Hey everyone, junior year has been a whirlwind so far, and I've been trying to balance everything out. I just realized the PSAT is coming up sooner than I thought, and I haven't started prepping yet! How long should I be studying for the PSAT to get a decent score? I'm aiming for National Merit Scholar consideration, so I know I need to do well. Any advice on how to set up a study schedule that won't completely overwhelm me?
Hey there! Absolutely understand the pressure junior year can bring, especially with PSAT prep added to the mix. For National Merit Scholar consideration, you’re right in thinking that a strong performance is necessary. A typical recommendation is to start preparing 2-3 months in advance if you can, dedicating about 1-2 hours per study session and gradually increasing intensity as the test date approaches.
A balanced schedule could include three study sessions per week, ensuring you cover different sections each time (math, critical reading, and writing). Be kind to yourself and ensure you also have downtime scheduled. For example, you might set aside Tuesday and Thursday evenings for study, and maybe a few hours on Saturday or Sunday morning depending on what works best for your routine. Starting with practice questions and moving on to timed practice tests closer to the exam date can be a good strategy.
Remember not to sacrifice sleep or personal well-being for studying; a fresh mind does better on test day! It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so pace yourself and all the best in achieving your goal!
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