desk
during testing) ƒ ƒ Store any snacks or drinks you bring out of sight
ƒ ƒ Extra batteries and backup calculator in a paper bag under your desk. You may only eat
snacks during breaks. The testing staff will tell you
where you can go to have your snack.
What to Do If...
You know in advance that you cannot take the test Privacy Policies
on the date your school offers it: Tell your counselor
College Board recognizes the importance of protecting
as soon as possible that you have a conflict, such as
your privacy. Please review our privacy policies at
a religious observance. You may be able to take the
collegeboard.org/privacy-center (“Privacy Policies”)
test at a nearby school that has selected a different
and the PSAT 8/9 Terms and Conditions on page 26
test date. If you test at another school, be sure to take
to understand our collection, use, and disclosure of
your school code and an acceptable photo ID with
your personally identifiable information.
you, keeping your ID with you at all times, especially
if you leave the testing room. (See the PSAT 8/9 Terms
and Conditions on page 26 about acceptable photo
identification.)
Telemarketing Scams
We sometimes get reports of phone scams when callers
You are homeschooled and want to take the PSAT 8/9: posing as employees of College Board try to sell test
Make arrangements in advance with your local school preparation products or request sensitive, personally
or another nearby school that is administering identifying information, such as credit card and Social
the test. (For a list of schools in your area, go to Security numbers. College Board does not make
ordering.collegeboard.org/testordering/publicSearch.) unsolicited phone calls or send emails to students or
If this is not possible, contact the PSAT 8/9 office (see families requesting this type of information. This type
inside front cover). of activity, known as telemarketing fraud, is a crime.
You will be studying in another country when the
test is given: Contact the PSAT 8/9 office and provide
the name of the city and country and, if known, the
Test Fairness Review
name and address of the school you will be attending All new PSAT 8/9 test questions and complete new
when the test is given. The PSAT 8/9 office will send editions of the tests are reviewed by external, independent
you instructions. educators from throughout the United States. These
reviews help ensure that the questions are unambiguous
and relevant and that the language used is not offensive
to or inappropriate for any particular group of students
based on race/ethnicity or gender. Assessment staff
ensure that the test as a whole includes references to men
and women as well as to individuals from varied racial,
ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Statistical procedures
are used to identify questions that are harder for a group of
students to answer correctly than would be expected from
their performance on other questions in the test; these
questions are excluded from appearing on tests.

Student Guide   2020-21 PSAT 8/9 7

 Test-Taking Information  Test Question Inquiries 

Test Question Inquiries Additional Information

If you find what you consider to be an error or an Complete descriptions of the content of the test and
ambiguity in a test question, tell the test coordinator information on test preparation and sample questions
immediately after the test. You may also write to: are provided in the PSAT 8/9 Student Guide (“Guide”)
Assessment Design and Development and online at psat.org/8-9.
College Board Additional Information on the SAT A primary purpose
250 Vesey Street of the SAT is to determine how prepared students
New York, NY 10281 are to succeed, both in college and in career training
Or email [email protected]. programs. Extensive research on the predictive validity
of the SAT has established its utility and value as
In your inquiry, provide your name and mailing address, a College Entrance Exam through studies on the
the date you took the PSAT 8/9, the name and address relationship between SAT scores and first-year grade
of the school where you took the test, the test section, point average (“FYGPA”), retention, domain-specific
the test question (as well as you can remember), and an course grades, GPA through each year of college, as
explanation of your concern about the question. well as completion. A 2019 national SAT Validity Study
The PSAT 8/9 Program will send you a written (collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/pdf/national-
response after your inquiry has been reviewed sat-validity-study.pdf), based on data from more than
thoroughly by subject-matter specialists. 223,000 students across 171 four-year colleges and
universities, found the following:
IMPORTANT: We will not respond via email, so be sure to ƒ ƒ SAT scores are strongly predictive of college
include your full name and mailing address. performance—students with higher SAT scores are
more likely to have higher grades in college.
ƒ ƒ SAT scores are predictive of student retention to
Makeup Testing their second year—students with higher SAT scores
During bad weather, natural disasters, power outages, are more likely to return for their sophomore year.
or other unusual conditions, test sites may be closed. ƒ ƒ SAT scores and High School grade point average
(“HSGPA”) are both related to academic performance
The following policies apply to makeup testing:
in college but tend to measure slightly different
ƒ ƒ The availability of makeup testing and the conditions aspects of academic preparation. Using SAT scores
that make test takers eligible to take a makeup test in conjunction with HSGPA is the most powerful way
are at the sole discretion of College Board. to predict future academic performance.
ƒ ƒ You must take the entire PSAT 8/9 at a makeup test.
Š ŠOn average, SAT scores add 15% more predictive
ƒ ƒ Access to scores from makeup administrations may power above grades alone for understanding how
be delayed by several weeks. students will perform in college.
Additional terms and conditions may apply to your Š ŠSAT scores help to further differentiate student
makeup test. performance in college within narrow HSGPA
ranges.

Useful Resources ƒ ƒ Colleges can use SAT scores to identify students

who may be in need of academic support before they
We offer resources to help you find the best college and start college and throughout their college education
career for you, including: by monitoring predicted versus actual performance
BigFuture™—Our website helps you plan for college and and help position these students for success.
find the college that’s best for you. Visit bigfuture.org.
Career Finder™—Want to make smart, informed
decisions about your future major and career based on
your passions and interests? Try this engaging online
experience powered by our partnership with Roadtrip
Nation®. Visit roadtripnation.com/edu/careerfinder.

8 2020-21 PSAT 8/9  Student Guide

 Reading Test Overview  Evidence-Based Reading and Writing  

Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section is What the Reading Test Measures
composed of 2 tests that assess different but related skills To succeed in college and career, you’ll need to apply
and knowledge. The Reading Test gives you a chance to reading skills in all sorts of subjects. You’ll also need
show how well you understand what you read. The Writing those skills to do well on the Reading Test.
and Language Test asks you to revise and edit text.
The Reading Test measures skills and knowledge you’ll
need to apply when reading in college and workforce
Reading Test Overview training programs. The test will ask you to find and
interpret information and ideas, analyze how texts are
ƒ ƒ Total questions: 42 passage-based reading questions put together and why they’re written the way they are,
with multiple-choice responses.
work with data from informational graphics, and make
ƒ ƒ Time allotted: 55 minutes. connections between paired passages.
ƒ ƒ Calculators may not be used or be on your desk. You’ll be asked questions that require you to draw on the
ƒ ƒ The questions often include references to direct you reading skills and knowledge needed most to succeed in
to the relevant part(s) of the passage(s). the subjects the passages are drawn from. For instance,
you might read about an experiment and then see
What the Reading Test Is Like questions that ask you to examine hypotheses, interpret
When you take the Reading Test, you’ll read passages data, or consider implications.
and interpret informational graphics. Then you’ll use
Answers are based only on the content stated in or
what you’ve read to answer questions. Some questions
implied by the passages and in any supplementary
ask you to locate a piece of information or an idea stated
material, such as tables and graphs.
directly. But you’ll also need to understand what the
author’s words or a graphic’s data imply. Command of Evidence
Some questions ask you to:
What You’ll Read
Reading Test passages range in length from about
ƒ ƒ Find evidence in a passage (or pair of passages) that
best supports the answer to a previous question or
500 to 750 words and vary in complexity. The Reading
serves as the basis for a reasonable conclusion.
Test includes:
ƒ ƒ Identify how authors use (or fail to use) evidence to
ƒ ƒ 1 passage from a classic or contemporary work of support their claims.
U.S. or world literature.
ƒ ƒ Locate or interpret data in an informational graphic,
ƒ ƒ 1 passage or a pair of passages from either a U.S. or understand a relationship between a graphic and
founding document (such as an essay by James
the passage it’s paired with.
Madison) or a text in the Great Global Conversation
(such as a speech by Nelson Mandela). Words in Context
ƒ ƒ 1 passage on a social science topic from a field such Some questions focus on important, widely used words
as economics, psychology, or sociology. and phrases that you’ll find in texts in many different
ƒ ƒ 2 science passages (or 1 passage and 1 passage subjects. The words and phrases are ones that you’ll use
pair) that examine foundational concepts or recent in college and the workplace long after test day.
developments in Earth science, biology, chemistry, These questions focus on your ability to:
or physics.
ƒ ƒ Figure out the meaning of words or phrases in
ƒ ƒ 2 passages accompanied by 1 or more informational context.
graphics.
ƒ ƒ Decide how an author’s word choice shapes meaning,
style, and tone.

Analysis in History/Social
Studies and in Science
You’ll be asked to read and analyze passages about
topics in history/social studies and in science.

Student Guide   2020-21 PSAT 8/9 9

 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing  Sample Reading Test Materials 

Tips for the Reading Test ƒ ƒ In your test booklet, mark each question you skip so
To answer each question, consider what the passage you can easily go back to it later if you have time.
or passages say directly, and use careful reasoning to ƒ ƒ Remember that all questions are worth 1 point
draw supportable inferences and conclusions from the regardless of the type or difficulty. You don’t lose
passage(s). The best answer to each question is derived points for guessing wrong, so you should try to
from what is stated or implied in the passage(s) rather answer each question as best you can.
than from prior knowledge of the topics covered. All of
the questions are passage based.

