To Study or Not to Study for the PSAT?

Dear Montfort Parents,

To Study or Not to Study for the PSAT? This question has been raised since the practice exam.

According to the College Board, "Spending your school years taking challenging academic courses and reading widely is the best way to get ready for the PSAT/NMSQT."

That said, taking academic courses is not the only way to prepare. The College Board provides two main avenues for extended practice:

1) The booklet which comes with the PSAT practice exam. Those who took the timed practice session last Friday already have this booklet, and I will make sure those who didn't attend have one as well. It contains detailed instructions and guided demonstrations for each section.

2) A practice section on the College Board web site, where the student can read through some test tips and practice answering a few questions. See here for more.

Eager beavers can purchase additional resources, such as the Princeton Review guide.

At this preliminary stage, the first goal should be attaining a level of familiarity with the test format. Having some advance knowledge of what to expect reduces test anxiety and nurtures the kind of focus needed to answer all the questions within the time frame.

After the PSAT, the student can "graduate" to an SAT study guide, such as this one published by the College Board, or the guide prepared by the Princeton Review.


I hope this information is helpful. Have a great day!

Totus tuus,

John Pilsner