4 Ways You Can Prepare For The PSAT

When To Start Studying For The PSAT

How much time is needed to study is solely dependent on the student. Some people will require more time to study while others can do their studies in less time. Either way, you need to make sure that you set aside the right amount of time for you to study thoroughly. 
One thing to consider is whether or not your goal is to see where you are or if you are competing for the National Merit Scholarship. If you are wanting to qualify for this scholarship then you will want to start studying early. If you are just wanting to get an idea of things for the PSAT, you don't need to spend as much time.  

How To Prepare For The PSAT


When you are preparing for the PSAT there are a few things that you can do to help you have more confidence going into the test. For many people, the nervousness that you experience before the test is one of the worst things. If you go in prepared and calm, the more focused you will be. Some ways to prepare are:

1. Learn The Format Of The Test

The more familiar you are with what things look like, the more comfortable you will be. You will have an idea of what to expect. One way that you can do that is to take a practice PSAT test online, you can download one for free.

2. Set a Goal For Your Score

In order to set a good goal for yourself, it is a good idea to know what the requirements are for the SAT score for the college you are wanting to attend. You can use that information to set a starting goal for yourself on the PSAT. If you are wanting to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship you are going to need to score an excellent score. 

3. Take Practice PSAT Tests

There are many resources available online that you can download a test directly to your computer. Then you would just time yourself on the sections and get an idea of what you need to study more. It would be helpful to take one again after you have studied those areas to see if you’ve improved. 

4. Learn From Your Mistakes

After you have taken your practice test, go through, and study the problems you got wrong. Taking the time to work through them will help you to better understand where you were struggling. That will hopefully keep you from repeating your mistakes. 

PSAT Format 

The PSAT is basically a shorter version of the SAT. It is actually a look into the SAT and to give you an idea of what to expect. One of the most important things you can do for yourself before taking the test is to become aware of what the test will look like. That way you know what to expect. When you take the PSAT it will look something like this:
  1. Reading- This is the first section of the test and it will last 60 minutes with 47 questions. 
  2. Writing Language- This is the second section on the test and it will last 35 minutes with 44 questions.
  3. Math No-Calculator- This is the third section of the test and it will last 25 minutes with 17 questions. 
  4. Math With Calculator- This is the last section of the test and it will last 45 minutes with 31 questions. 
The majority of the questions on the test are going to be multiple choice. Some can get confused when choosing an answer that might have options that are similar. Try not to overthink it and go with what you know. 

Why You Should Take The PSAT

The PSAT stands for Preliminary SAT, you will be getting familiar with the way the SAT is going to go by taking this test. It is a good idea to take the PSAT even if you feel you don't need to take a practice version of the SAT. You can get a great score and earn a scholarship. 
The National Merit Scholarship is a non-profit organization that will award you with $2500.00 for college if you do exceptionally well on the PSAT. So, if your goal is to try and qualify for the scholarship, taking the PSAT is the only way you can receive it. You will also gain awareness of what the test procedure is like for the SAT. 

Should I Get a Tutor For The PSAT?

It’s important to get a tutor for both the PSAT and the SAT, according to Nova Test Prep. The PSAT is used as a practice test for the SAT, for you to analyze your strengths and weaknesses with the test. 
There is one reason that would make sense to hire a tutor for the PSAT. If you feel that you are struggling to score where you need to be for the National Merit Scholarship. In order to receive this scholarship, you have to score very highly. 

What Do I Need To Score

For the PSAT your score is to show you where you are before taking the SAT. This score isn’t viewed by anyone besides you and your high school. If you are wanting to qualify for scholarships or the National Merit Scholarship is when your score is more important. The percentiles are:
  • Math 640 and EBRW 650-660
Excellent- 90th percentile
  • Math 570 and EBRW 590
Very Good- 75th percentile
  • Math 490-500 and EBRW 510
Good/Average- 50th percentile
  • Math 430 and EBRW 430
Below Average- 25th percentile
To qualify for the National Merit Scholarship you will need to be in the 90th percentile. That would mean that you would need to score a 1420 or better. If you are taking practice PSAT tests online and you aren’t getting near that score and you want to be, you can always hire a tutor. A 920 is the most common score that students make, which is in the very good to average percentile. 

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