ƒ ƒ Reading carefully is the key to finding the best Sample Reading

answer to each question. The information you need
to answer each Reading Test question is always in
Test Materials
Following are samples of the kinds of passages and
the passage(s). Don’t be misled by an answer that
questions that may appear on the Reading Test. For each
looks correct but isn’t supported by the actual text of
set of sample materials:
the passage(s).
ƒ ƒ The questions don’t increase in difficulty from easy ƒ ƒ Read the passage(s) and any supplementary material
carefully.
to hard. Instead, they are presented as logically as
possible. Questions about central ideas and themes, ƒ ƒ Decide on the best answer to each question.
point of view, and overall text structure generally ƒ ƒ Read the explanation for the best answer to each
come early in the sequence. After that come more question and for the answer you chose (if they are
specific questions about such matters as facts, different).
details, and words in context.
On the actual test, each passage will be followed by
ƒ ƒ Stay with a passage until you have answered as 8 or 9 questions. The directions that follow match the
many questions as you can before you proceed to the directions on the actual test.
next passage. Don’t jump from passage to passage.
ƒ ƒ The questions often include references to help direct
you to relevant part(s) of the passage(s). You may
have to look elsewhere in the passage, however, to
find the best answer to the question.

10 2020-21 PSAT 8/9  Student Guide

 Reading Test Questions  Evidence-Based Reading and Writing  

Reading Test Questions

as I happily pulled the cement mixer behind me, the
DIRECTIONS
mixer’s main cylinder or drum—the thing that,
Each passage or pair of passages below is in a real cement mixer, mixes the cement; I do not
followed by a number of questions. After reading 35 know the actual word for it—rotated, went around
each passage or pair, choose the best answer and around on its horizontal axis, just as the drum on
to each question based on what is stated or a real cement mixer does. It did this, my mother said,
implied in the passage or passages and in any
only when the mixer was being pulled by me and
accompanying graphics (such as a table or graph).
only, she stressed, when I wasn’t looking. She insisted
40 on this part, and my father later backed her up: the
US and World Literature Higher Text Complexity magic was not just that the drum of a solid wood
Passage object without batteries rotated but that it did so only
Questions 1-4 are based on the following passage. when unobserved, stopping whenever observed. If,
while pulling, I turned to look, my parents somberly
This passage is adapted from David Foster Wallace, “All That.” 45 maintained, the drum magically ceased its rotation.
©2009 by Condé Nast.
How was this? I never, even for a moment, doubted
Once when I was a little boy I received as a gift a what they’d told me. This is why it is that adults
toy cement mixer. It was made of wood except for and even parents can, unwittingly, be cruel: they
its wheels—axles—which, as I remember, were thin cannot imagine doubt’s complete absence. They
Line metal rods. 50 have forgotten.
5 It was the same overlarge miniature as many The point was that months were henceforward
other toy vehicles—about the size of a breadbox. spent by me trying to devise ways to catch the drum
It weighed three or four pounds. It was a simple rotating. Evidence bore out what they had told me:
toy—no batteries. It had a colored rope, with a yellow turning my head obviously and unsubtly around
handle, and you held the handle and walked pulling 55 always stopped the rotation of the drum. I also tried
10 the cement mixer behind you—rather like a wagon, sudden whirls. I tried having someone else pull the
although it was nowhere near the size of a wagon. cement mixer. I tried incremental turns of the head
I liked the cement mixer and played with it as while pulling (“incremental” meaning turning my
much as or more than I played with the other toy head at roughly the rate of a clock’s minute hand).
vehicles I owned. At some point, several weeks or 60 I tried peering through a keyhole as someone else
15 months after the holidays, however, my biological pulled the cement mixer. Even turning my head at
parents led me to believe that it was a magic and/ the rate of the hour hand. I never doubted—it didn’t
or highly unusual cement mixer. Probably my occur to me. The magic was that the mixer seemed
mother told me this in a moment of adult boredom always to know. I tried mirrors—first pulling the
or whimsy, and then my father came home from 65 cement mixer straight toward a mirror, then through
20 work and joined in, also in a whimsical way. The rooms that had mirrors at the periphery of my vision,
magic—which my mother likely reported to me then past mirrors hidden such that there was little
from her vantage on our living room’s sofa, while chance that the cement mixer could even “know” that
watching me pull the cement mixer around the room there was a mirror in the room. My strategies became
by its rope, idly asking me if I was aware that it had 70 very involved. I was in kindergarten and home half
25 magical properties, no doubt making sport of me the day. The seriousness with which I tried must have
in the bored half-cruel way that adults sometimes caused my parents no little anguish of conscience.
do with small children, playfully telling them things
that they pass off to themselves as “tall tales” or
“childlike inventions,” unaware of the impact those
30 tales may have (since magic is a serious reality for small
children). The “magic” was that, unbeknown to me,

Student Guide   2020-21 PSAT 8/9 11

 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing  Reading Test Questions 

1 Choice A is incorrect because the narrator indicates that he

spent “months ... trying to devise ways to catch the drum
The main purpose of the second paragraph rotating.”
(lines 5-11) is to Choice B is incorrect because the narrator describes as
A) describe the toy cement mixer. unintentionally cruel his biological parents’ claim that the toy
cement mixer’s drum rotated and indicates that his parents
B) list the narrator’s favorite toys.
must have experienced “no little anguish of conscience” after
C) show that simple toys are as fun as seeing how earnestly he believed the claim.
complicated ones. Choice C is incorrect because the narrator’s interest in seeing
D) explain why the narrator liked the toy the drum rotate was so compelling that he spent “months …
cement mixer. trying to devise ways to catch the drum rotating” and because
there is no evidence in the passage that the narrator felt any
reluctance about the task he had set for himself.
Content: Rhetoric/Analyzing purpose
Focus: Students must determine the most likely purpose of a 3
particular part of a text.
Which choice provides the best evidence for the
Key: A Estimated Difficulty: Easy answer to the previous question?
Choice A is the best answer because the second paragraph A) Lines 31-37 (“The ‘magic’ … does”)
primarily offers a description of the toy cement mixer. In the B) Lines 43-45 (“If … rotation”)
paragraph, the narrator describes the size, appearance, and
mechanisms of the toy, noting, for example, that it was “about C) Lines 47-49 (“This … absence”)
the size of a breadbox,” had “a colored rope, with a yellow D) Lines 51-53 (“The point … rotating”)
handle,” and was pulled “rather like a wagon.”
Choice B is incorrect because although the narrator refers Content: Information and Ideas/Citing textual evidence
in the second paragraph to “many other toy vehicles” and
Focus: Students must cite the textual evidence that best
compares the toy cement mixer to a wagon, he does not list
supports a given point.
his toys or indicate which toys were his favorites.
Key: D Estimated Difficulty: Medium
Choice C is incorrect because although the narrator
states in the second paragraph that the toy cement
Choice D is the best answer because in this sentence, the
mixer was “a simple toy,” he does not compare it to
narrator states that after being told by his biological parents
complicated toys or indicate that simple toys and
that the toy cement mixer’s drum would only rotate when he
complicated toys are equally fun to play with.
was pulling the mixer and when he was not looking at it, he
Choice D is incorrect because although the narrator spent “months … trying to devise ways to catch the drum
describes in the second paragraph the size, appearance, rotating.” That the narrator devoted a long period of time to
and mechanisms of the toy cement mixer, he does numerous attempts to see the drum rotating suggests that his
not explain why the mixer appealed to him. interest in seeing it rotate was very strong.
Choice A is incorrect because this sentence reveals only
2
that the narrator’s biological parents told him that the
The narrator’s interest in trying to see the toy toy cement mixer’s drum would magically rotate as the
cement mixer’s drum rotate can best be described as narrator pulled the mixer. The sentence does not show that
the narrator’s interest in seeing the drum rotate was very
A) momentary. strong.
B) satisfying. Choice B is incorrect because this sentence reveals only
C) reluctant. that the narrator’s biological parents told him that the
toy cement mixer’s drum would stop its magical rotation
D) intense. whenever the narrator looked at it. The sentence does not
show that the narrator’s interest in seeing the drum rotate
Content: Information and Ideas/Reading closely/Determining was very strong.
implicit meanings Choice C is incorrect because this sentence focuses on the
Focus: Students must draw a logical conclusion from narrator’s claim that parents can be unintentionally cruel
a text. when they fail to realize that children will unquestioningly
believe what they say. Although the sentence suggests that
Key: D Estimated Difficulty: Hard
the narrator did not doubt his biological parents’ claim that
Choice D is the best answer because the narrator describes the toy cement mixer was magical, it does not convey the
his numerous attempts to see the toy cement mixer’s strength of his interest in seeing the drum rotate.
drum rotate, the “months” he spent on this task, and the
“seriousness with which [he] tried” to complete the task.

