Hey guys! I want to do well on the PSAT this year to potentially qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. Any recommendations on the best way to study or which resources to use? Thanks so much!
Hey there! Preparing for the PSAT is a great idea if you're aiming to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. Here are some tips and resources to help you study effectively:
1. Understand the test format: First, familiarize yourself with the structure of the PSAT, which consists of two 32-minute Reading and Writing modules (54 questions total) and two 35-minute Math modules (44 questions total). Knowing the format will help you manage your time during the actual test.
2. Review your strengths and weaknesses: Before you dive into studying, identify which areas you're most comfortable with and which ones need more work, so that you can allocate your time and energy where it's most needed.
3. Use official College Board materials: The best resources for practice are usually those provided by the College Board itself. Their Bluebook™ app allows you to preview the digital PSAT, and take a full-length practice test. Make sure to review your incorrect answers, to understand where you erred, and potentially your correct answers as well, if you're aiming for the kind of high score that's needed to become a National Merit Semifinalist, to ensure your overall process was sound, and you didn't just accidentally arrive at the right answer.
4. Additional study resources: Prep books like the Princeton Review and Kaplan offer materials designed specifically for the PSAT and can be a helpful supplement to the official College Board materials. Additionally, websites like Khan Academy and CollegeVine provide free test prep resources, including practice questions, video lessons, and strategies tailored to the PSAT.
5. Study consistently: Regular, focused study sessions are more effective than marathon cramming. Break your study time into manageable chunks and tackle one topic or section at a time.
6. Master the math: Since the PSAT now allows the use of a calculator throughout both math modules, familiarize yourself with the calculator you'll be using to maximize your efficiency during the test.
7. Learn time management: Practice timed conditions to become comfortable with the pace of the test. If you find yourself running out of time during the practice tests, work on strategy adjustments such as skipping tougher questions and coming back to them later.
8. Mix in some SAT resources: While the PSAT is designed to be slightly easier than the SAT, they are similar in format and content. Mix in some practice questions or resources aimed at the SAT to expand your familiarity with the types of questions you'll encounter.
Remember, consistent practice and reviewing your progress are the keys to success. Good luck on your PSAT prep journey!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.