The Preliminary SAT provides practice experience to prepare students for the SAT. It is important to put forward your best effort as a student taking the test as the results of the test provide college and career planning tools. It is one of the main tools and starting points when preparing for the SAT because it shows the areas you need to work on. In addition, the test itself can earn National Merit Scholarships for the most dedicated students. As a student at St. Rose, the scores can also indicate whether a student is qualified to take AP courses. This year, the freshman, sophomores, and juniors will take the PSAT on October 11th.
Many students believe you can’t prepare for the PSAT. However, by simply learning more about the PSAT and learning good test tactics, you are preparing. While the PSAT is designed to fairly test students, you can gain a huge advantage by familiarizing yourself with the structure and content of the exam.
The PSAT is different from the tests students are used to taking in school. On the other hand, the structure of the test can be used to students’ advantage. For example, students usually go through the questions in order, spending more time on the harder questions since they are probably worth more points. However, this approach is not optimal for the PSAT, as the harder questions are worth the same amount of points as the easier questions.
Completing the PSAT in order is not necessary. Each student has a their strengths and weaknesses, which is important to figuring out which questions to skip because of the time it would take to complete. Work through all the easy questions that you are able to do quickly, and skip the time-consuming ones. Then, complete the questions that are doable, yet time-consuming. Finally, complete all the questions you struggle with, as a guess is better than a wrong answer since there is no wrong-answer penalty on the PSAT. Try to strategically eliminate answer choices before guessing.
For extra prep for the test, take a practice test. Collegeboard.org has plenty that prepare you for the type of questions on the test. They serve as an opportunity to get thoroughly acquainted with the instructions. Review basic grammar rules, as they are covered on the test. Even a few hours of review can make a big difference in your score. As for the math section, review bail formulas and practice rearranging equations. Finally, make sure you’re comfortable with your calculator- and doing math without it.
As you are preparing for the test, make sure to take care of yourself. Rest is beyond essential. Get a good’s night sleep and make sure to eat a healthy breakfast to get your brain moving and ready to work. While the PSAT is of a huge importance for the underclassmen, it is necessary to remember that it does not determine your date. Its primary function is to help you understand where you stand as you start preparing for college. No matter how good or bad you scores are, colleges won’t see them. Therefore, do not over stress or over exert yourself to prepare.
Erin McDermott ’18