12 2020-21 PSAT 8/9  Student Guide

 Writing and Language Test Overview  Evidence-Based Reading and Writing  

4
As used in line 52, “catch” most nearly means Writing and Language
A) overtake. Test Overview
B) receive. The Writing and Language Test asks you to be an editor
C) witness. and improve passages that were written especially for
D) meet with. the test—and that include deliberate errors.

ƒ ƒ Total questions: 40 passage-based questions with

Content: Information and Ideas/Interpreting words and multiple-choice responses.
phrases in context ƒ ƒ Time allotted: 30 minutes.
Focus: Students must determine the meaning of a word in ƒ ƒ Calculators may not be used or be on your desk.
context.
Key: C Estimated Difficulty: Medium What the Writing and
Choice C is the best answer because it is clear from this Language Test Is Like
context that as a child, the narrator tried to find ways to When you take the Writing and Language Test, you’ll do
witness, or observe, the toy cement mixer’s drum rotating. things that people do all the time when they edit: read,
Choice A is incorrect because it does not make sense in find mistakes and weaknesses, and fix them.
this context to say that as a child, the narrator tried to find
The good news: You do these things every time you
ways to overtake, or physically catch up with and pass,
the toy cement mixer’s drum rotating. revise your own schoolwork or workshop your writing
with a friend.
Choice B is incorrect because it does not make sense in this
context to say that as a child, the narrator tried to find ways You will revise the passages on the test for development,
to receive, or take possession of, the toy cement mixer’s organization, and effective language use as well as edit
drum rotating. the passages to ensure they follow the conventions
Choice D is incorrect because it does not make sense in of standard written English grammar, usage, and
this context to say that as a child, the narrator tried to find punctuation.
ways to meet with the toy cement mixer’s drum rotating.
What You’ll Read
Writing and Language passages range in length from
about 350 to 400 words and vary in complexity. The
passages you’ll read will be informative/explanatory
texts, nonfiction narratives, or arguments and will cover
topics in the areas of careers, history/social studies, the
humanities, and science. One or more passages will be
accompanied by one or more informational graphics.

What the Writing and

Language Test Measures
The Writing and Language Test measures the skills and
knowledge you use to spot and fix problems in writing—
the same skills and knowledge you’ve been acquiring
in school and that you’ll need for success in college
and career. All questions are multiple choice and based
on passages and any supplementary material, such as
tables and graphs.

Command of Evidence
Questions that test command of evidence ask you to
improve the way passages develop information and
ideas. For instance, you might choose an answer that
sharpens an argumentative claim or adds a relevant
supporting detail.

Student Guide   2020-21 PSAT 8/9 13

 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing  Sample Writing and Language Test Materials 

Words in Context out of context. The best answer to each question

Some questions ask you to improve word choice. You’ll represents how a writer should develop, organize,
need to choose the best words to use based on the text and use language in a multiparagraph passage. You
surrounding them. Your goal will be to make a passage are demonstrating that you can make context-based
more precise or concise or to improve syntax, style, or improvements to the text.
tone. ƒ ƒ The most common format for the questions offers 3
alternatives to an underlined portion of the passage
Expression of Ideas along with the option of not changing the passage’s
Some questions ask about a passage’s topic original wording. Remember to answer these
development, organization, and language use. For questions in the context of the whole passage.
instance, you may be asked which words or structural
ƒ ƒ Stay with a passage until you have answered as
changes improve how a point is made or which phrase or
many questions as you can before you proceed to the
sentence provides the most effective transition between
next passage. Don’t jump from passage to passage.
ideas.
ƒ ƒ In your test booklet, mark each question you skip so
Standard English Conventions you can easily go back to it later if you have time.
Some questions relate to aspects of the mechanics of ƒ ƒ Remember that all questions are worth 1 point
writing: sentence structure, usage, and punctuation. regardless of the type or difficulty. You don’t lose
You’ll be asked to edit text so that it conforms to the points for guessing wrong, so you should try to
conventions of standard written English. answer each question as best you can.

Analysis in History/Social
Studies and in Science
You’ll be asked to read and analyze passages about
Sample Writing and
topics in history/social studies and in science and to Language Test Materials
make decisions that improve the passages (such as Following are samples of the kinds of passages and
revising a paragraph to be more consistent with the data questions that may appear on the Writing and Language
presented in an informational graphic). Test. For each set of sample materials:

Tips for the Writing and ƒ ƒ Read the passage carefully.

Language Test ƒ ƒ Decide on the best answer to each question.
To answer some questions, you’ll need to look closely ƒ ƒ Read the explanation for the best answer to each
at a single sentence. Others require thinking about the question and for the answer you chose (if they are
entire passage or interpreting a graphic. For instance, different).
you might be asked to choose where a sentence should
On the actual test, the passages and questions will be
be placed or to correct a misinterpretation of a scientific
in side-by-side columns, with each passage (spread
table or graph.
over multiple pages) in the left column and associated
ƒ ƒ To make decisions that improve the passages, read multiple-choice questions in the right column. The
the passages carefully. directions that follow match the directions on the actual
ƒ ƒ Rote recall of language rules isn’t tested, nor are test.
any questions based on short snippets of text taken

14 2020-21 PSAT 8/9  Student Guide

 Writing and Language Test Questions  Evidence-Based Reading and Writing  

Writing and Language Test Questions

1 For instance, job seekers can use a site to find
DIRECTIONS
the name of the hiring manager of a company and
Each passage below is accompanied by a
number of questions. For some questions, you contact that manager directly. The job search website
will consider how the passage might be revised can also provide job seekers with valuable information
to improve the expression of ideas. For other about a company’s mission and history. This
questions, you will consider how the passage
information will help job seekers determine whether
might be edited to correct errors in sentence
structure, usage, or punctuation. A passage the company seems like a good fit for them.
or a question may be accompanied by one or Online job sites can also make it easier for
more graphics (such as a table or graph) that
employers to find job seekers. Another useful feature
you will consider as you make revising and
editing decisions. of these sites is that résumés can be made searchable,
Some questions will direct you to an underlined which means that employers can use a keyword search
portion of a passage. Other questions will to select résumés for further consideration. This is
direct you to a location in a passage or ask you
why 2 I’m telling you what a big deal it is for job
to think about the passage as a whole.
seekers to include in their résumés keywords such as
After reading each passage, choose the answer
to each question that most effectively improves “leadership” or “CPR certification” that describe their
the quality of writing in the passage or that skills, training, and education.
makes the passage conform to the conventions Although job search sites can be very helpful, it’s
of standard written English. Many questions
include a “NO CHANGE” option. Choose that important to be selective and focused while using them.
option if you think the best choice is to leave One mistake many inexperienced, and even
the relevant portion of the passage as it is. experienced, job seekers sometimes make is to apply
for jobs that are outside of their areas of expertise. This
Careers Passage
mistake can result in unanswered job applications and
Focus: Students must make revising and editing decisions in
the context of a passage on a topic related to careers. wasted time for both job seekers and employers. Perhaps
Questions 1-4 are based on the following passage. for this reason, job coaches 3 reassure their clients to

The Online World of Job Searching use job search websites sparingly. They recommend that
job seekers spend most of the time they devote to job
Job search sites, websites that help job seekers find
hunting on other activities, such as networking, and just
open positions, have grown in popularity. These sites
10 percent of their job-hunting time on these websites.
typically allow users to customize their job searches
4 In other words, people spend almost triple that
to focus on specific industries, employers, skills, or
amount. A recent poll conducted by Climber.com
geographic areas. Many job search sites have features
revealed that job seekers spend 29.94 percent of their
such as automatic alerts that will send job seekers
time looking for work on these sites.
an e-mail or text message when a relevant job has
Networking and face-to-face contact have always
been posted. Knowing how to use these features and
been important parts of any job search. However,
navigate the sites makes it much easier for job seekers
when used strategically, job search websites can also be
to connect with employers.
powerful tools for researching and ultimately finding
a job.

