About Colorado SAT and PSAT

SAT Reading Test

• The reading component contains 52 questions and takes 65 minutes.
• All Reading Test questions are multiple choice and based on passages.
• Informational graphics, such as tables, graphs, and charts, accompany some passages— but no math is required.
• The Reading Test is focused on widely used words and phrases found in texts across many different subjects.
• Additional information on the SAT reading Test

SAT Writing and Language Test

• The writing and language component contains 44 questions and takes 35 minutes.
• All questions are multiple choice and based on passages.
• Some passages are accompanied by informational graphics, such as tables, graphs, and charts — but no math is required.
• The Writing and Language Test is part of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.
• Students will be asked to interpret, synthesize, and use evidence found in a wide range of sources.
• Additional information on the SAT writing Test

SAT Math Test

• The math component contains 58 questions and takes 80 minutes.
• Most math questions will be multiple choice but some — called grid-ins — ask you to come up with the answer rather than select the answer.
• The Math Test is divided into two portions: Math Test – Calculator and Math Test – No Calculator.
• The math section will cover three different sections, including problem solving and data analysis, algebra, and advanced math. 
• Additional information on the SAT math Test

SAT Essay Test

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

PSAT 8/9 Reading Test

• The Reading component contains 42 questions and takes 55 minutes to complete.
• All Reading Test questions are multiple choice and based on passages.
• Some passages are paired with other passages.
• Informational graphics, such as tables, graphs, and charts, accompany some passages—but no math is required.
• Prior topic-specific knowledge is never tested.
• The Reading Test is part of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.
• Additional information on the PSAT 8/9 Reading Test.

PSAT 10 Reading Test

• The Reading component contains 47 questions and takes 60 minutes to complete.
• All Reading Test questions are multiple choice and based on passages.
• Some passages are paired with other passages.
• Informational graphics, such as tables, graphs, and charts, accompany some passages — but no math is required.
• Prior topic-specific knowledge is never tested.
• The Reading Test is part of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.
• Additional information on the PSAT 10 Reading Test.

Go directly to Reading sample questions.

PSAT 8/9 Writing and Language Test

• The Writing component contains 40 items  and takes 30 minutes to complete.
• Some passages are accompanied by informational graphics, such as tables, graphs, and charts — but no math is required.
• Prior topic knowledge is never tested.
• The Writing and Language Test is part of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.
• Additional information on the PSAT 8/9 Writing Test.

PSAT 10 Writing and Language Test

• The Writing component contains 44 items  and takes 35 minutes to complete.
• All questions are multiple-choice and based on passages.
• Some passages are accompanied by informational graphics, such as tables, graphs, and charts — but no math is required.
• Prior topic knowledge is never tested.
• The Writing and Language Test is part of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section.
• Additional information on the PSAT 10 Writing Test.

Go directly to Writing and Language sample questions.

PSAT 8/9 Math Test

• The Math component contains 38 items  and takes 60 minutes to complete.
• The Math Test is divided into two portions: Math Test – Calculator and Math Test – No Calculator.
• Most math questions will be multiple choice, but some — called grid-ins — ask you to come up with the answer rather than select the answer.
• Some parts of the test include several questions about a single scenario.
• Additional information on the PSAT 8/9 Math Test.

PSAT 10 Math Test

• The Math Test is divided into two portions: Math Test – Calculator and Math Test – No Calculator.
• The No Calculator component has 20 items and takes 25 minutes to complete.
• The Calculator component has 28 items and takes 45 minutes to complete.
• Most math questions will be multiple choice, but some — called grid-ins — ask you to come up with the answer rather than select the answer.
• Some parts of the test include several questions about a single scenario.
• Additional information on the PSAT 10 Math Test.

Go directly to Math sample questions.