Preparation for the PSAT can help you take the test with confidence
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, or PSAT, is an important test for all high school students planning on attending college. Performance on the PSAT helps students predict future performance on the SAT and ACT. In addition, PSAT performance is a major factor in the awarding of National Merit Scholarships. Preparation for the PSAT can help you to understand what you'll be facing on the test. It also serves as a test-run for your preparation strategy before you begin to prepare for the SAT and ACT.
Instructions
1. Understand the test. Pick up a copy of the "Official Student Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT" from your guidance counselor and thoroughly review it. Also review the College Board's PSAT website. The test itself is composed of five sections: two 25-minute "critical reading" sections, two 25-minute math sections and one 30-minute writing skills section.
2. Once you understand what's on the test, sit down and set a realistic study schedule. Look at your time commitments and decide how much time you can commit to studying. Once you make the schedule, stick to it. It is much more important to study a little bit every day, giving your brain regular exposure to the material, than to try to cram once or twice a week. Try to give yourself five to six weeks of preparation so you don't feel rushed.
3. Consider taking a PSAT/SAT preparation course. It is up to you if you think this is the best path for you. Test prep courses can be expensive, but they also force you to study a certain amount of time each week, which can be helpful for some students. Regardless, remember that a prep course is not a substitute for learning on your own time; you will have to give yourself time to understand the material on your own terms.
4. Throughout your study sessions, work through the student guide and take practice tests. There are many PSAT prep books available online and in bookstores. A prep book should include at least one or two prep tests. Prep books can be helpful, especially if you are not taking a class, but practice tests are the most important; get your hands on as many as you can.
When you take a practice test, it is imperative that you not only take the test but also fully review it afterward. It's not always fun to go over questions you missed, but by seeing your mistakes you can learn from them and focus your studying in the future.
5. The week before the test, resist the temptation to cram. Spend as much time as possible having fun, motivating yourself and preparing yourself mentally to take the test. Get plenty of sleep and try to avoid any drama that might distract you. Take your last practice test two or three days before the test.
6. The day before the test, watch a fun movie and have a full dinner. If you must, do a few practice questions to calm your nerves, but your goal for the night before is to feel excited, calm and ready for the next day. That morning eat a healthy breakfast and listen to some music to get you excited. Once the test is done, be sure to treat yourself for working so hard!
Tags: before test, take test, give yourself, much time, practice test