Best calculator to use for the PSAT?

I'm going to take the PSAT soon, and I want to be well-prepared. What calculator do you guys think is the best one to use for the test? Anything I should know about the features or functions that could come in handy? Thanks for any advice!

The best calculator to use for the PSAT depends on your personal preferences and level of comfort with calculators, but in general, the two most popular calculators for the PSAT are the TI-84 Plus series and the Casio fx-9750GII.

The TI-84 Plus series is a tried-and-true option that many students have used successfully for standardized tests like the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. It's user-friendly, and its graphing capabilities are reliable. In addition, there are many preinstalled functions and programs specific to the TI-84 Plus, which can help with solving more complex problems. Some students feel that the TI-84 Plus is more intuitive to work with and is easier to program during the test when compared to the Casio fx-9750GII.

The Casio fx-9750GII, on the other hand, is also an excellent choice. It is often more budget-friendly than the TI-84 Plus and includes graphing abilities. Many students find its menu system and simple navigation efficient and practical. However, it generally has fewer built-in functions compared to the TI-84 Plus.

Also remember that the PSAT is going digital this year, and there will be an option to use the calculator within the test-taking platform. If you're already comfortable with your own calculator from prior math classes, sticking with that one probably makes the most sense, but the built-in calculator is a good option to consider if you aren't sure which calculator to use.

Before the PSAT, take the time to familiarize yourself with whichever calculator you choose. Get to know its functions and shortcuts, as well as understanding how to plot graphs, solve equations, and optimize your input on the device. You can find online resources like video tutorials or forums to assist you in mastering these tools.

For the built-in calculator specifically, you can familiarize yourself with it using the Bluebook™ app, which allows you to take a full-length practice PSAT, or through the Desmos Graphing Calculator preview experience.

Ultimately, the best calculator for you is the one you are most comfortable using. Regardless of which calculator you choose, it's crucial that you practice with the device beforehand so you can confidently and efficiently leverage its features on test day.

Finally, if you want more general advice about the PSAT and how to study effectively, I'd recommend checking out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-study-for-the-psat/. Good luck!