Preparing for PSAT Exam Success
So much of the time when people discuss ways to prepare for college, they focus on saving money and how to fill out applications. However, a commonly overlooked topic is college entrance exams and how to prepare for them. The most common of the entrance exams is the SAT. Now, you can prepare for the SAT by answering practice questions and making sure to eat a hearty breakfast, but did you know you can take a stab at a close to full-length version of the test before you sit down for the real thing?
This practice test is called the PSAT and it can give you a real life look at what to expect on the SAT.
What is the PSAT?
The PSAT stands for the Preliminary SAT and coincides with the NMSQT, which stands for the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. This exam is sponsored by both the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. By taking this test, you not only get practice for the SAT but you also have the chance to win a National Merit Scholarship.
What is the PSAT Format?
The PSAT is formatted just like the actual SAT. It contains the standard reading, mathematics and writing sections that are also on the SAT, but the number of questions required and the amount of time needed to finish the exam is considerably less. However, the level of difficulty parallels the SAT and can give you an accurate depiction of how you would score on the real test if you were to take it at this moment. One thing notably missing from the PSAT is the essay section. While you will be tested on your writing skills by means of multiple choice questions, the essay portion is currently on the SAT only.
Planning for the PSAT
There are a wide variety of free books, study guides, and sample tests to get you ready for the PSAT offered on sites like Petersons.com. Getting ready physically is also important. Many of the best exam preparation techniques overlap between getting ready for the SAT and the PSAT.
What does my PSAT score tell me?
When you receive your copy of your PSAT score, you should pay attention closely. How you do on the PSAT is a direct reflection of how you would, most likely, perform on the actual exam. Most people think that is all the PSAT is good for. After all, it is called the Preliminary SAT, right? It’s meant to be a preparatory test.
But the PSAT is also sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. This means that by taking the test you qualify yourself for a National Merit Scholarship. Entering the competition is a great achievement, and winning would be fantastic. That would be money in your pocket and a nice mention to include on your future resumes.
Besides immediate benefits such as these, the PSAT can also help you prepare for college in general. The scores you receive will tell you specifically what areas you need to work on and what areas you are already strong in. Remember: the SAT or PSAT does not test for knowledge; rather, it tests for a person’s ability to reason and think logically. Additionally, your score can tell you where you stand in comparison to other college applicants. That is, you will see how other students faired on the SAT and their college admissions status so you can gain an understanding of how well you may do.
Lastly, taking the PSAT can open doors for you to the colleges of your dreams. If you answer “yes” to a question on the test called “Student Search Service” then you will receive informational packages from various colleges. It can be a helpful learning experience for you as well as a preparatory experience for the big test to come.
Even though the PSAT is not required to be admitted to college, why take the SAT—which is required—without a little bit of practice? It is surely the smart and responsible thing to do, which is an appropriate first step toward your college career.