First, let us answer the most preferred question what is PSAT? PSAT test is distinct from the examinations in your school days. Depending on the state you are in, you could win scholarship money if you are in the top 99% percentile of the PSAT/NMSQT test. This test makes you eligible for other corporate scholarships too, if you score well.
Understand the Test Format
Understand the format in which the questions are introduced and how long is the PSAT? What is the PSAT out of? Preparing accordingly will assist you in search of the college of your choice. The PSAT consists of four sections Reading, Writing and Language and Math.
The reading section consists of:
- Passage reading
- Command of Evidence questions
- Informational graphics questions
The writing section consists of:
- Identifying grammatical and sentence errors
- Correcting sentences
- Correcting paragraphs
The Math section consists of:
- Heart of Algebra
- Problem Solving and Data analysis
- Passport to Advanced Math (not in PSAT 8/9)
- Additional Topics in Math
The average PSAT score is 1014 for juniors and 934 for sophomores. From these estimates, you can guess what is a good PSAT score required for qualifying a scholarship. Scoring 75% or higher is the good PSAT score. You can see your score on the College Board PSAT account.
How to best prepare for it?
Tip 1 Sorting the Test
Approaching questions, not in sequential order appear counter-intuitive. You can achieve as much score as possible by following the below steps:
- Focus on the questions which are easy and less time-consuming.
- Reading and writing section- begin with the passage you find flexible and move towards the difficult ones.
- Work on the questions which are easy but time-consuming.
- Move on to the most difficult ones.
Tip 2 Learn the Elimination Technique
There is no penalty for an incorrect answer in the PSAT. If you know which option choices are definitely incorrect, you will surely increase the possibilities of picking the correct answer. To reach the possibly right choice, you may have to learn the elimination techniques through:
- Making the best possible guess.
- Reading the options carefully.
- Finding options that seem false.
Tip 3 Take PSAT Practice tests
Solve the PSAT practice test series and previous year questions. The PSAT practice test is the best reference available for PSAT preparation. Follow only trustworthy, high-quality sample questions. They are the best ones to track your progress. Solve as many as PSAT tests possible. This will help you to comprehend the type of questions in the final exam. Take the tests in the constraint environment along with setting timings and no distraction and examine whether you are achieving the good score.
Tip 4 Examine your mistakes
Spend time on deciding where your logic went wrong. Analyze the type of mistakes you are doing in every test series. In what type of questions you are getting stuck every time. Mark your mistakes and weak points. Try to rectify them or take help from an online tutor and try to fix them before the PSAT exam.
Tip 5 Read as much possible
Students should regularly grow and develop their reading skills to avoid difficulty with the reading, writing and language section because this exam ultimately checks your understanding and knowledge of the English language. Bring this habit in your daily routine. Reading newspaper, magazine, books and articles can intensify your understanding and retention ability.
These steps will surely help you to strengthen your preparation and help you analyze your strong and weak points. Now brush up your skills and get ready for the exam. We wish you all the best!