Student Guide   2020-21 PSAT 8/9 15

 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing  Writing and Language Test Questions 

1 2
Which choice, if added here, would most effectively A) NO CHANGE
establish the main topic of the paragraph? B) it’s so huge
A) Job seekers can think of job search websites as C) it’s important
strategic “intelligence-gathering” tools. D) I cannot overemphasize how crucial it is
B) New job postings are sometimes flagged to
indicate that they’re recent additions. Content: Effective language use/Style and tone
C) Instead of placing an advertisement in the “help Focus: Students must revise text as necessary to ensure
wanted” section of a newspaper, an employer is consistency of style and tone within a text.
more likely to post on an online job site. Key: C Estimated Difficulty: Easy
D) Some people use online job sites just to become
aware of job opportunities in their area, even if Choice C is the best answer because “it’s important”
they’re not actively looking for a new job. is consistent with the established style and tone of
the passage, which is in the third person and provides
information formally and directly, without exaggeration.
Content: Development/Proposition
Choice A is incorrect because “I’m telling you what a big
Focus: Students must add a topic sentence to structure text deal it is” varies from the established style and tone of the
and convey information and ideas clearly and effectively. passage by shifting from third to first person and by using
Key: A Estimated Difficulty: Hard overly casual language that suggests exaggeration.
Choice B is incorrect because “it’s so huge” varies from the
Choice A is the best answer because it would clearly established style and tone of the passage by using overly
establish the main topic of the paragraph: ways that job casual language that suggests exaggeration.
seekers can use job search websites to collect information
about job opportunities and the companies associated with Choice D is incorrect because “I cannot overemphasize how
them. crucial it is” varies from the established style and tone of the
passage by shifting from third to first person and by using
Choice B is incorrect because it would begin the paragraph language that suggests exaggeration.
with a detail that continues the previous paragraph’s
discussion of the features of job search sites and therefore
would not clearly establish the main topic of the paragraph.
Choice C is incorrect because it would begin the paragraph
with a statement about employers and job search sites that is
largely irrelevant to the focus of the paragraph and therefore
would not clearly establish the main topic of the paragraph.
Choice D is incorrect because it would begin the paragraph
with a loosely related detail about how some people use job
search sites and therefore would not clearly establish the
main topic of the paragraph.

16 2020-21 PSAT 8/9  Student Guide

 Writing and Language Test Questions  Evidence-Based Reading and Writing  

3 4
A) NO CHANGE A) NO CHANGE
B) encourage B) Because of this,
C) energize C) In reality,
D) provoke D) For example,

Content: Effective language use/Precision Content: Organization/Introductions, conclusions, and

transitions
Focus: Students must revise text as needed to improve the
exactness and content appropriateness of word choice. Focus: Students must revise text as needed to ensure that a
transition phrase is used effectively to connect information
Key: B Estimated Difficulty: Medium
and ideas.
Choice B is the best answer because “encourage” is a Key: C Estimated Difficulty: Medium
contextually appropriate way to indicate that job coaches
are offering their clients advice about how best to use job Choice C is the best answer because “in reality”
search websites. effectively contrasts the recommendation in the previous
sentence (“that job seekers spend … just 10 percent of
Choice A is incorrect because while “reassure” does
their job-hunting time on these websites”) with the much
offer some sense of job coaches’ encouraging role in this
higher amount people actually spend (“almost triple,”
context, it would be awkward and unconventional to say
“29.94 percent”) presented in this and the next sentence.
that job coaches reassure their clients to use job search
websites sparingly. Choice A is incorrect because “in other words” improperly
sets up a restatement (something said in a different, often
Choice C is incorrect because while “energize” does offer
simpler way than previously) and does not convey the
some sense of job coaches’ encouraging role in this context,
necessary contrast between the recommended amount
it would be awkward and unconventional to say that job
of time job seekers should spend on job search websites
coaches energize their clients to use job search websites
(“just 10 percent of their job-hunting time”) and the
sparingly.
much higher amount people actually spend (“almost
Choice D is incorrect because it would be awkward and triple,” “29.94 percent”).
unconventional to say that job coaches “provoke” their clients
Choice B is incorrect because “because of this” suggests
to use job search websites sparingly.
an illogical cause-effect relationship and does not convey
the necessary contrast between the recommended amount
of time job seekers should spend on job search websites
(“just 10 percent of their job-hunting time”) and the much
higher amount people actually spend (“almost triple,”
“29.94 percent”).
Choice D is incorrect because “for example” sets up an
example that does not actually appear in the sentence
and does not convey the necessary contrast between the
recommended amount of time job seekers should spend on
job search websites (“just 10 percent of their job-hunting
time”) and the much higher amount people actually spend
(“almost triple,” “29.94 percent”).

Student Guide   2020-21 PSAT 8/9 17

 Math  Math Test Overview 

Math
The PSAT 8/9 Math Test covers math practices, Conceptual Understanding
emphasizing problem solving, modeling, using tools You’ll demonstrate your grasp of math concepts,
strategically, and using algebraic structure. The operations, and relations. For instance, you might be
questions test your ability to solve problems and use asked to make connections between properties of linear
appropriate approaches and tools strategically. equations, their graphs, and the contexts they represent.

Applications
Math Test Overview Some real-world problems ask you to analyze a situation,
determine the essential elements required to solve the
The Math Test includes a portion that allows the use of a
problem, represent the problem mathematically, and
calculator and a portion that does not.
carry out a solution.
ƒ ƒ Total questions: 38 (13 questions on the no-
calculator portion; 25 questions on the calculator
portion). Calculator Use
Š Š31 standard multiple-choice questions. Calculators are important tools, and to succeed after
Š Š7 student-produced response questions. school, you’ll need to know how—and when—to use
them. In the Math Test – Calculator portion of the
ƒ ƒ Time allotted for Math Test – No Calculator: 20 minutes; test, you’ll be able to focus on complex modeling and
time allotted for Math Test – Calculator: 40 minutes. reasoning because your calculator can save you time.

What the Math Test Is Like However, using a calculator, like any tool, isn’t always
the best way to solve a problem. The Math Test includes
Instead of testing you on every math topic, the PSAT 8/9
some questions that it’s better not to use a calculator for,
asks you to use the math that you’ll rely on most in
even though you’re allowed to. With these questions,
all sorts of situations. Questions on the Math Test are
you’ll probably find that the structure of the problem or
designed to mirror the problem solving and modeling
your reasoning skills will lead you to the answers more
you’ll do in:
efficiently.
ƒ ƒ College math, science, and social science courses
ƒ ƒ Jobs that you hold Calculator Smarts
ƒ ƒ Your personal life ƒ ƒ Bring your own calculator. You can’t share one.
For instance, to answer some questions you’ll need to ƒ ƒ Don’t bring a calculator you’ve never used before.
use several steps because in the real world, a single Bring one you know. Practice for the test using the
calculation is rarely enough to get the job done. same calculator you’ll use on test day.
ƒ ƒ It may help to do scratch work in the test book. Get
ƒ ƒ Most math questions will be multiple choice, but your thoughts down before using your calculator.
some—called student-produced responses—ask you
to come up with the answer rather than select the ƒ ƒ Make sure your calculator is in good working order
answer. with fresh batteries. The testing staff might not have
batteries or extra calculators. If your calculator fails
ƒ ƒ Some parts of the test include several questions during testing and you have no backup, you can
about a single scenario.
complete the test without it. All questions can be
answered without a calculator.
What the Math Test Measures
Fluency
The Math Test is a chance to show that you: Answering Student-
ƒ ƒ Carry out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently,
and strategically.
Produced Response
ƒ ƒ Solve problems quickly by identifying and using the Questions
most efficient solution approaches. You’ll see directions in the test book for answering
This might involve solving a problem by inspection, student-produced response questions. (See page 22 for an
finding a shortcut, or reorganizing the information example.) Take the time to be comfortable with the format
you’ve been given. before test day. Carefully read the directions for answering
these questions. The directions explain what you can and
can’t do when entering your answers on the answer sheet.

18 2020-21 PSAT 8/9  Student Guide

 Tips for the Math Test Math  

Tips for the Math Test Sample Math Test Materials

ƒ ƒ Familiarize yourself with the directions ahead of time. The sample math questions that follow show the kinds of
ƒ ƒ You don’t have to memorize formulas. Commonly questions that may appear on both portions of the Math
used formulas are provided with the test directions Test. For these sample materials:
at the beginning of each Math Test portion. Other ƒ ƒ Review the notes at the beginning of each portion.
formulas that are needed are provided with the test They match the notes on the actual test.
questions themselves. It’s up to you to decide which ƒ ƒ Decide on the correct answer to each multiple-choice
formula is appropriate to a question. question, then read the explanation for the correct
ƒ ƒ Read the problem carefully. Look for key words that answer to each question and for the answer you
tell you what the problem is asking. Before you solve chose (if they are different).
each problem, ask yourself these questions: What is ƒ ƒ Follow the directions for the student-produced
the question asking? What do I know? response questions shown later in this guide. The
ƒ ƒ With some problems, it may be useful to draw a directions match the directions on the actual test.
sketch or diagram of the given information.
ƒ ƒ Use the test booklet for scratch work. You’re not
expected to do all the reasoning and figuring in your
head. You won’t receive credit for anything written
in the booklet, but you’ll be able to check your work
easily later.
ƒ ƒ In the portion of the test that allows calculator use,
be strategic when choosing to use your calculator.
ƒ ƒ If you don’t know the correct answer to a multiple-
choice question, eliminate some of the choices. It’s
sometimes easier to find the wrong answers than the
correct one. On some questions, you may even be able
to eliminate all the incorrect choices. Remember that
you won’t lose points for incorrect answers, so plan to
make your best guess if you don’t know the answer.
ƒ ƒ Check your answer to make sure it’s a reasonable
reply to the question asked. This is especially true
for student-produced response questions, where no
answer choices are given.

