How (and Why) You Should Prepare for the PSAT
October is famous among US teenagers for two things: Halloween and PSAT memes. (Humblebrag: one of my students once blocked @CollegeBoard on Twitter.) Since I’m legally prohibited from taking the PSAT and I absolutely cannot comprehend what a “shrimp ex-husband” could be, this post cannot contribute anything further to the important national conversation around PSAT memes. Instead, get ready for a journey into the inner machinations of the PSAT itself.
What is the PSAT?
There are three different types of the PSAT exams, the PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, and PSAT/NMSQT.
The first two names are (fairly) intuitive—the PSAT 8/9 is for eighth and ninth graders and the PSAT 10 is for tenth graders. Typically when students or parents mention the PSAT, particularly in reference to merit-based scholarships, they actually mean the PSAT/NMSQT taken by 11th graders, where the latter acronym refers to the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
In terms of length and content, the PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT are exactly the same (only the scoring differs), and the PSAT 8/9 is somewhat shorter and geared toward material covered in middle school. For this discussion, I’ll focus on the PSAT/NMSQT and use the general term “PSAT” to refer to that test, which is comprised of four sections and clocks in at 15 fewer minutes and 15 fewer problems than the SAT.
Should You Prepare for the PSAT?
Absolutely! One of the most common misconceptions (and complaints directed at parents) I hear about the PSAT is that students are not expected to prepare for it. While PSAT scores aren’t sent directly to colleges like SAT or ACT scores are, a strong PSAT score is tied to far more merit-based scholarship opportunities than just the National Merit Scholarship, recipients of whom account for less than one percent of test-takers. (Such options include the College Board National Recognition Program, the Ford Family Foundation, and the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship.)
College Board also has a list of Scholarship Providers for low-income and minority students in collaboration with the PSAT, and all students are encouraged to sign up for the Student Search Service, which allows colleges and other organizations to send you relevant information around scholarships you’re eligible/recruited for.
Study Tips for the PSAT
Review grammar rules. Students are typically able to see quick, concrete score gains on the Writing & Language test, even on a condensed prep timeline (e.g., if you forgot the PSAT was happening and need to cram). Over half of the questions requires you to adhere to those conventions of standard written English. Purdue OWL is a fantastic resource to explore grammar rules and exercises.
Build stamina. While the primary challenge of the PSAT is the comfort it demands with advanced content, don’t underestimate the mental fatigue you may experience, especially toward the end of the test. Before your official exam, be sure to take full length, timed practice tests (breaks included). It’s especially easy to burn yourself out during the Reading section, 60 minutes of often tedious academic passages. Stay calm, scan the passages for main ideas, and don’t forget to annotate!
Play around with your calculator ahead of time. Ensure you’re comfortable using your calculator effectively! We recommend the TI-84 Plus CE: often required for high school math classes, this calculator contains all the functionality you’ll need for the Math sections. You can also find a basic tutorial on conics (APPS>CONICS) and area formulas for obscure polygons (APPS>AreaForm). Many more helpful apps can also be found on the Texas Instruments website. All you’ll need is a computer and the charging cable included with your calculator. Remember that anything you plug into your calculator should also be physically written in your test booklet.
Preparing for the PSAT is the first step in finding financially viable opportunities for college. I recommend starting off with a PSAT practice test, and reviewing your results with the provided answer explanations. It can also be beneficial to review these results with an experienced tutor, who works with you to create a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs.
Contact our team for more insight or schedule a remotely proctored practice PSAT today.
