Major Features Compared
Comparison of the Major Features: ReadiStep and PSAT 8/9
Category
ReadiStep
PSAT 8/9
2 hours
2 hours and 25 minutes
Total Testing
Time*
*Subject to
research
Components
1. Critical Reading
2. Writing
3. Mathematics
1. Evidence-Based Reading and
Writing
2. Math



Important
Features
Score
Reporting*



*Subject to
research
Emphasis on general reasoning
skills
Emphasis on vocabulary, often in
limited contexts
Rights-only scoring (a point for a
correct answer but no deduction for
an incorrect answer; blank
responses have no impact on
scores)
Scale ranging from 3 to 21.
Scale ranging from 1 to 7 for Critical
Reading, Mathematics, and Writing.



Continued emphasis on
reasoning, alongside a clearer,
stronger focus on the knowledge,
skills, and understandings most
important for college and career
readiness and success
Greater emphasis on the meaning
of words in extended contexts and
on how word choice shapes
meaning, tone, and impact
Rights-only scoring (a point for a
correct answer but no deduction
for an incorrect answer; blank
responses have no impact on
scores)
Total Score: Scale ranges from
240 to 1440. Section Score: Scale
ranges from 120 to 720, and 6 to
36 on test and cross-test scores.
Comparison of the Major Features: ReadiStep and PSAT 8/9
Category
Subscore
Reporting
ReadiStep
PSAT 8/9
None
Subscores on a 1 to 15 scale for every
test, providing added insight for students,
parents, educators, and counselors.
Test Length and Timing Compared
Comparison of Test Length and Timing: ReadiStep and PSAT 8/9
ReadiStep
PSAT 8/9
Time
Allotted
(min.)
Number of
Critical
Reading
40
45
Writing
40
50
Mathematics
Total
40
120
36
131
Component
Questions/
Component
Time
Allotted
(min.)
Number of
Questions/
Tasks
Reading
55
42
30
40
60
145
38
120
Tasks
Writing and
Language
Math
Total