Student Guide   2020-21 PSAT 8/9 19

 Math  Math Test – No Calculator Questions 

Math Test – No Calculator

2 5 M IN UTES, 1 7 QU EST I O NS

Turn to Section 3 of your answer sheet to answer the questions in this section.

Math Test – No Calculator Questions

questions 1-13, solve each problem, choose the best answer from the choices provided,
ForDIRECTIONS
and fill in the corresponding circle on your answer sheet. For questions 14-17, solve the
For questions
problem 1-2,your
and enter solveanswer
each problem, choose
in the grid on thethe best answer
answer from the
sheet. Please choices
refer to theprovided, and fill in the
corresponding bubble on your answer sheet. For question 3, solve the problem
directions before question 14 on how to enter your answers in the grid. You may use andany
enter your answer in the grid
on the answer sheet. Please refer to the directions
available space in your test booklet for scratch work. before question 3 on how to enter your answers in the grid. You
may use any available space in your test booklet for scratch work.

NOTES
1. The use of a calculator is not permitted.
1. The use of a calculator is not permitted.
2. All variables and expressions used represent real numbers unless otherwise indicated.
2. All variables and expressions used represent real numbers unless otherwise indicated.
3. Figures provided in this test are drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated.
3. Figures provided in this test are drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated.
4. All figures lie in a plane unless otherwise indicated.
4. All figures lie in a plane unless otherwise indicated.
5. Unless otherwise indicated, the domain of a given function f is the set of all real numbers x for
5. Unless otherwise indicated, the domain of a given function f is the set of all real numbers x for which f (x)
which f(x) is a real number.
is a real number.

REFERENCE

The number of degrees of arc in a circle is 360.

The number of degrees of arc in a circle is 360.
The number of radians of arc in a circle is 2p.
The number of radians of arc in a circle is .
The sum of the measures in degrees of the angles of a triangle is 180.
The sum of the measures in degrees of the angles of a triangle is 180.

thorized copying or reuse of any part of this page is illegal. 32 CO NTI N U E

20 2020-21 PSAT 8/9  Student Guide

 Math Test – No Calculator Questions Math  

1 2
A banquet hall is divided into two sections that both The amount of energy used by a light, in kilowatt-
have tables with chairs arranged around them. In the hours, is calculated by multiplying the number of
smaller section, there are 9 tables with 6 chairs each. kilowatts of the light’s bulb by the number of hours
In the larger section, there are currently 4 tables with the light is on. The expression 0.075x + 0.060y
8 chairs each. More tables, each with 8 chairs, will represents the total amount of energy used by two
be added to this larger section so that there will be different lights, A and B, where x is the number
126 total chairs in the banquet hall. Which equation of hours Light A is on and y is the number of
could be used to determine how many more tables, hours Light B is on. What does 0.075 represent in
t, each with 8 chairs, are needed in the larger section? the expression?
A) (6)(4 + 9) + 8t = 126 A) Light A has a 0.075 kilowatt bulb in it.
B) 9(t + 4) + 6(8) = 126 B) Light A has a 75 kilowatt bulb in it.
C) 6(9) + 8(t + 4) = 126 C) Light B has a 0.075 kilowatt bulb in it.
D) (9 + 4 + t)(6 + 8) = 126 D) Light B has a 75 kilowatt bulb in it.

Content: Heart of Algebra/Linear equations in one variable Content: Passport to Advanced Math/Nonlinear functions
Focus: Students must interpret a given scenario and Focus: Students must demonstrate conceptual
create an equation in one variable to represent the understanding and interpret the meaning of a constant in
scenario. terms of the given context.
No Calculator No Calculator
Key: C Estimated Difficulty: Medium Key: A Estimated Difficulty: Medium

Choice C is correct. The smaller section of the banquet Choice A is correct. The given expression represents
hall has 9 tables with 6 chairs each, so the total number of the total amount of energy, in kilowatt-hours, used
chairs in that section is (6)(9). In the larger section, there by the two lights, A and B. Because x represents the
are currently 4 tables and t more will be added, so the total number of hours that Light A is on, 0.075x represents
number of tables will be (t + 4). If each of these tables has the total number of kilowatt-hours used by Light A.
8 chairs, the number of chairs in the larger section is 8(t + 4). Therefore, it follows that the coefficient, 0.075, must
The total number of chairs in the banquet hall can be found represent the number of kilowatts of Light A’s bulb.
by adding the number of chairs in the smaller section to the
Choice B is incorrect. This answer may be the result of
number of chairs in the larger section, and it is given that
correctly identifying that the coefficient associated with
the total number of chairs in the banquet hall is 126, so the
the variable x is related to the energy output of Light
equation (6)(9) + 8(t + 4) = 126 is the correct answer.
A’s bulb; however, the coefficient has been erroneously
Choice A is incorrect. This answer is the result of correctly multiplied by 1,000.
identifying that each new table, t, will have 8 chairs and that Choice C is incorrect. This answer may be the result of
each of the 9 tables in the smaller section will have 6 chairs, erroneously assigning x to be the number of hours that
but incorrectly calculating that each of the 4 tables currently Light B is on; x is actually defined in the question as the
in the larger section has 6 chairs, rather than the correct number of hours that Light A is on.
number of 8 chairs each.
Choice D is incorrect. This answer may be the result of both
Choice B is incorrect. This answer is the result of finding erroneously assigning x to be the number of hours that Light
the product of the number of tables in each section and B is on (instead of Light A) and also erroneously multiplying
adding it to the product of the number of chairs at a table in the coefficient by 1,000.
each section.
Choice D is incorrect. This answer is the result of
multiplying the total number of tables in the banquet hall
by the sum of the number of chairs at each size of table.

Student Guide   2020-21 PSAT 8/9 21

 Math Math Test – No Calculator Questions

DIRECTIONS 7
Answer: 12 Answer: 2.5
For question 3, solve the problem and enter your Write
answer in the grid, as described below, on the answer 7 / 12 2 . 5
in boxes. Fraction
answer sheet. line Decimal
point
NOTES
1. Although not required, it is suggested that you write Grid in
your answer in the boxes at the top of the columns to result.
help you fill in the bubbles accurately. You will receive
credit only if the bubbles are filled in correctly.
2. Mark no more than one bubble in any column.
3. No question has a negative answer.
4. Some problems may have more than one correct
answer. In such cases, grid only one answer. 2
Acceptable ways to grid 3 are:

5. Mixed numbers such as 3 1 must be gridded as 3.5 2 / 3 . 666 . 667

2
31 / 2
or 7/2. (If is entered into the grid, it will be

interpreted as 31 , not 3 1 .)
2 2
6. Decimal answers: If you obtain a decimal answer
with more digits than the grid can accommodate, it
may be either rounded or truncated, but it must fill
the entire grid.
3
2x + 3y = 14
3x = y + 10 Answer: 201– either position is correct
If (x, y) satisfies the system of equations above, what NOTE: You
is the value of y? 201 201 may start your
answers in any
column, space
Content: Heart of Algebra/Systems of two linear equations permitting.
in two variables Columns you
Focus: Students must demonstrate fluency in solving don’t need to
systems of equations in two variables. use should be
left blank.
Key: 2 Estimated Difficulty: Medium

There are many approaches to solve the system given.

One approach is to rewrite the second equation as
y = 3x – 10 and to substitute this value of y into the
first equation. This yields 2x + 3(3x – 10) = 14, which
can be rewritten as 11x – 30 = 14. Adding 30 to both
sides and then dividing by 11 gives x = 4. If this value
of x is substituted into the equation y = 3x – 10, it
results in y = 12 – 10 = 2. Therefore, the solution
(x, y) to the system of equations is (4, 2) and the value
of y in the solution is 2.

22 2020-21 PSAT
PSAT 8/9 Student Guide
 Math Test – Calculator Questions Math  

Math Test – No Calculator

2 5 M IN UTES, 1 7 QU EST I O NS

Turn to Section 3 of your answer sheet to answer the questions in this section.

Math Test – Calculator Questions

questions 1-13, solve each problem, choose the best answer from the choices provided,
ForDIRECTIONS
and fill in the corresponding circle on your answer sheet. For questions 14-17, solve the
For questions
problem 1-3,your
and enter solveanswer
each problem, choose
in the grid on thethe best answer
answer from the
sheet. Please choices
refer to theprovided, and fill in the
corresponding bubble on your answer sheet. For question 4, solve the problem
directions before question 14 on how to enter your answers in the grid. You may use andany
enter your answer in
the grid on the answer sheet. Please refer to the
available space in your test booklet for scratch work.directions before question 4 on how to enter your answers
in the grid. You may use any available space in your test booklet for scratch work.

NOTES
1. The use of a calculator is not permitted.
1. The use of a calculator is permitted.
2. All variables and expressions used represent real numbers unless otherwise indicated.
2. All variables and expressions used represent real numbers unless otherwise indicated.
3. Figures provided in this test are drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated.
3. Figures provided in this test are drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated.
4. All figures lie in a plane unless otherwise indicated.
4. All figures lie in a plane unless otherwise indicated.
5. Unless otherwise indicated, the domain of a given function f is the set of all real numbers x for
5. Unless otherwise indicated, the domain of a given function f is the set of all real numbers x for which f(x)
which f(x) is a real number.
is a real number.

