Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Best ways to prep for the PSAT?

So I'm kind of stressing because the PSAT is coming up and I haven't really started preparing. What are the best ways to prep for it? Are there any free resources that you'd recommend?

a year ago

First of all, try not to stress too much about the PSAT—it's a great practice tool for the SAT and can be very helpful in preparing you for future standardized tests. A good start is to familiarize yourself with the test format and question types, which you can do using free resources like the College Board website; they offer sample questions and full practice tests.

Khan Academy is another excellent resource that provides personalized practice recommendations, daily practice questions, and full-length practice tests, all for free. CollegeVine also offers articles full of PSAT tips and advice: https://blog.collegevine.com/category/standardized-tests/psat/

Another useful strategy is to build a regular study schedule leading up to the test. Even short, daily study sessions can be more beneficial than cramming at the last minute. You could start with the sections you feel less confident in to give yourself plenty of time to improve. Also, consider forming a study group with friends—sometimes discussing and solving problems together can enhance your understanding and retention.

Remember, while the PSAT is important if you're aiming for National Merit Scholarships, it's also a low-stakes way to practice for the SAT, so use this opportunity to identify areas for growth and don't be too hard on yourself!

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

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.