PSAT Tips
Mel Videto
In order to get into a good college, it’s a smart choice to take the SAT. But before that, you might want to take the PSAT. PSAT stands for the Preliminary Scholastic Achievement Test and is practice for the SAT. The PSAT will prepare you for the real thing by sharpening your test taking skills and giving you a glimpse of what to expect in the SAT. What you are about to read are tips for taking the PSAT but they can also apply to regular tests in school.
The PSAT is divided into multiple sections based on writing, critical reading, and math. The goal is to answer as many questions as accurately as you can within the allotted time, which is usually anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes per section. In the writing section, you are expected to correct grammar and punctuation. Carefully read the question and fix any mistakes. In the critical reading section, there are passages to read and then questions based off of what you read. Make sure to read the passage thoroughly and go back and look at the passage when answering the questions. The passages can be on any topic from the jazz era to the science of the brain, so there is no preparing yourself for the specific passage you will encounter on test day. Just take your time when reading the passage so that you comprehend it, flying through but not understanding it will only hurt you in the long run.
In the math section, you will have multiple choice questions as well as short answer questions. You will be provided with a limited list of formulas, some of which you might not even need. Try to answer each question correctly and quickly. Since it is multiple choice, you will have the answer right in front of you. You just need to recognize it. Try to plug the answers in for the appropriate problems. As for the short answer, or grid-in problems, you will not have any answers to compare to. A major tip for this is to carefully write your grid-in answers. Don't forget to write in any decimals or slashes for fractions. If you are having trouble on a question, try to write something in the answer box anyways because you won’t be penalized for a wrong answer on a grid-in question.
The difficulty level usually increases as the questions go on in each section. It is important to skip the harder or later questions if you have no clue, rather than skip an easy one that you might be able to solve with some more time. If you dwell on a hard question, you may end up wasting time and throwing yourself off as you scramble to finish the test. Remember, the PSAT is only practice for the SAT, but still try to do your best as quickly and efficiently as possible. Good luck!