REFERENCE

The number of degrees of arc in a circle is 360.

The number of degrees of arc in a circle is 360.
The number of radians of arc in a circle is 2p.
The number of radians of arc in a circle is .
The sum of the measures in degrees of the angles of a triangle is 180.
The sum of the measures in degrees of the angles of a triangle is 180.

thorized copying or reuse of any part of this page is illegal. 32 CO NTI N U E

Student Guide   2020-21 PSAT 8/9 23

 Math  Math Test – Calculator Questions 

1 Questions 2 and 3 refer to the following

information.
A real estate broker earns a fixed percentage of the
The scatterplot below shows the relationship
selling price of a house as a commission. The broker
between the speed of a certain vehicle, in miles per
sold a house for $278,000 and earned a commission
hour, and its fuel economy, in miles per gallon.
of $16,680. What would the broker’s commission be
on a house that sells for $324,000?
A) $14,311
B) $19,440
C) $46,000
D) $62,680

Content: Problem Solving and Data Analysis/Ratios, rates,

proportional relationships, and units
Focus: Students must use a proportional relationship
between two variables to solve a multistep problem in an
applied scenario.
No Calculator
Key: B Estimated Difficulty: Easy 2
Based on the scatterplot, over which speed intervals,
Choice B is correct. The rate of the commission can
be found by setting up a proportion comparing the
in miles per hour, does the relationship between the
commission on each sale to the selling price of each house,  speed and fuel economy appear to be negative?
. Cross-multiplying produces the A) 5–25 and 40–50
equation 278,000x = (16,680)(324,000), which results in
B) 15–35 and 40–50
x = 19,440. Therefore, the amount of commission that will C) 20–35, 40–55, and 60–75
be earned for a house with a selling price of $324,000 is D) 25–40, 50–55, and 60–75
$19,440.
Choice A is incorrect. This answer may be Content: Problem Solving and Data Analysis/Two-variable
the result of incorrectly setting up the data: models and scatterplots
Focus: Students must carefully inspect the scatterplot
proportion as , solving
to determine the interval of speed that meets the required
16,680 × 278,000 = 324,000x, and then rounding the answer criteria.
down to $14,311. Key: D Estimated Difficulty: Medium
Choice C is incorrect. This answer may be the result of not
using a proportion, but instead finding the difference in the Choice D is correct. The relationship is negative when the
two selling prices, yielding 324,000 – 278,000 = 46,000. y-values consistently decrease as the x-values increase.
Choice D is incorrect. This answer may be the result of not Visual inspection of the scatterplot shows a negative
using a proportion, but instead subtracting the two selling relationship for the data points over the following speed
prices (324,000 – 278,000 = 46,000) and then adding the intervals: 25 to 40, 50 to 55, and 60 to 75 miles per hour.
commission from the first sale (46,000 + 16,680 = 62,680). Choice A is incorrect. This answer corresponds to intervals
of speed over which the relationship between the speed
and fuel economy appears to be positive.
Choice B is incorrect. This answer corresponds to
intervals of speed over which the relationship between
the speed and fuel economy is not always negative.
Choice C is incorrect. This answer corresponds to intervals of
speed over which the relationship between the speed and fuel
economy is not always negative.

24 2020-21 PSAT 8/9  Student Guide

 Math Test – Calculator Questions Math  

3 For question 4, solve the problem and enter your

answer in the grid, as described on page 22.
Based on the trend in the data shown for a car
traveling between 5 and 20 miles per hour, which 4
of the following is the best estimate of the fuel
economy, in miles per gallon, for the vehicle when it If f (x) = 4 − x and g (x) = 2x2 − 1, what is the value of
travels 17 miles per hour? f (1) – g (1)?
A) 48 Content: Passport to Advanced Math/Nonlinear functions
B) 44 Focus: Students must use function notation to solve a
C) 40 conceptual problem.
D) 36 Calculator
Key: 2 Estimated Difficulty: Hard
Content: Problem Solving and Data Analysis/Two-variable
data: models and scatterplots
Focus: Students must estimate a line of best fit for a given
The problem states that f (x) = 4 – x. The value of
interval and then use the line to make a prediction about a f (1) can be found by substituting x = 1 into the
value within the interval. expression for f (x), so f (1) = 4 – 1 = 3. It is also
Calculator stated that g (x) = 2x2 – 1, and so g (1) = 2(1)2 – 1 = 1.
Key: B Estimated Difficulty: Medium
It follows, then, that f (1) – g (1) = 3 – 1 = 2.

Choice B is correct. From visual inspection of a plausible

line of best fit in the interval of 5 to 20 miles per hour (mph),
the student can determine that the best estimate of the fuel
economy at 17 mph will be greater than 40 miles per gallon
(mpg) and less than 45 mpg, which leaves 44 mpg as the
best estimate among the given choices.
Choice A is incorrect. The data points over the interval from
5 to 20 miles per hour (mph) have a positive linear trend.
This means that over this interval, as the speed increases,
the fuel economy also increases. Similarly, as the speed
decreases, the fuel economy also decreases. The data point
at 20 mph corresponds to a fuel economy of 48 miles per
gallon (mpg). Therefore, based on the line of best fit for the
interval from 5 to 20 mph, it is likely that the fuel economy
corresponding to a data point at 17 mph would be lower than
48 mpg.
Choice C is incorrect. The data points over the interval from
5 to 20 miles per hour (mph) have a positive linear trend.
This means that over this interval, as the speed increases,
the fuel economy also increases. The data point at 15 mph
corresponds to a fuel economy that is just over 40 miles per
gallon (mpg). Therefore, based on the line of best fit for the
interval from 5 to 20 mph, it is likely that the fuel economy
corresponding to a data point at 17 mph would be higher
than 40 mpg.
Choice D is incorrect. The data points over the interval from
5 to 20 miles per hour (mph) have a positive linear trend.
This means that over this interval, as the speed increases,
the fuel economy also increases. The data point at 15 mph
corresponds to a fuel economy that is just over 40 miles per
gallon (mpg). Therefore, based on the line of best fit for the
interval from 5 to 20 mph, it is likely that the fuel economy
corresponding to a data point at 17 mph would be higher
than 40 mpg and consequently higher than 36 mpg.

Student Guide   2020-21 PSAT 8/9 25

 PSAT 8/9 Terms and Conditions  Introduction 

PSAT 8/9 Terms and Conditions

Introduction ·· Books or references of any kind except as approved
as an English learner (EL) support for school day
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms and Conditions” administrations
or “Agreement”) are a legal contract between you and ·· Compasses, rulers, protractors, or cutting devices
College Board (“College Board” or “we”). They set
forth important rules and policies you must follow ·· Papers of any kind, including scratch paper
related to taking the PSAT 8/9. Please read these ·· Earplugs
carefully. ·· Unacceptable calculators that have computer-style
All disputes between you and College Board will be (QWERTY) keyboards, use paper tape, make noise,
resolved through binding arbitration in accordance or use a power cord
with Section 9 of this Agreement. ·· Weapons or firearms
c. Acceptable Calculators. Only battery-operated,
Section 1. Certification
By registering for and/or taking the PSAT 8/9, you power cords are allowed. If you have a calculator with
certify that (i) you have read, understand, and agree to characters that are 1 inch or higher, or if your calculator
be bound and abide by these Terms and Conditions, has a raised display that might be visible to other test
and (ii) the information you provide to College Board is takers, you will be seated at the discretion of the testing
accurate. staff. All scientific calculators, which can perform
complex mathematical functions but don’t have a
Section 2. Required and Prohibited graphing feature, are acceptable as long as they don’t
Items for Testing have any prohibited features. For a list of acceptable
a. You must bring the following items to the PSAT 8/9 in calculators, see collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/
accordance with collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/ psat-8-9/taking-the-test/test-day-checklist/approved-
psat-8-9/taking-the-test/test-day-checklist: calculators. No other calculators are permitted.
d. If you do not bring the required items, or if you bring
·· Valid school or government issued photo ID (for
students not testing at their own school) prohibited items, you may be denied admission to or
be dismissed from the test center; in addition, we may
·· Two No. 2 pencils that have erasers decline to score your test, or cancel your score.
·· Acceptable calculator (as set forth later in this
section) for math sections/tests where they are Section 3. Prohibited Behaviors
allowed a. You may not engage in the following prohibited
·· Earphones, only if you’re approved for behaviors:
assistive technology–compatible or MP3 audio ·· Attempt to cheat or otherwise obtain an unfair
accommodations advantage on the PSAT 8/9
·· Epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen ) in a clear
®
·· Take or attempt to take any test questions or
plastic bag if you need one responses or any notes from the testing room,
b. You may not bring prohibited items to the test. including through memorization, give them to anyone
Prohibited items include but aren’t limited to: else, or discuss them with anyone else through any
·· Mobile phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, means, including, but not limited to, email, text
or other wearable technology (simple nondigital messages, or the internet
watches are acceptable) ·· At any time, improperly access the test center, the
·· Audio players or recorders, tablets, laptops, test (or any part of the test), an answer key, or any
notebooks, Bluetooth devices (e.g., wireless earbuds/ information about the test
headphones), or any other personal computing ·· Refer to, look through, or work on a test section in
devices the test book or answer sheet, other than during the
··Separate timers of any type testing period for that test or test section

