How to Prepare for the PSAT Exam

PSAT prepares you for taking the SAT exam.

PSAT or Preliminary SAT prepares you for the SAT exam. The College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation are cosponsors of the PSAT program. Those looking to receive first-hand practice for SAT may find taking the PSAT useful. PSAT also provides you the opportunity to earn entry into NMSC scholarship programs. The PSAT tests your writing skills, critical reading skills and problem-solving math capabilities. By being well-prepared for PSAT, you can create a solid foundation for your SAT preparation.

Instructions

1. Analyze your subject strengths and weaknesses. You may possess fine writing skills but your math skills may be moderate. Start your PSAT preparation five or six weeks before the examination.

2. Prepare a study plan and set a schedule that initially requires you to allot three to four hours of study every day. This time is essential to set the tone for the more rigorous schedule that will follow. Cover all areas of study, but allot study time depending on your strength in each subject area. Dedicate more time to improving your math skills than your writing skills if you are stronger at the latter. Include time for revision and practice tests. Increase the study time to a minimum of five hours on a regular basis once you feel ready for the shift.

3. Obtain the Official Student Guide from your high school guidance office. This publication provides several practice questions on all PSAT subject areas and a full-length practice test. The answers for the practice tests along with explanations are available on the official website of College Board. If you want to purchase PSAT preparation books or software, go for ones that have many practice questions and offer a minimum of two complete PSAT tests covering all areas of the exam.

4. Take practice tests. There is no better way to know how weak or strong you are at a subject. Start with the practice tests in the Official Student Guide and take practice tests available online. Learn directions on how to approach a question from these tests. For example, if you got an answer wrong, the practice exam gives you the correct answer and an explanation of how to get at it.

Tips & Warnings

• For more question-tackling strategies, go to the College Board website. Here, you will find directions on how to approach questions on each subject.

References

• College Board: About PSAT/NMSQT
• Test Prep Practice: PSAT Test Preparation

Resources

• College Board: Preparing
• Test Prep Practice: Free Online PSAT Practice Tests
• Peterson's College Search: Free Practice Test for the PSAT
• The Princeton Review: SAT and PSAT Practice Tools