Black male in sweater and glasses sitting with peers in classroom taking test

6 Quick and Essential Tips to Prepare for the PSAT

Studying for the PSAT isn't silly; the more you prep for this preliminary exam, the more prepared you'll be for the real thing. Get started with these tips!

Few things are as nerve-wracking as knowing you have a big test coming up and not knowing if you're studying the right things. The PSAT is kind of like that. You know it's important, but can you really do anything to prep yourself to get a great score? The PSAT helps you practice for bigger tests like the SAT. Without the pressure of knowing that colleges will see the results, you can learn what the SAT is like, understand the question format, and get comfortable with the test's timing. And while the PSAT can potentially put you in the running for big scholarships, it’s still an excellent way for you to just gauge your grasp of lots of different topics and ideas. The practice alone makes the test worth taking, but no one wants to go into it unprepared. So what should your PSAT test prep include?

1. Challenge yourself in high school

You've probably already done a lot of the legwork for the PSAT without even realizing it. If you've taken challenging high school classes, have good study habits, and kept up with your homework, you're already ahead of the game. Remember the test assesses your broad knowledge; you don't have to know everything about every subject to get a great score.

2. Take a practice test

The College Board knows how tough it is to study for standardized tests, so they give you lots of ways to practice for the PSAT. When you register, you'll get a practice test booklet—so use it! Taking the practice test, whether on paper and online, gives you an idea of how much time you'll have and what the questions are like, so make sure you set a timer for two hours and 45 minutes! And it's okay to guess on the PSAT. The new PSAT design lets you guess without penalty; only your correct answers earn points.

Related: The Best Ways to Improve Your SAT Scores

3. Take a PSAT prep class

If you don't think you'll actually sit and take the practice tests on your own, signing up for a test prep class not only forces you to show up but also to do the work (bonus if your friends take the class with you). Some schools offer these classes, but if yours doesn't, you can find one through private tutors and organizations.

4. Utilize study apps 

Find websites that offer daily SAT practice questions. Although they're really for SAT prep, it can't hurt for you to build this into your study routine now. And it’s only one question a day—easy! You might not know all the answers, but these easy (and free) study resources get you thinking every day. And if you stumble upon something like an algebra problem that you think you should know but don't, work it out until you understand it. The more practice you get for the PSAT, the better off you'll be.

Related: The Top 7 Apps for High School Students

5. Read all kinds of books

The PSAT sections that test your vocabulary and reading comprehension are also looking to see if you can figure out words and overall meaning by analyzing context. The more you read in and out of class, the easier this will be for you. Think of it this way: Simply reading books before you go to bed is the kind of PSAT test prep you don’t even have to think about!

6. Take a breath and rest

Don't sweat the big day. It’s going to come no matter what, and staying up all night trying to cram in every last second of studying will get you nowhere. Remember: This is a preliminary test—so take it seriously but not too seriously. Get a good night's sleep the night before. Also eat some breakfast and have a big glass of water to jump-start your brain the morning of.

Related: Top Sleep Hygiene Advice for Tired Students

The PSAT helps you gain the test-taking skills you need to nail the SAT and thrive in college courses. If you’re applying to schools that require the SAT or ACT for admission, you’ll want to put your best scores forward—and taking the PSAT will help you do just that. Try your hardest and use the results to work on any weak points toward a higher score in the future. Good luck!

When you’re ready to start thinking about scheduling your official standardized tests, use our SAT and ACT Date Wheel to find a day that works for you!

Like what you’re reading?

Join the CollegeXpress community! Create a free account and we’ll notify you about new articles, scholarship deadlines, and more.

Join Now

Tags:

About Julia Quinn-Szcesuil

Julia Quinn-Szcesuil is a freelance writer based in Bolton, Massachusetts. 

 

Join our community of
over 5 million students!

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

Join CollegeXpress
Bri'Yana Brown-Dunn

Bri'Yana Brown-Dunn

High School Class of 2022

CollegeXpress helped me gain interest in many colleges/universities and many scholarships. I would say the most helpful thing CollegeXpress has done for me is sending me emails that tell me certain types of colleges are interested in me as well as emails about scholarships that I can look at and possibly apply for.

Josiah Kegg

Josiah Kegg

High School Class of 2021

I want to sincerely thank you all for this amazing website that's legitimately helped me find so many different scholarship opportunities. I've been stressing out for the longest time about paying for college since I would rather stay out of debt and have been working days trying to find any scholarship opportunity. When I found CollegeXpress, I discovered many easy scholarships that have given me hope for the future. Thank you and God bless!

Kayla

Kayla

High School Class of 2021

CollegeXpress helped me organize the schools I wanted to choose from in one place, which I could then easily compare and find the school that was right for me!

Joan Franklin

Joan Franklin

Counselor

I love this website and have been using it for years with my students. I originally bought products through Wintergreen Orchard House and appreciated having key facts at my fingertips when advising students. Your site is easy to access and offers a wide array of topics I need as a busy college counselor.

Alexandria

Alexandria

High School Class of 2021

For a long time, I've been searching everywhere to find the perfect website I can get scholarships and information from. Needless to say, I could never find the right one. That was, until I found CollegeXpress. Through my journey of finding the right scholarships for me, I was able to find articles about different things. They've all been helpful, especially in times like this! I was even able to connect with some of my favorite colleges! I love CollegeXpress. Thank you!

College Matches
X

Colleges You May Be Interested In

Texas Wesleyan University

Fort Worth, TX

Wheaton College

Norton, MA

Agnes Scott College

Atlanta, GA