Sophomore here feeling a bit anxious about the PSAT and not sure where to start. Any tips on what score range I should be aiming for next year? What kind of prep should I start doing now to get a decent score on the PSAT?
Absolutely, it's great that you're thinking ahead! For starters, remember that the PSAT score range mirrors the SAT's 160-760 per section. As for what score to aim for, check out the National Merit Scholarship qualifying scores for your state as a high benchmark. To prepare, begin with the College Board’s official practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format.
It's also helpful to review your algebra and geometry concepts as they form a significant part of the math section. For the reading and writing sections, hone your skills by reading a variety of materials and practicing identifying main ideas and inferring meaning in different texts. Vocabulary can be built steadily by incorporating new words into your daily life. For more tips and advice on the PSAT, check out CollegeVine's many articles here: https://blog.collegevine.com/category/standardized-tests/psat/
Remember, this test is also a practice for the SAT, so establishing good study habits now will pay off later. Lastly, don't forget to check if your school offers the PSAT online beginning Fall 2023, as you'll need to adapt to taking the test in a digital format. Keep it steady, and you'll do great!
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