PSAT: Resources + Tips for High School Sophomores and Juniors

The PSAT (Preliminary SAT) is much more than just a practice test. For high school sophomores and juniors, it serves as a vital step toward successful standardized testing, better college readiness, and the chance to secure scholarship opportunities. In this blog post, we will provide valuable resources and practical tips for studying effectively for the PSAT, while also highlighting its importance related to the National Merit Scholarship program.

Understanding the PSAT

The PSAT is a standardized test conducted by the College Board. It is designed to measure students' readiness for college and offers practice for the SAT. Typically held in October, the PSAT can be a helpful indicator of academic progress.

For students in grades 10 and 11, strong performance on the PSAT can lead to improved SAT scores and eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship program. In fact, only the PSAT taken in the junior year qualifies students for National Merit recognition, with approximately 50,000 students earning awards each year based on their performance.

What is a good PSAT score?

• Historically, half of students score at least 1000 on the PSAT, and the top 25% of students score at least 1150.

• If you want to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship, you'll want to aim for a 1450 or selection index score of at least 214, which is the average cutoff for semifinalists across the US

Why the PSAT Matters

Taking the PSAT allows students to assess their strengths and weaknesses in important areas like reading, writing, and math. Here’s why it is significant:

1. Scholarship Opportunities: A high PSAT score can lead to National Merit recognition. In 2022, over $38 million was awarded in scholarships, making it an excellent incentive to aim high on the test.

2. College Readiness: Familiarity with the types of questions found on the SAT eases future test-taking and improves overall college preparedness.

   
   

3. Skill Evaluation: Detailed feedback from the PSAT helps students identify specific areas needing improvement. For example, students may find that their math score lags behind reading, prompting them to focus their studies accordingly.

   
   

4. Curriculum Guidance: Many high schools analyze PSAT scores to adjust their curriculum, ensuring students are equipped for college-level studies.

   
   

Studying for the PSAT

Create a Study Schedule

A clear study schedule is essential for effective preparation.

• Set Specific Goals: Identify areas to improve based on prior academic performance and practice test results. For instance, if you scored lower in math, concentrate on that subject.

  
  

• Consistency is Key: Aim for a set number of study hours weekly. Even dedicating just three hours each week can lead to noticeable improvements.

  
  

• Balance Academics and PSAT Prep: Juggling schoolwork and test prep is important. Schedule study sessions around your classes to avoid burnout.

  
  

Use Official Resources

The College Board offers valuable PSAT preparation materials.

• Official Practice Tests: Taking full-length practice tests simulates real test conditions and prepares you for the pace of the exam.

  - Practice test from College Board: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/psat-nmsqt-practice-test-1.pdf

  - Khan Academy SAT practice can also work: https://www.khanacademy.org/digital-sat

  -Kaplan Practice Tests: https://www.kaptest.com/psat/free/psat-practice?srsltid=AfmBOorSLF4M9QBYQvrMURhDWdLdAbkncAyTwjh9diVCSG7WTjPUpYOD

  
  

• Study Guides: Utilize the official PSAT study guide, which contains tailored test-taking strategies and useful tips.

  - https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/psat-nmsqt-student-guide.pdf

  
  

Interactive Learning Tools

Interactive tools can make studying more enjoyable.

• Online Platforms: Khan Academy provides free resources, personalized practice, and engaging videos specifically designed for PSAT content. Studies show that students who use Khan's resources can improve their scores by an average of 25%.

  
  

• Mobile Apps: Look for apps that offer quizzes and flashcards. They make it easy to study while on the go, anytime and anywhere.

  - PSAT Prep & Practice by Magoosh: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/psat-prep-practice-from-magoosh/id1204618899

  
  

Study Groups and Peer Support

Forming a study group can greatly enhance learning.

• Group Sessions: Collaborate with peers to build a supportive environment, fostering discussion and shared problem-solving.

  
  

• Sharing Resources: Exchange books and online resources that have helped you, widening everyone’s access to material.

  
  

Test-Taking Strategies

Effective test-taking strategies can significantly boost performance.

Time Management

Learn to manage your time wisely during the test.

• Pacing Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the timing for each section. Practicing under timed conditions can boost your confidence on test day.

  
  

Answering Techniques

Use proven techniques for answering exam questions.

• Process of Elimination: Start by eliminating clearly wrong answers in multiple-choice questions. This increases your chances of selecting correctly.

  
  

• Educated Guesses: If uncertain about an answer, make an educated guess instead of leaving it blank, as there's no penalty for incorrect answers on the PSAT.

  
  

Prioritize Easy/Medium Questions

You do not have to answer questions in order, answering easy questions first can save you time

• Do harder questions last: Answer what you know to maximize the amount of points you can get (points are not taken away if you leave questions blank)

Be familiar with your calculator/Desmos

• This is a tip students often overlook

• Not knowing how to use your calculator can cost you time on the math section

• Know how to use both your personal calculator and Desmos, the graphing calculator given to you on the test

Stay attentive while reading passages

• Highlighting key ideas/main words can save time

• Bluebook, The College Board's app for PSAT/SAT testing, has an "annotate" feature for passages: https://bluebook.collegeboard.org/

• Annotating is a great way to avoid rereading passages

National Merit Scholarship Program:

• Benefits:

  • Prestigious academic recognition

  • Offers financial assistance to high-achieving students in the United States

  • There are usually around 7,500 finalists

• Application Process:

  • Students must take the PSAT/NMSQT during their junior year of high school

  • Scores from the PSAT/NMSQT are used to identify National Merit Semifinalists

  • Semifinalists are invited to submit a detailed application, including:

    • Academic records

    • Extracurricular activities

    • An essay

• Tips for Increasing Chances of Winning:

  • Achieve a high PSAT score

  • Maintain strong academic performance

  • Engage in meaningful extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment

  • Obtain strong recommendations

  • Craft a compelling essay

Final Thoughts

The PSAT is an important tool for high school sophomores and juniors, offering significant scholarship opportunities like the National Merit. By leveraging various study resources and effective strategies, students can prepare thoroughly for this test, enhancing their chances of success.

Starting your prep early and consistently, while using interactive tools, will help set you up for a successful academic journey. With dedication and the right strategies, you can excel on the PSAT, paving the way for a bright educational future.

Study materials for effective PSAT preparation