Score Higher Through PSAT Study Practice Guides to Shape Up Your Career Pathway

The PSAT is the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, basically targeting 10th and 11th graders in the US. Every year more than 3.4 million high school students take this PSAT test. The highest performers on this exam are eligible to earn National Merit scholarships.

The PSAT test helps you to be familiar with today's best universities and colleges and measures the knowledge and skills a student has developed in reading, writing and language and math.

The PSAT has two sections: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW). The total PSAT score range is 320-1520, where the Math section accounts for half this score and the Reading and Writing sections together account for the other half, both of which are scored on a scale of 160-760.


Math

The topics of math section are Algebra, Data Analysis, and Problem Solving, Advanced Math. There are two math sections in PSAT: one allows calculator use while the other one does not. The completion time for both sections is 25 minutes and 45 minutes respectively.


Evidence-Based Reading

The Evidence-Based Reading section of the PSAT will test your ability to read a passage, think critically about its main ideas and key details, examine the hypothesis, interpret data presented in a variety of ways, and conduct other analysis that is based only on what is either stated or implied in the passage.


Evidence-Based Writing

The Writing section of the PSAT will test your ability to identify and fix grammatical errors as well as revise words and phrases to improve the text. Some of the topics within the Standard English Conventions topic include verb agreement, punctuation use, and parallel construction. In the Expression of Ideas category, you will be tested on the placement of sentences and the purpose of transitional words or phrases within the text.


How to Best Prepare for the PSAT?

If you want your best preparation for the PSAT exam, you should consider taking online practice exams, reading through your class notes, and attending PSAT preparation courses either online or in your community.

Here are some ways to be well prepared:


1. Using PSAT Related Resources

There are some simple steps to using PSAT related resources:

  • Look at sample questions online: You can test your knowledge by reviewing sample questions in all of the PSAT subject categories: Math, Reading, and Writing/Language.
  • Take online practice exams: Take the practice exam in a quiet location where you will be free from distractions and able to concentrate. Use a pencil, scrap paper, and a calculator (when allowed). You can download free sample tests from quite a few online sources, including the official College Board PSAT website.
  • Subscribe to question/word of the daily newsletters: Simply visit the website each day or enroll in their daily newsletter to get (usually free) access to their words/questions of the day.
  • Study with a PSAT preparation book: You can find PSAT prep books at a bookstore, at your local library, or order one online.
  • Review your answers: Try writing down the correct answers and reading the explanations to make sure that you fully understand how to answer the question. Once you have reviewed your answers, try taking the practice test again to make sure you have the information down.
  • Do not stress out about memorizing: Reviewing necessary math formulas or historical dates and how they work is always helpful, but you do not need to worry about memorizing them.


2. Prepping with Non-PSAT Materials

There are several Non-PSAT materials to practice for PSAT.

  • Review Your Class Notes: Try to review specific concepts and make sure you understand everything you read in your notes. If you have questions about specific topics, ask your teacher if they have time to review the concept with you before the exam.
  • Read Books You Enjoy: Reading books has been proven to increase your knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking skills, all of which are helpful test-taking tools. It is an activity that increases empathy and passion and allows you to understand the world around you more completely.
  • Start Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and experiences in a journal or diary is a great way to practice your writing skills, which you will need to do if you want to do well on the PSAT exam.


3. Taking PSAT Preparation Courses

Taking PSAT preparation courses online or offline may help you to be best prepared.

  • Sign up for a PSAT preparation course at your school: Most schools offer classes and workshops that are geared towards preparing students for the PSAT exam. If you find a PSAT prep course at your school, it is most likely free for enrolled students.
  • Inquire about PSAT prep courses at nearby schools: Taking PSAT prep courses is important, so make sure you find one in your community. You might have to look at neighboring schools, even universities, to find one in your area.
  • Take an online prep course: There are quite a few online PSAT prep courses that are intended to help you score higher on PSAT exam when you actually take it. These online classes help you review strategies and techniques that have proven successful for taking the PSAT.


How to Get a Perfect Score on the PSAT?

PSAT score is one of the most critical elements for your qualification the major function of which is to win scholarship money and the honor of National Merit Scholar.

Getting a perfect score on PSAT means answering all questions correctly that can be achieved by reviewing high-quality study guides to study practice tests.

Here are some important tips that can help you to get your desired score on PSAT.


1. Define Your Goals: Achieving a perfect score on the PSAT is a rare accomplishment. At first, you need passion and motivation to fuel your studying and connect your daily actions with your future goals. it is entirely possible to conquer the PSAT and familiarize yourself with the test if you once start to define your reasons for wanting to achieve a perfect score.


2. Use High-Quality Practice Materials: High-quality practice materials will help you understand all the directions and be familiar with the types of questions that will be asked. The more familiar you are with the question formats, the more comfortable you will feel when you see similar questions on the actual test.


3. Find and Analyze Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Before designing your PSAT study plan, you need to get a specific sense of what your strengths and weaknesses are. One way to do this is to take a practice test and be thorough in scoring it and finding your mistakes. Write down your mistakes and the reasons for them, and then drill those areas so you can get them right next time. Finally, try to analyze why you missed a question and then take steps to fix the problem. Once you have a clear understanding of what you specifically need to work on, you can maximize the effectiveness of your studying.


4. Be a Perfectionist: If you are aiming to answer every question correctly on the PSAT, you will want to work up to answer every question correctly on your practice tests. This takes time and a lot of work, but ultimately it is the goal you want to attain.


It is important to understand the test format. So the PSAT study practice guides can suggest how you can prepare to conquer the test that makes sure a perfect score for national merit scholarships.


If you want to know more about this, you can check on Best PSAT Prep Books.

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