I will be taking my PSAT in October. How should I prepare from now?

Question

I will be taking my PSAT in October. How should I prepare from now?

Answer 1

You really don't need to prepare for a practice SAT exam, especially if you are a sophomore because it really won't count at all. If you do want to do some prep for the real SAT though, the best way is to do as many practice tests as possible. You can get books (princeton review and kaplan are great) and just sit and do the exams like they should be done on test day. Also, learn new vocab...that will definitely come in handy.

Answer 2

Wow you are an over-achiever!  The PSAT, as you probably already know, is practice for the SAT.  Your scores on this test will reveal which areas you need to focus on to do well on the actual SAT.  So, I'm laughing at the thought that you want to practice for a practice exam.

That said, if you are a junior you can qualify for a national merit scholarship based on the PSAT.  Some other scholarships will also accept PSAT scores if you have not yet taken the SAT.  So, I can understand in that case why you might want to prepare.

These standardized tests are meant to see how well you have learned general subject areas and how well you do in school.  Really, just taking hard classes in school helps you on these tests.  

Otherwise, like others have said, get the SAT practice book by Princeton or something.  You can find it at any bookstore.  Then, buy a book entitled "Hot Vocabulary Words for the SAT".  Also, review geometry (what is the difference between an isosolese and equilateral triangle) and probability (with and without replacement etc..).  Practicing for the SAT is the same as practicing for the PSAT, because they are formated exactly the same way to prepare you better.

Check out the resources found at www.collegeborad.com .   They have SAT questions of the day sent to your e-mail among other things.  It would be great to start on that right away.

Good luck.  You go girl!!

Answer 3

Get a study guide or prep book, even if it's for the SAT because the PSAT is a practice SAT. Honestly, you don't need to study too much because it is practice. I'd study for the real thing instead. The PSAT is just supposed to help give you an idea of your performance and what you should make stronger for when you take the SAT.