·· Cameras or any other photographic equipment ·· Refer to, or look through, any test or test section
while leaving the answer sheet blank
·· Pens, highlighters, or mechanical or colored pencils
·· Attempt to give or receive assistance, including by
copying or through the use of an answer key

26 2020-21 PSAT 8/9  Student Guide

 Section 4. Score Cancellation and Disciplinary Measures  PSAT 8/9 Terms and Conditions  

·· Discuss or share information about the test including Section 4. Score Cancellation and
questions, answers, identifying information about
the version or form of a test, or any other information
Disciplinary Measures
that might compromise the security of the test at any a. Score Cancellation and Disciplinary Measures. In the
time (including before the test, during the test, during event that College Board or Educational Testing Service
breaks, or after the test) (“ETS”) determine that your scores are invalid under
section 4(b) below, or you have engaged in Misconduct
·· Communicate with other test takers or other under section 4(c) below, we may, in our sole discretion,
individuals in any form while testing is in session take 1 or more of the following measures (“Measures”):
·· Allow anyone to see the test questions or your deny you entry to a test administration, dismiss you from
answers or attempt to see or copy others’ test the test, decline to score your test, cancel your scores,
questions or answers ban you from taking future College Board assessments
·· Consult notes, other people, electronic devices, (including without limitation the Advanced Placement
textbooks, or any other resources during the test or (“AP”) exams), and/or share information with others as
during breaks set forth in 4(f) below.
·· Use or access any prohibited items including devices b. Invalid Scores. We may cancel your scores and/
or aids such as, but not limited to, mobile phones, or take any of the other Measures described above,
smartwatches, other oral or written communication if after following the procedures set forth in this
devices or wearable technology, cameras, notes and section, we determine, in our sole discretion, that
reference books, etc., during or in connection with there is substantial evidence that your scores are
the test, including during breaks invalid (“Invalid Scores”). Examples of evidence
of Invalid Scores include, without limitation,
·· Fail to turn in or store away a mobile phone in
discrepant handwriting, unusual answer patterns,
accordance with the test center’s collection process
or other evidence that violations of these Terms and
·· Share a calculator with another person Conditions may have occurred. Before canceling
·· Use a calculator on a test or test section where they your scores under this Invalid Scores section, we will
are not allowed notify you in writing (via email if an email address
·· Use a prohibited calculator is available) and provide you with an opportunity
to submit written information to us to help resolve
·· Leave the testing room without permission and prior
our inquiry. If, after review of the information by
to the conclusion of all sections of the test
College Board’s review panel, it determines, in its
·· Go to a locker or leave the building at any time during sole discretion, that your scores are invalid, we will
the test administration, including during breaks offer you 2 options: voluntary score cancellation, or
·· Deliberately attempt to and/or take the test for arbitration as set forth in the Arbitration of Disputes
someone else or attempt to have someone else section in these Terms and Conditions. This process is
impersonate you to take the test referred to as the “Score Validity Process.” Additional
·· Deliberately create fake or multiple College Board information about the Score Validity Process is set
student accounts forth in sat.org/test-security. The arbitration option
is available only for tests administered in the United
·· Provide false information to College Board
States and U.S. Territories.
·· Disturb others
c. Misconduct. Notwithstanding section 4(b) above,
·· Consume food or drink in unauthorized areas if we determine, in our sole discretion, that there is
·· Exhibit confrontational, threatening, or unruly overwhelming evidence that you violated these Terms
behavior and Conditions (“Misconduct”), the Score Validity
·· Allow an alarm or a personal item to sound in the Process will not apply and we may cancel your scores
testing room and/or take any of the Measures described above. An
example of Misconduct might include overwhelming
·· Fail to follow any of the test administration rules set
evidence that you used or attempted to use an answer
forth in these Terms and Conditions or directions
key or mobile phone. Misconduct may be established
given by the testing staff
in various ways including, without limitation, through
observations during an administration, or by evidence
discovered afterwards. If your scores are canceled due
to Misconduct, you will forfeit test and registration fees.

Student Guide   2020-21 PSAT 8/9 27

 PSAT 8/9 Terms and Conditions  Section 5. Privacy 

d. Testing Irregularities. We may cancel your scores if Section 5. Privacy

we determine, in our sole discretion, that a Testing a. Privacy Policies. College Board recognizes the
Irregularity occurred (“Testing Irregularities”). importance of protecting your privacy. Our privacy
Examples of Testing Irregularities include problems or policies located at collegeboard.org/privacy-center
irregular circumstances, or events associated with the (“Privacy Policies”) are part of these Terms and
administration of a test; they may affect 1 test taker or Conditions. You consent to College Board collection,
groups of test takers. Such problems include, without use, and disclosure of your personally identifiable
limitation, administrative errors (e.g., improper timing, information described in the Privacy Policies and
improper seating, improper admission to a test center, in these Terms and Conditions. College Board may
providing accommodations not approved by College update its Privacy Policies from time to time and they
Board, defective materials, and defective equipment), are subject to change up to 1 week prior to your test
evidence of possible preknowledge of secure test date and any subsequent test dates for which you
content, and disruptions of test administrations caused register. You are required to review the Privacy Policies
by events such as natural disasters, epidemics, wars, located at collegeboard.org/privacy-center prior to
riots, civil disturbances, or other emergencies. When each test administration.
Testing Irregularities occur, we may cancel an entire
b. Educational Reporting. We send your scores and other
administration or individual registrations, decline to
information you provide during testing to your school
score all or part of the test, or cancel scores. We may
and district. In addition, your scores may be sent to
do this regardless of whether you caused the Testing
your state for educational, diagnostic, and/or reporting
Irregularities, benefited from them, or violated these
purposes. (Homeschooled students’ scores won’t be
Terms and Conditions. We may, in our sole discretion,
shared with the school that administers the test.)
give you the opportunity to take the test again within a
reasonable timeframe, and without charge. This is the
sole remedy that may be available to you as a result of Section 6. Miscellaneous
Testing Irregularities. You may not review scores from a. In the event of a test security related concern, public
an affected administration before choosing the option health threat, natural disaster, terrorist act, civil unrest,
of taking a makeup test. or other unexpected events or circumstances, College
Board may cancel testing for all or a specific group of
e. Test Taker Reporting Misconduct or Suspicious
test takers. When this occurs your school or testing
Behavior. You may confidentially report any suspected
location will work with College Board to request an
violation of the PSAT 8/9 Terms and Conditions, or any
alternate test date or provide other options for testing.
suspicion concerning the security of a PSAT 8/9 test
administration, by immediately contacting the Office b. To ensure the integrity of the PSAT 8/9, for security
of Testing Integrity by phone at 609-406-5430, or by reasons, or for other reasons in our sole discretion,
emailing us at [email protected]. College Board reserves the right to bar any individual
or group of individuals from registering for and/or
f. College Board Sharing Information with Third
taking any College Board assessment.
Parties. We may share the results of test security
investigations (including without limitation those c. If College Board becomes aware that you or someone
relating to Misconduct and Invalid Scores described else may be in imminent danger, we reserve the right
above, and other disciplinary-related information), to contact the appropriate individuals or agencies,
with third parties, including with your school, any including your parents, guardians, high school, or law
score recipient, college, higher education institution enforcement agencies.
or agency, scholarship organization, potential score d. College Board or its designee may use methods to capture
recipient, government agency in the United States or images, video, or audio at any or all test centers to help
abroad, parents, legal guardians, or law enforcement. ensure test security. The resulting images or recordings,
College Board may also share such information with which may permit College Board to identify specific
third parties that have a legitimate reason for knowing individuals, may be collected, stored, reviewed, and used
the information or who may be able to assist College for the purposes of (1) identifying, collecting evidence
Board in its investigation or who may be conducting of, and/or investigating possible PSAT 8/9 test security
their own investigation. College Board may also respond incidents; (2) enhancing PSAT 8/9 test security. These
to inquiries from any institution to whom you submitted images and/or recordings are maintained following the
a score. If you publicize any review, investigation, or test administration for as long as reasonably necessary
decision of College Board, College Board may make any for the purposes specified. Thereafter, the images and
and all details of such matter public. recordings are securely destroyed. College Board will
not use or disclose such information except as described
earlier in this section, as requested by law enforcement,
and/or as reasonably necessary to protect the rights and
property of College Board or third parties.

28 2020-21 PSAT 8/9  Student Guide

 Section 7. Policies and Requirements  PSAT 8/9 Terms and Conditions  

e. College Board occasionally pretests new questions Section 7. Policies and Requirements
to determine if they should be included in a future a. All College Board policies and requirements (i)
PSAT 8/9 test. These questions may appear in any of referenced in these Terms and Conditions and (ii)
the test sections, and testing time will be appropriately relating to taking the PSAT 8/9 at collegereadiness.
extended so you have time to answer them. They will collegeboard.org/psat-8-9/taking-the-test and scores
not be included in computing your scores. Scored test at collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-8-9/scores
items (questions) and entire test forms may be used in are part of these Terms and Conditions.
more than 1 test administration.
b. College Board may update its policies and requirements
f. After the PSAT 8/9, we may send you an email from time to time, and they are subject to change up to
invitation requesting you to participate in a test 1 week prior to your test date and any subsequent test
experience survey or to answer sample test questions. dates you register for. You are required to review these
If you provide us with an email address, you may prior to each test administration.
receive an invitation via email. Participation is optional
and will not affect your scores.
Section 8. Intellectual Property Rights
g. College Board takes steps to ensure that answer sheets a. All College Board tests, test-related documents and
are properly handled and scored. In the unlikely event materials, and test preparation materials are copyrighted
of a problem with shipping or processing answer works owned by College Board and protected by the
sheets, or score reports, or with scoring the test, or laws of the United States and other countries.
score reporting, College Board will correct the error, if
b. College Board owns all answers and answer documents
possible, and may schedule a makeup test for impacted
you submit, and these may be used by College Board
test takers. This is your sole remedy in relation to
for any purpose, subject to College Board Privacy
such issues. College Board has sole discretion in
Policies located at collegeboard.org/privacy-center
determining whether to score lost answer sheets that
and these Terms and Conditions.
are eventually recovered.
h. All personal property brought into the test center, Section 9. Arbitration of Disputes
such as purses, bags, backpacks, mobile phones, and a. General Arbitration Rules (“General Arbitration Rules”)
calculators and other electronic devices, may be subject
to search at the discretion of College Board, ETS, and ·· All disputes between you and College Board and/
or any or all of its contractors that relate in any
testing staff. College Board, ETS, and testing staff
way to registering for or taking the PSAT 8/9,
may confiscate and retain for a reasonable period of
including but not limited to requesting or receiving
time any personal property suspected of having been
test accommodations, score reporting, the use of
used, or capable of being used, in violation of our test
your data, test security issues, or the Score Validity
security and fairness policies, for further investigation.
Process, but excluding all claims that a party violated
i. College Board and the test center will not be the intellectual property rights of the other party,
responsible for personal property, including prohibited shall exclusively be resolved by a single arbitrator
items, brought to the test center on test day that through binding, individual arbitration administered
becomes lost, stolen, or damaged. by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”)
j. Each College Board contractor is a third-party under the AAA Consumer Arbitration Rules in effect
beneficiary and is entitled to the rights and benefits at the time a request for arbitration is filed with the
under this Agreement and may enforce the provisions of AAA. Copies of the AAA Rules can be located at
this Agreement as if it were a party to this Agreement. adr.org.
·· Disputes relating to the Score Validity Process
(defined in the “Invalid Scores” section above) are
subject to both these General Arbitration Rules and
the Supplemental Arbitration Rules defined below.
If there is a conflict between the General Arbitration
Rules and the Supplemental Arbitration Rules, the
Supplemental Arbitration Rules will control.

Student Guide   2020-21 PSAT 8/9 29

 PSAT 8/9 Terms and Conditions  Section 10. Limitations of Liability 

·· The proceedings should be conducted at a location ·· This arbitration will be based only on (i) the
which is reasonably convenient to both parties with documents you submitted to College Board pursuant
due consideration of their ability to travel and other to the Score Validity Process and (ii) College Board
pertinent circumstances. If the parties are unable documents unless otherwise agreed by the parties or
to agree on a location, the parties agree that the required by the arbitrator.
proceedings will be conducted through documentary ·· If the arbitrator finds that College Board did not act
submissions and/or via a video or telephonic call or, in good faith in deciding to cancel your scores, your
in the event that face-to-face proceedings are agreed scores will not be canceled (or they will be reinstated,
to by the parties or required by the arbitrator, at a if applicable).
location that is reasonably convenient to both parties in
accordance with the AAA Consumer Arbitration Rules.
·· All other disputes with College Board will be resolved
solely by the General Arbitration Rules in (a) above.
·· The parties agree that the Federal Arbitration Act
c. Notwithstanding the foregoing arbitration provisions
(“FAA”) 9 U.S.C. § 1 et seq. governs this provision, and
in sections (a) and (b) above, either party may take
it is the intent of the parties that the FAA shall preempt
a claim to small claims court instead of arbitration if
all State laws to the fullest extent permitted by law.
the party’s claim is within the jurisdiction of the small
·· No arbitration may be maintained as a class or claims court, as permitted in the AAA Rules. If either
collective action, and the arbitrator shall not have party institutes an action in small claims court, you and
the authority to combine or aggregate the disputes of College Board agree to accept the findings of the small
more than 1 individual, conduct any class or collective claims court as a final resolution of the parties’ dispute
proceeding, make any class or collective award, or and not to appeal the small claims court’s decision or
make an award to any person or entity not a party to pursue any other claim (including a claim asserted in
the arbitration, without the express written consent of arbitration) relating to that dispute.
College Board.
·· By agreeing to arbitration in accordance with this Section 10. Limitations of Liability
section, you are waiving your right to have your dispute EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT FINALLY DETERMINED
heard by a judge or jury except as set forth below. TO BE PROHIBITED BY LAW, COLLEGE BOARD
·· Each party will be responsible for its own fees and AND ITS AGENTS AND CONTRACTORS’ TOTAL
expenses and any legal fees incurred in connection LIABILITY TO YOU OR ANYONE CLAIMING BY
with the arbitration except that College Board will OR THROUGH YOU OR ON YOUR BEHALF, FOR
pay your AAA filing fee. This does not preclude the ANY CLAIMS, LOSSES, COSTS, OR DAMAGES
arbitrator from granting relief in accordance with AAA ARISING OUT OF OR RESULTING FROM OR
Consumer Arbitration Rules. IN ANY WAY RELATED TO COLLEGE BOARD,
b. Supplemental Arbitration Rules for the Score Validity OR ANY TEST ADMINISTRATION BY COLLEGE
Process (“Supplemental Arbitration Rules”) BOARD, FROM ANY CAUSE, SHALL NOT EXCEED
THE TEST REGISTRATION FEES YOU PAID TO
·· If you receive a notice from us that your scores are COLLEGE BOARD (IF APPLICABLE) OR $100.00,
subject to the Score Validity Process, you may be WHICHEVER IS GREATER. IN ADDITION, COLLEGE
provided with the option to choose arbitration. In BOARD WILL NOT BE LIABLE IN ANY EVENT FOR
addition to the General Arbitration Rules, the below ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE,
rules will apply. EXEMPLARY, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES.
·· This arbitration will be conducted as a documents-
only arbitration (i.e., there will be no in-person or Section 11. Severability
telephone hearing) unless otherwise agreed by the If any provision or part of this Agreement is held to
parties or required by the arbitrator. be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining
·· The sole issue for the arbitrator to decide is whether provision will nevertheless continue in full force
College Board acted in good faith and followed the without being impaired or invalidated in any way,
Score Validity Process. and, to the extent possible, the invalid, illegal, or
unenforceable provision shall be modified so that it is
valid, legal, and enforceable and, to the fullest extent,
reflects the intention of the parties.

30 2020-21 PSAT 8/9  Student Guide

 Section 12. Restricted Registrations  PSAT 8/9 Terms and Conditions  

Section 12. Restricted Registrations Section 13. Accessibility of These

College Board, along with our service providers Terms and Conditions
overseas, is subject to U.S. economic sanctions, laws, If you have difficulty accessing these Terms and
and regulations and is prohibited from providing Conditions, including our policies and requirements,
testing services to, or accepting registrations from, please contact College Board Customer Service at
persons residing in certain areas or designated by the 866-433-7728 (+1-212-713-8105 internationally) or
U.S. government as Specially Designated Nationals and pages.collegeboard.org/contact-us in advance
Blocked Persons (collectively, “Sanctioned Persons”), of registering or taking the PSAT 8/9. We will be
unless specifically licensed or otherwise authorized by happy to provide these Terms and Conditions in an
the U.S. government. If a Sanctioned Person attempts alternative format or assist you in some other manner
to register despite U.S. sanctions that prohibit College as reasonably necessary to enable you to access these
Board from doing business with such Sanctioned Terms and Conditions.
Person, College Board or a U.S. financial institution
may block the registration or payments submitted by or
for such Sanctioned Persons. If payment is not blocked,
College Board is required to cancel the registration
and may not be able to refund the payment. Please
contact PSAT 8/9 Customer Service at 866-433-7728
(+1-212-713-8105 internationally) or the website of the
U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets
Control (OFAC) to obtain the current list of sanctioned
programs and Sanctioned Persons.

Student Guide   2020-21 PSAT 8/9 31